Human services cluster
Work & Family Studies Pathway
Family and Consumer Sciences courses help students to develop the knowledge and skills that are used to manage one’s family and career efficiently and productively. Course topics typically include foods and nutrition; apparel; childcare and development; housing, interior design, and maintenance; consumer decisions; personal financial management; interpersonal relationships; and careers available in family and consumer sciences. Available at 
Social Work Pathway
Counseling and Mental Health courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a counseling and mental health career through simulated environments. These courses allow students to apply their knowledge of ethical and legal responsibilities, the limitations of these responsibilities, and the implications of their actions. 
Adult Development & Aging Pathway
Elder Care courses emphasize the care of human beings as they grow older. These courses involve the study of the biological, physiological, social, and psychological needs and concerns of the elderly, and deal with the aging process, death, and dying in a realistic manner. Elder Care courses may cover work and personal habits appropriate to the field and may also offer the opportunity to explore various careers. |
Foods, Nutrition & Wellness Pathway
Nutrition and Wellness courses focus on how physical, mental, social, psychological, and emotional wellness are related to food, food selection, and health. Topics typically include dietary needs across one’s lifespan, stress management, special dietary issues, and eating disorders as well as societal and genetic health issues that are addressed through the prevention education component of the class. Other topics covered range from healthy food selection, label reading, and diet analysis to understanding additives, making wise food choices, and dealing with food allergies. Available at 
Housing & Human Environments Pathway
Emphasizes applying the fundamental processes of artistic expression to design an interior living or working space. Students analyze and apply a variety of media, techniques, and processes in their interior design work. Courses may also include an understanding of aesthetic issues associated with interior design. Students study the art or process of designing the interior of a room or building and focus on enhancing the interiors of a space to achieve a healthy and more aesthetically pleasing environment. Students will study interior designs from historical, contemporary, and world cultures. Students engage in critique of their interior designs, the designs of others, and designs by professional interior designers for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work for presentation. 
Apparel & Textile Pathway
Focuses on the study and application of functional and aesthetic design, human factors research, production planning, manufacturing processes, quality assessment, and distribution systems of textile products. Additional topics include consumer and industry textile trends; industry specific terminology; advanced design applications; project development, management, and supervision; safety codes and procedures; portfolio development and presentation; client relationships; and individualized proficiency in textile/design skills. |
Child Care Provider Pathway
Child Care courses provide students with knowledge about the physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development of children from birth through pre-school age. Main topics include the fundamentals of collaborating with infants, toddlers, and older children; providing healthy environments; evaluating childcare settings; and examining the practices, regulations, and opportunities in the childcare industry. Often Child Care courses provide students with practical experience, including observation time in a childcare center. Advanced topics may include various learning theories; development of activities; operation of a childcare center; recognition of childhood diseases, abuse, and neglect; and first aid/emergency training. Available at 
Education, Early Childhood Pathway
Prepares students to guide the development of young children in an educational setting through classroom and job shadowing experiences. Course content includes child development, care, and education issues. Project-based learning experiences include planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, basic health and safety practices, and legal requirements of teaching young children. Students will research the requirements of early childhood education careers and develop/expand their career portfolio. Available at 
Education, General Pathway
Provides an opportunity for students to develop skills to teach and guide others. Coursework includes opportunities for students to create and develop teaching objectives, design lesson plans, and experience teaching in a controlled environment. Students examine and practice teaching strategies, learning styles, time management and planning strategies, presentation and questioning skills, classroom management, and evaluation techniques. Students will explore opportunities in education careers and develop/expand their career portfolio. Available at |
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Human services occupations
Pathway information provided by the Illinois State Board of Education. Occupation videos and links provided by careeronestop.com