HEALTH Sciences & HUMAN SERVICES PATHWAY

Family & Consumer Sciences focuses on skills needed to successfully manage resources, not only as individuals, but as group members within the family, workplace, and community. With a variety of courses offered, Family & Consumer Sciences helps students develop skills in the areas of self-confidence, setting goals, developing values and making educated decisions. These courses prepare students for daily life challenges by providing opportunities to express individual creativity. Family & Consumer Sciences students develop career pathway awareness, 21st century skills, an understanding of relationships and life management skills surrounding nutrition, health, consumerism and parenting.

Introduction to Early Childhood

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

In this course students will learn about prenatal development and care through infancy and toddler-hood. Topics include pregnancy, milestones, patterns of child development, and influences of heredity and environment on the developing child. Students taking this course will develop a greater understanding and insight into a child's behavior. Students will operate an authentic laboratory preschool which will provide opportunities to observe and teach children from the community. This course is appropriate for all Family & Consumer Sciences students and is especially relevant for those who have a career interest in education, child care, medicine, social work and/or law.

Early Childhood Careers & Education

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Early Childhood

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

Students in this course will build upon the concepts covered in Introduction to Early Childhood. This careers and education course allows students to follow the development of the child through the preschool years by studying the theories and practices of childcare and preschool education. Other topics may include health and safety, proper nutrition, family challenges, and special needs. This course exposes students to a variety of teaching approaches designed to stimulate the young child in the student run laboratory preschool. Students will explore careers related to children and their care.

Human Relations

.5 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

In this course students develop skills that guide informed choices in relationships and communication. Role playing and discussion are just some of the tools implemented that allow students to gain comfort in decision making, resisting pressure and in taking risks. Relationships with members of the opposite sex, parents, siblings, extended family members, employers and co-workers are also explored. Students will also explore issues such as sexual harassment, rape, abusive relationships, premarital sexual activity and contraception. An in-depth study of human reproductive anatomy, physiology and health concerns is undertaken and related to their impact on personal relationships throughout the life cycle. Parenting skills are reinforced through the “RealCare Baby ” simulation and possible participation in the authentic high school Preschool Lab.

Introduction to Individual & Family Development

1 Credit
Grades 11-12

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

This course is an introduction to the field of Human Development and Family Relations and is part of the Early College Experience (ECE) program at the University of Connecticut. With a focus on human growth and development across the lifespan, topics include the development of individuals and families, life stages, developmental tasks and other major challenges, and issues facing family systems over time. This course includes an authentic field work component and students will have the opportunity to apply for college credit. This course (HDFS1070) is required for students majoring in the areas of Human Development and Family Studies, Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Work and Education at UConn. This course also satisfies a general education requirement in social sciences for all UConn students and qualifies for UConn credit through the ECE program.

EMS - Health Careers Exploration

1 Credit
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Humanities or STEM/Elective

This health sciences course is designed to explore key career options and increasing emergency medical demands of a growing population. EMS-Health Careers Exploration provides classroom and clinical experiences to students through the development of knowledge and skills in preparation for national Emergency Medical Responder certification. Along with career exploration, students will collaborate with local paramedics in the delivery of lifesaving interventions endorsed by the American Heart Association, including Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and Health Care Provider training. This course is ideal for students interested in health careers exploration and jobs within the medical field. Emergency Medical Responder Certification can be earned at the end of this course with successful completion of the EMR National exam.