About the Family Development Credential Program

Family Development Credential (FDC) Program is a nationally respected training and credentialing program developed with input from families, frontline workers, supervisors, and policymakers. Two courses are offered:

Empowerment Skills for Workers

The Empowerment Skills for Workers course provides frontline workers with strengths-based skills and competencies in empowerment-based family development to help families set and reach goals of healthy self-reliance. To earn the FDC credential, workers complete 90 hours of interactive instruction facilitated by Cornell-trained instructors, prepare a portfolio with the guidance of an FDC portfolio advisor, and pass a credentialing exam.

PREREQUISITES: 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.

Empowerment Skills for Leaders

The Empowerment Skills for Leaders Series translates the principles of family development within the context of relationships and the mission of family-serving organizations. To earn the FDC Leadership Credential, agency leaders complete 30 hours of interactive instruction facilitated by Cornell-trained leadership instructors and prepare a leadership portfolio with the guidance of others in the course who serve as peer advisors.

PREREQUISITES: A supervisor’s signature is required; A master’s degree is preferred; A bachelor’s degree with years of experience will also considered.