Certified Family Life Educators typically provide information to families through an educational approach, often in a classroom-type setting or through educational materials.
Attainment of the CFLE certification can be embedded within the four year HDFS degree and does not require additional classes or semesters. However, it does require careful and specific scheduling of classes with an academic adviser.
Why should I become a CFLE?
- GAIN KNOWLEDGE IN THE 10 CONTENT AREAS that are foundational for professionals who work with individuals and families in their communities.
- BUILD COMMUNICATION, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
- Help MARKET YOURSELF AND GIVE EXTRA EDGE when starting your career.
- LEARN AND PRACTICE SKILLS to support the well-being of individuals and families.
What to expect
Family Life Education focuses on healthy family functioning within a family systems perspective and provides a primarily preventive approach.
The goal of Family Life Education is to teach and foster this knowledge and skills to enable individuals and families to function optimally.
Family Life Education professionals consider societal issues within the context of the family, such as:
- Economics
- Education
- Work-family issues
- Parenting
- Sexuality
- Gender
They believe that societal problems like substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, debt, and child abuse can be more effectively addressed from a perspective that considers the individual and family as part of larger systems.
Knowledge about healthy family functioning can be applied to prevent or minimize many of these problems.
Applying to be a Certified Family Life Educator
The program encourages applications from professionals who have preparation and experience in Family Life Education settings, including formal teaching, research/scholarship, community education, public information and education, curriculum and resource development, health care, military family support, and ministry.
There is a fee once you have graduated and are applying for your CFLE. Learn more about the CFLE application process or Contact Elaine Barry.
Program accreditation and approval
NCFR recognizes schools offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with course work that follows the Standards and Criteria required for approval as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). NCFR approval allows the school to offer their graduates the opportunity to apply for Provisional Certification using the Abbreviated Application process. The CFLE Checklist represents the courses that meet the CFLE criteria at that school. Students must complete all the courses on a checklist in order to qualify to apply for the CFLE designation through the Abbreviated Application process.
You can learn more about the CFLE credential, Penn State Fayette's program, and the application process on NCFR's website .
For more information about CFLE
Contact Elaine Barry