Family and Consumer Sciences

Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) is an overview course that introduces students to the wide range of skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage daily life. Students will explore a variety of foundational topics within the FACS field, gaining practical skills and insights that support personal growth, career readiness, and responsible decision-making.

Areas of study include leadership, career exploration, relationships, child development, fashion design, interior design, nutrition, food preparation, and money management. Through hands-on activities, projects, and real-world applications, students will develop essential life skills that prepare them for future FACS courses and everyday responsibilities.

This course provides a broad introduction to the many pathways within Family and Consumer Sciences and is ideal for students interested in building practical, creative, and interpersonal skills.

Food Basics offers students the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and skills related to nutrition, food preparation, and healthy living. This course emphasizes the relationship between diet, exercise, and overall wellness, helping students understand how daily choices influence long-term health.

Students will learn how to manage time, energy, and money when planning and preparing meals for themselves and their families. Instruction includes exploring nutritional needs, practicing proper kitchen safety and sanitation, and learning the correct use and care of kitchen equipment.

Throughout the course, students will learn to read and follow recipes, prepare a variety of dishes, and develop confidence in basic culinary techniques. Almost all food supplies will be provided for students, allowing for frequent hands-on cooking experiences.

Food Basics is an excellent introductory course for students interested in nutrition, culinary arts, wellness, or gaining practical life skills in the kitchen.

Child Development I focuses on the intellectual, social, emotional, and biological development of children from infancy through adolescence. Students will explore how children grow and learn, as well as the factors that influence healthy development.

Instruction includes topics such as parent–child relationships, effective parenting practices, special needs of children, parental and environmental influences, external support services, and public policy issues related to children and families. Students will examine real-world scenarios to better understand the roles of caregivers, educators, and communities in supporting child development.

Students enrolled in this course are required to be active members of the Neosho FCCLA Chapter, where they can extend their learning through leadership opportunities, service projects, and career exploration related to family and human services.

Child Development is ideal for students interested in careers in education, healthcare, social services, child care, or human development fields.

Child Development II builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in Child Development I by providing students with hands-on experience in supervising and working with children. This course allows students to apply developmental principles in real-world settings while strengthening practical skills related to caregiving and instruction.

Students will have opportunities to improve parenting and caregiving skills, explore career pathways related to child development, and develop general employment skills such as communication, responsibility, professionalism, and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on understanding age-appropriate behaviors, creating safe and supportive environments, and responding effectively to children’s needs.

Students enrolled in this course are required to be active members of the Neosho FCCLA Chapter, where they can further develop leadership skills and participate in service-learning and career-focused activities.

Child Development II is ideal for students interested in careers in education, early childhood development, healthcare, child care, or family and human services.

Career Development and Entrepreneurship introduces students to career opportunities and pathways within Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and human services–related fields. Students will explore how businesses in these industries are developed, marketed, managed, and sustained.

Instruction focuses on the development, marketing, and management functions associated with owning and operating an FCS or human services–related business. Emphasis is placed on career development and preparation, balancing family life with entrepreneurial ventures, and applying real-world business concepts through hands-on activities and the use of technology.

Students will analyze industry trends, develop basic business plans, and gain practical skills applicable to careers in areas such as child care, education, hospitality, nutrition, fashion, interior design, and human services.

Students enrolled in this course are required to be active members of the Neosho FCCLA Chapter, where they can extend their learning through leadership development, competitive events, and community-based projects.

This course is ideal for students interested in entrepreneurship, business ownership, or careers within Family and Consumer Sciences and human services pathways.

Fashion Design and Fundamentals introduces students to the principles, practices, and career pathways within the fashion and apparel industry as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. Students will explore how fashion products are designed, produced, marketed, and managed, while gaining an understanding of the role fashion plays in culture, business, and personal expression.

Instruction focuses on design elements and principles, textiles and fabric selection, fashion illustration, basic construction techniques, and trend analysis. Students will also examine how fashion-related businesses operate, including aspects of merchandising, marketing, and consumer behavior, while applying concepts through hands-on projects and the use of technology.

Students will develop practical skills applicable to careers in fashion design, apparel production, merchandising, retail, interior design, and related human services fields. Projects may include creating design boards, garment components, fashion sketches, and presentations that reflect industry standards.

Students enrolled in this course are required to be active members of the Neosho FCCLA Chapter, where they can extend their learning through leadership development, competitive events, and community-based projects.

Fashion Design and Fundamentals is ideal for students interested in creative design, textiles, fashion careers, and the business of style within the Family and Consumer Sciences pathway.

Fashion Design and Construction develops students’ advanced sewing and garment construction skills through hands-on, project-based learning. This course is designed for students interested in careers related to fashion apparel design, accessory design, costume design, interior design, and related creative industries.

Students will learn and apply advanced garment construction techniques, basic pattern making, draping methods, and expanded textile analysis and application. Emphasis is placed on precision, craftsmanship, design problem-solving, and understanding how construction techniques support function and aesthetic design.

Throughout the course, students will complete increasingly complex projects that reflect industry practices and professional standards. Technology and design tools may be incorporated to support planning, pattern development, and presentation.

Students enrolled in this course are required to be active members of the Neosho FCCLA Chapter, where they can further develop leadership skills and participate in competitive events, service learning, and career exploration opportunities.

Fashion Design and Construction is ideal for students seeking advanced design experience and preparation for postsecondary programs or careers in fashion, textiles, costume design, interior design, or related creative fields.

Apparel, Textiles, and Fashion I introduces students to the fundamentals of the fashion and apparel industry while engaging them in critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on skill development. This course emphasizes understanding fashion as both a form of personal expression and a consumer-driven industry.

Students will explore consumer awareness, clothing selection and care, textiles, basic garment construction, and the use of technology in fashion-related fields. Instruction also includes an overview of career opportunities within fashion, textiles, and related industries.

Through hands-on projects and applied learning activities, students will develop practical skills and techniques that are transferable to a wide range of careers, including fashion design, merchandising, retail, interior design, and human services.

Apparel, Textiles, and Fashion I provides a strong foundation for advanced coursework in fashion design, textiles, and apparel construction while preparing students with skills applicable in today’s workforce.

Apparel, Textiles, and Fashion II is designed for students with a strong interest in textiles, fashion, and apparel design. Building on foundational skills, students will deepen their understanding of the fashion industry while applying more advanced techniques through hands-on projects.

Students will explore a variety of fashion-related careers and gain experience constructing apparel and textile projects using advanced construction methods. Instruction includes the study of textiles and fibers, fashion history, fit and pattern selection, and techniques for evaluating ready-to-wear garments for quality, construction, and value.

Through applied learning and critical analysis, students will strengthen technical skills, design knowledge, and consumer awareness. Apparel, Textiles, and Fashion II prepares students for advanced fashion coursework and career pathways in design, textiles, merchandising, and related industries.

Culinary Fundamentals introduces students to essential kitchen skills and cooking techniques through hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Students will develop foundational knowledge in food preparation, kitchen safety and sanitation, and basic baking while exploring industry standards and practices.

This course is designed to help students build confidence and competence in the kitchen while gaining insight into careers within the culinary and foodservice industries. Whether students aspire to become professional chefs or simply want to strengthen everyday cooking skills, Culinary Fundamentals provides the essential foundation needed to begin a culinary pathway.

Culinary Fundamentals serves as a prerequisite for Culinary Arts: ProStart I and International Foods, preparing students for advanced coursework and future opportunities in culinary arts and hospitality.

Nutrition and Wellness prepares individuals to understand the principles of nutrition, the relationship of nutrition to health and wellness, meal management to meet individual and family food needs and patterns of lining, food economics and ecology, optimal use of the food dollar, understanding and promoting nutritional knowledge, and application of related math and science skills. Students will focus on the selection, preparation, and care of food. This course is a prerequisite for all advanced culinary courses.

ProStart II builds upon the skills and knowledge developed in ProStart I and prepares students for advanced study and careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. This nationally recognized, industry-driven course emphasizes higher-level culinary techniques, restaurant management, and industry professionalism.

Students will refine their skills in food preparation, menu planning, cost control, purchasing, inventory management, and customer service while gaining a deeper understanding of restaurant operations and leadership. The course integrates real-world scenarios and problem-solving to simulate industry expectations.

Students in ProStart II will complete mentored work experiences, further develop job readiness and leadership skills, and may work toward industry certifications aligned with the ProStart program. Participation provides continued access to college scholarships and postsecondary opportunities within culinary arts and hospitality management pathways.

ProStart II prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce, advanced culinary training, or postsecondary education in hospitality, culinary arts, and foodservice management.

International Foods introduces students to a wide variety of international and ethnic cuisines while emphasizing proper food preparation techniques and kitchen procedures. Through hands-on experiences, students will explore how culture, geography, and tradition influence food practices around the world.

Instruction includes the study of psychological, cultural, and social influences on food choices, helping students understand how cuisine reflects identity and heritage. Students will also examine the availability of foods and how food production, supply systems, legislation, and regulations impact global and local food choices.

This course encourages cultural awareness, culinary skill development, and critical thinking while providing students with practical experience in preparing diverse dishes. International Foods is ideal for students interested in culinary arts, hospitality, nutrition, and global cultures.

Wildcat Café is a project-based course within the Culinary Arts Pathway that provides students with authentic work experience through a school-based culinary enterprise. Students apply culinary and business skills while operating a functioning café in a professional, real-world environment.

Throughout the course, students will focus on developing transferable employability skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, professionalism, and problem-solving. Instruction also emphasizes advanced pastry and baking skills, use of industry-standard kitchen equipment, and consistent practice of safe food handling and sanitation procedures.

Students will gain hands-on experience in food preparation, production planning, customer service, and daily operations, preparing them for employment or further education in culinary arts and hospitality fields.

Wildcat Café offers students a meaningful opportunity to build career-ready skills while contributing to a student-run business within the school community.

Child Development Work-Based Learning is a hands-on course that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences in early childhood and youth-centered settings. Students apply principles of child growth and development through supervised work experiences such as internships, job shadowing, or placements in childcare centers, preschools, elementary schools, community agencies, or related organizations.

The course emphasizes professionalism, workplace safety, ethical responsibilities, and effective communication while developing essential employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Students gain practical experience observing, supporting, and engaging with children at various developmental stages while reflecting on best practices in child care and education. This course provides meaningful career exploration and preparation for postsecondary study and careers in education, child development, social services, and related fields.

Family and Consumer Sciences Work-Based Learning is a hands-on course designed to connect classroom instruction with real-world experiences related to family, community, and workplace environments. Students apply knowledge and skills from FACS coursework through supervised work experiences such as internships, job shadowing, or placements in childcare centers, hospitality and tourism settings, culinary and food service operations, retail and merchandising, healthcare support services, or community agencies.

The course emphasizes workplace safety, professionalism, ethical decision-making, and effective communication while building essential employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Students develop practical, transferable skills related to personal and family well-being, consumer responsibility, and career readiness. This course supports career exploration and preparation for postsecondary education and careers within Family and Consumer Sciences pathways and related industries.