The Family Development Training and Credentialing Program (FDC) is a major New York State initiative that provides frontline workers with the skills and competencies they need to empower families. FDC-trained workers help families capitalize on their strengths and set attainable goals.
The FDC curriculum, developed by Cornell University, consists of approximately 90 hours of intensive, interactive classroom study that cover the following ten modules:
- Family Development: A Sustainable Route to Healthy Self Reliance
- Worker Self-Empowerment
- Building Mutually Respectful Relationships with Families
- Communication
- Cultural Competence
- Ongoing Assessment
- Home Visiting
- Helping Families Access Specialized Services
- Facilitating Family Conferences, Support Group and Community Meetings
- Collaboration
There is also an additional 10 hours of small group instruction in portfolio development. Each student develops a portfolio that applies FDC concepts to their everyday work experience. With regular attendance, a satisfactory portfolio, and a passing grade on the New York State credential exam, workers can earn a New York State Family Development Credential and college credits.
DYCD offers competitive scholarships for frontline and family workers located in any of the 43 Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA's) throughout New York City. Pending student enrollment, classes are held each spring and fall at City University of New York (CUNY) campuses and off-site campus locations. There are no formal educational requirements for the program. However, students must be able to read and comprehend the curriculum, which is written in English at the 9th grade level, and possess the writing skills needed to complete the portfolio and other assignments.
For more information on the FDC program and upcoming classes, please contact Meryl M. Jones, Director of Professional Development, at 212-341-9568.
