FCS Course Descriptions

Child Development/The Preschool Years (6104/6105)

Students work with children in a variety of settings, supported by the study of child development from the prenatal stages through infancy and early childhood. Knowledge of physical, intellectual, language, social and emotional development is applied through planning lessons, teaching, observing, and studying 3 and 4 year olds in a part time preschool laboratory setting. Journal writing, oral and written research projects and parenting simulation using an electronic doll give students opportunity for higher-level thinking and communication skills.

Preschool Laboratory 1 (6114/6115) Juniors and Seniors

Students develop competence in creative teaching techniques, developmentally appropriate practices, program management, child behavior and guidance, interpersonal relationships, health, nutrition and safety standards, child applications of technology, and workplace skills. Opportunities for higher-level thinking skills are provided in the areas of oral and written communication.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Child Development/The Preschool Years course and teacher recommendation.

Preschool Laboratory 2 (6125) Seniors

This course provides in-depth experiences designed to refine and further develop the techniques and skills needed by professionals working with young children. This course provides an opportunity to develop competence in researching, planning, and implementing developmentally appropriate preschool lessons for a full time preschool laboratory setting. The course, also, provides higher-level experience in applying principles of child guidance and classroom management.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Child Development/The Preschool Years, Preschool Laboratory 1, and teacher recommendation.

Preschool Laboratory 2 Dual Credit (6125D) Seniors

MCCC course: EDU 210 - Teaching Young Children: An Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 college credits)

MCCC course: EDU 228 - Literature in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (3 college credits)

This dual credit course explores the qualities and actions of the teacher as they relate to working with young children in inclusive, multicultural, and responsive environments. Observation is emphasized in the context of understanding children's play, developing classroom management, communication and programming skills, and the importance of the physical environment and a comprehensive examination of children's literature. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on the use of children's books to improve reading comprehension and problem solving skills. Various ways of presenting literature to young children will be discussed. The knowledge of the skills required by professionals working with young children are key components. Students successfully completing this course will receive credit for the high school course as well as 6 college credits from MCCC. A tuition fee (student responsibility) and successful completion of this course with a "C" or higher is required for college credit. Prerequisite: Child Development/The Preschool Years and Preschool Laboratory 1.

Clothing, Textiles, and Apparel Merchandising (6134)

Clothing and images, color, fashion trends, fabrics, figure types, wardrobe planning and clothes shopping, apparel production and distribution are major topics for this course. Each year the class studies four of the above topics in-depth. The culminating event is a fashion show of constructed garments and ready-to-wear fashions. This course is recommended for students interested in fashion design or fashion merchandising careers
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Advanced Clothing, Textiles, and Apparel Merchandising (6144)

This course is designed for the student who is interested in a career in the apparel industry. Students complete designed projects in cooperation with the teacher.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clothing, Textiles, and Apparel Merchandising and teacher recommendation.

Food Science (6154)

In this course students have an opportunity to prepare a variety of foods along with conducting experiments with food that help to clarify the way foods are used by the body. The challenge of providing innovative, safe, and nutritional food products to a growing global population is explored. This course is designed for those students interested in pursuing careers in the food service industry.

Challenges Across the Life Cycle (6164)

This course provides a foundation in the management of time, money, and energy as well as self understanding for both male and female students. Discussion groups, lectures, and guest speakers on current topics enable the student to develop a priority action plan for dealing with adult living. Consumer decisions, employment choices, balancing family and work, communicating effectively, and researching community resources are integral components of this course.

Minor Course Descriptions

Child and Family Studies (8610)

In this course students examine issues related to parenthood and child care including decision making, preparation, rewards, and responsibilities. This course helps students understand child behavior and effective methods of relating to children. The needs and characteristics of the developing child prior to birth to school age are covered. Reading readiness and children's literacy are highlighted in this curriculum.

Independent Living (8612)

Students learn the essentials for living on their own which includes career choices, time management, money management, apartment/dorm life, major purchases, selection of insurance, care of clothing, purchasing a car, relating to children, meal management and vacation planning. Guest speakers from the community are involved in discussing the above topics.

Interior Design (8613)

Students are encouraged to plan a first apartment after learning the principles of good design. They work with a wide variety of floor plans, color schemes, window treatments, furniture styles, floor coverings and fabrics. A culminating project is a visual presentation of their decorated apartment. Students considering a career in the housing industry and in the field of interior design are encouraged to enroll in this course.

Food and Nutrition (8615)

Foods that look good, taste good, and are good for you is the focus of this course. This course teaches students to use their resources efficiently in planning and preparing quick, nutritious snacks and meals, and develop healthy, life-long eating habits following the food guide pyramid guidelines. Students learn the basics of sanitation and safety, quick-cooking techniques, and the nutritional value of food.