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.