Child and Family Development

Building Stronger Bonds and Brighter Futures for Children and Families

In a colorful classroom, six preschool children sit around a table. One student in the Child and Family Development program holds a chart with alphabet letters while two other high school students look on.
Play isn’t just for kids - make a career of it! Build young children’s abilities and support the next generation’s physical, social-emotional and cognitive development. Nurture preschool students’ growth by creating age appropriate activities and facilitating a playgroup right in the classroom. Skillfully navigate the complex and diverse world of family needs including pregnancy, parenting and life challenges.

What You Can Learn

Units of Study

  • Protecting Children’s Physical Health and Safety
  • Program Management
  • Early Childhood Education in Group Setting
  • Learning Through Play
  • Meeting Children’s Special Needs
  • Families Today-Life Challenges
  • Preparing for Parenting
  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Pregnancy and Special Circumstances of Pregnancy
  • Physical Development
  • Social-Emotional Development
  • Cognitive Development
  • Preparing for a Child-Related Career
  • Financial and Career Planning
  • Family Development: A Sustainable Route to Healthy Self-Reliance
  • Communicating with Skill and Heart
  • Presence and Mindfulness: Cornerstones of Healthy Relationships
  • Taking Good Care of Yourself
  • Our Diverse World
  • Strengths-Based Assessment
  • Helping Families Set and Reach Their Own Goals
  • Helping Families Access Specialized Services
  • Home Visiting
  • Collaboration and Community Support

What You Can Earn

Available High School Academic Credits
At district request, students may earn:
  • English
Licensing/Industry-Based Certifications
Students have opportunities to earn:
  • Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Certification
  • Child Abuse Identification and
  • Reporting
  • Safe Schools Against Violence
  • Child Development Associate
  • Credential
  • Family Development Credential
Work-Based Learning
Organizations that support this program:
  • The ARC of Monroe
  • The Children’s Institute
  • CP Rochester
  • Homesteads for Hope
  • Loving Touch Daycare
  • St. Peter’s Kitchen
  • U of R Kinder Care

Where You Can Go

Career Opportunities
Minimal Requirement Beyond CTE
  • Preschool Lead Teacher
  • Family Development Worker
  • Occ./Physical Therapy Assistant
Additional Education and/or Experience
  • School Counselor
  • Occupational/Physical Therapist
  • K-12 Teacher
Postsecondary Pathways
Dual Enrollment
  • Monroe Community College
    • Foundations of Personal Health and Wellness (HED130)
    • Exploring Early Care and Education (ECE150)
    • Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children (ECE151)

Articulation Agreements
  • Monroe Community College
  • Niagara Community College

Teacher

 Jenna Roberge-Karns

Jenna Roberge-Karns is a passionate teacher who has been working with children and teaching since 2010. Previously, she served as a disability coordinator for the Department of Labor. She worked to transition “at-risk youth” from their residential setting to life after their CTE program. Jenna has learned a great deal from the many professionals that she has collaborated with both in the social work field as well as the teaching/CTE field, allowing her to bring a breadth of knowledge to her program.
Intro Video
Presentation Hosted by CTE Students

Meet with your school counselor to discuss how Career & Technical Education at WEMOCO can benefit your career development. Your counselor can help you begin the enrollment process.