This is my 34th year of teaching Family and Consumer Science at Melrose Area Schools. I teach life skills with passion. What you learn in my classes will help you with life decisions now and throughout your lifetime!

CHILD DEVELOPMENT I (11-12) SEMESTER
This course is a study of the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of
children. The course follows human development from birth through adolescence.
The objectives of nursery school are studied and we actually work with preschoolers
and kindergartners. The course also focuses on exceptional children and the
importance of good parenting in today’s society. Each student will experience
parenting for 72 hours with the Baby Think It Over infant simulator.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT II (11-12)(TP) SEMESTER
This course will take you beyond the topics covered in Child Development I by
observation and visits to various preschool and day care settings. You’ll be asked
to observe, evaluate and participate in activities with infants and pre-school aged
children, also adults with disabilities. If you are interested in a career dealing with
young children and/or families, this is a good class for you. A Tech Prep career
portfolio is a requirement to receive credit for this class.
Prerequisite: Child Development I

CULINARY ARTS (11-12) (TP) SEMESTER
Pick up where Foods I ended. Enjoy a variety of international foods, complete buffet meals, fancy desserts and perhaps taste some wild game. Use a wok, salad shooter, cookie press, food processor and other kitchen gadgets. We'll take a serious look at food choices and health issues such as anorexia and bulimia.
Prerequisite: Foods I

FAMILY LIVING (11-12) (TP) SEMESTER
This course is a study of the cultural and social forces that affect American families.
The following subject areas will be covered: personality development and self concept,values and decision making, developing problem solving skills, family and peer interaction, dating and marriage preparation, drug use and abuse, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

FOODS I (10-12) SEMESTER
Got food? You'll not only eat food, but also prepare it, and plan menus using it!
You are what you eat so come discover the nutrients in your favorite foods.

CONSUMER HOUSING AND HOME FURNISHINGS (11-12) SEMESTER
This course is designed to help you understand your own housing needs and to help
in making decisions about your home. The following specific areas about homes
will be covered: design, housing styles, construction and its relationship to natural
resource and environment, furnishings and interior design, budgets, mortgages and
other financial aspects, and career opportunities. We have a partnership with
Alexandria Technical College Interior Design department. Many hands on design
projects and home tours.

HUMAN RELATIONS (11-12)(TP) SEMESTER
This course is designed to provide the student with a framework for developing and maintaining healthy relationships within a social and/or work structure. The development of positive people skills is emphasized and other topics covered include:
self-esteem, stress, assertive behavior, self- assessment, equity issues, the decision making process, interpersonal communication skills and study of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures.

Melrose Area Schools
Candace Freeman