Family Service Basics

UPDATE: This course is currently being transferred to The Academy’s new course platform. Because of this transition, new registrations will not be available to start the course until May 1, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

This course was created specifically for new family service staff to prepare them for the Family Service Certification. This course introduces the many responsibilities of a family service staff, as well as the tools that are needed to successfully execute those responsibilities. The activities in this course will provide the foundation for developing the Family Service Certification portfolio.

Start Date: Pre-registration is open! The course will be available on-demand starting Oct 1, 2023.

Course Level: Beginner

Completion Timeline/Duration: Eight hours

Head Start Alignment: This course supports programs in meeting the 1302.91 Staff qualifications and competency requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, in which “A program must ensure staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.”

This course is preparation for the Family Service Certification, which meets the requirement.

Module Topics:

• Family Service Advocates and the PFCE Framework
• Head Start Program Performance Standards and Family Services
• How Family Advocates Engage With Families
• Helping Families Reach Their Goals
• Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance
• Health and Family Services
• Family Services: Business as Usual
• Avoiding Burnout