The Family Support Services four-term program is designed to provide pre-employment training and education for entry-level family support workers through classroom studies and practical training. Graduates may serve families as family advocates, home visitors, parent educators, or family outreach workers, among other occupations. Coursework for this program spans the disciplines of human services and early childhood development to provide a strong base for work with children and families in a variety of settings. It is designed to accommodate both full- and part-time students and those currently employed in the field. Embedded within the program is training which meets requirements for community health worker certification through the Oregon Health Authority.

Some courses in this program may not transfer to other institutions. Students intending to transfer should seek advisor assistance to determine transferability.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for family support service programs are:

Demonstrate understanding of a two-generation approach in creating healthy, stable, and attached families.

Explain how positive reciprocal relationships are the foundation of work with children and families and demonstrate empathy and genuineness in the establishment of supportive partnerships.

Describe children’s developmental characteristics and needs in context and the importance of fostering family and community engagement to promote children’s positive development.

Describe effective collaboration with other agencies and organizations working and advocating for the benefit of families.

Explain ethical decision-making principles and practices within the helping relationship.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

Students are also required to provide information regarding their measles immunization status by completing the form found on the RCC Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department website and clicking on ECEE Department Requirements.

Students must also obtain an RCC student identification card. RCC photos will be taken on a scheduled basis through Student Affairs. Contact Student Affairs for more information, https://web.roguecc.edu/student-services/services-support-students. Students should take their schedules to obtain an identification card. Take the identification card each time an observation is scheduled in an early childhood setting.

Many courses in this department require participation in community schools, programs, and agencies for observation and practicum experiences. Some of these sites may require a background check in order for a student to participate. Future employment serving children and families will require a background check. Students may wish to consider going through a background check process to be ready for potential observation, practicum, and employment experiences – check with an Early Childhood and Elementary Education advisor for additional information.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Each College Now credit student must meet with the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department chair to determine placement.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must complete all courses in this program with a grade of “C” or better. Certain prerequisite courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS:

53-55

Program Map

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

Course No.	Course Title	Credits	Alternate Course	Comments
Program Prerequisites
CIS120	Concepts in Computing I ^{1, 2}	0-2
PSY101	Psychology of Human Relations	3
WR115	Introduction to Expository Writing ¹	3-4	BT113	or higher level composition course
MTH20	Pre-algebra	0-4
Prerequisites credits vary based on Placement Score(s):		6-13
Fall
ECE125	Early Childhood Development	3
HE250	Personal Health	3	HPE295
PSY201	General Psychology I	4
SOC243	Drugs, Crime and Addiction	4	CJ243
	Total Credits:	14
Winter
ECE265	Children at Risk	3
HS155	Interviewing Theory and Techniques	4		winter term only
MTH63	Applied Algebra I	4		or MTH60 or BT160 or higher level math
PSY202	General Psychology II	4
	Total Credits:	15
Spring
ECE151	Guiding Children in Group Settings	3
ECE242	Parenting Education and Family Support	3		spring term only
ECE275	Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Education	3-4	SOC213
HS158	Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice	3		spring term only
	Total Credits:	12-13
Fall
ECE258	Early Childhood Home Visitation	3		fall term only
HS200	Child Abuse and Neglect	3		fall term only
HS201	Family Dynamics	3		fall term only
PSY215	Lifespan Human Development	3-4	HS261C	or approved program elective
	Total Credits:	12-13

Course No.	Course Title	Credits
Approved Program Electives (3-4 credits required)
ECE161	Infant/Toddler Development	3
ECE163	Preschool/Primary Development	3
ECE246	Child, Family, and Community	3
HS261C	Human Services Practicum and Seminar	3
PSY215	Life Span Human Development	4
PSY219	Introduction to Abnormal Psychology	4
PSY228	Introduction to Positive Psychology	4
PSY231	Human Sexuality	3
SOC225	Social Problems	4
SOC235/HST259	The Chicano/Latino Historical Experience	4

¹Required for graduation.

² Approved Computer Information Science or Computer Science class, CIS120 or above, or documented computer proficiency within the past ten years.

For more information, contact the Family Support Services Department.

Family Support Services Department faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: ecee@roguecc.edu
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/ecee
TTY: Oregon Telecom Relay Service, 711

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Introduction