College with a Family Support Team
FFD Programs at UMM & WCCC
Family Studies Certificate – UMM
The four-course, 12-credit certificate program in Family Studies is designed to give students the introductory level core curriculum credit with a focus on parenting and strengthening families. This curriculum helps students become advocates for their children, families and communities as well as prepares them for additional coursework that transfers into future degree programs. FFD alums at UMM have continued in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in Psychology & Community Studies, Business, Education, Biology (Allied Health) and Recreation & Tourism Management.
Program Requirements
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine their life-space; to envision alternative possibilities in their personal and professional growth; and to foster the development of creative changes toward their future life-career. This course has two essential aspects. First, the theoretical and academic aspect in which the focus of the class and text is on major psychological theories and their applications for everyday life. Second, the experiential aspect in which the students are encouraged to participate in growthful exercises individually and in group situations. The course involves the various areas of life including relationships to family members, to friends and associates, and to professional colleagues. This course includes a Service-Learning and Community Engaged (SL/CE) component.
Supporting parents in the discovery of the child’s development from pre-natal to adolescent explosions, Parenting Children and Adolescents will give parents tools to be knowledgeable about appropriate actions and reactions in all stages of their child’s lives. This course will use strengths-based approaches to helping parents expand on what they are already doing well in helping them achieve their goals for supporting and interacting with their children.
Parent can choose which course to take.
Liberal Studies – WCCC
At WCCC, the FFD program consists of 4 3-credit classes to give students the introductory level core curriculum credit with a focus on parenting and strengthening families. This curriculum helps students become advocates for their children, families and communities as well as prepares them for additional coursework that transfers into future degree programs. Students also will take the one-credit First Year Experience (FYE) class during their first year, for a total of 13 credits. FFD alums have continued at WCCC in certificate and associate’s degree programs in Education, Human Services, Business, Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. Transfer counseling services for students who want to use their WCCC degree as a pathway to a 4-year degree are available, and students can work with WCCC counselors and the FFD Transitions Coach to pursue additional education.
Program Requirements
Composition
A course to help students improve their skill in expository, analytical, and persuasive writing. Students will gain introductory research skills as they learn to write in relationship to other texts. Reading and grammatical skills are emphasized, so that students will learn to build solid prose that will be the foundation of their academic career. This course is required of all students.
Child & Adolescent Development
This course explores the growth and development of the child from conception through adolescence. Investigations of the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains are used to understand and describe the developing person. Students will understand the theories, research, and the multiple variables that affect the growth and development of children and adolescents. This is the second core course in the CDA certification series. The CDA certificate topics covered are: language and literacy development; literacy and the acquisition of second languages; development; cognition; discovery and problem solving; children as individuals; peer relationships and developing values; positive child guidance/discipline; observing and recording behavior; inclusion of children with disabilities; children at risk, developing self-esteem; developing identity, and the influence of family, peers, and community
Speech
This oral communication course offers experience in the selection and organization of speech content, audience analysis, and delivery. Classroom experience emphasizes preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches, as well as other types of oral presentations.
First Year Experience
Students will actively and deliberately engage in the requirements of their transition into college. This seminar focuses on how to succeed. It will facilitate a strong start, empower with necessary skills and awareness, chart a path toward achievement of goals, and direct students toward supports as needed. Particular attention will be paid to navigating the college environment, expectations of the institution, individual learning style, career development, academic strategies, community building, time management and time theft. This is a pass/fail course.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Admission
Who is eligible to enroll in FFD?
Parents who have at least one child under the age of 18 and live in Washington County.
Students must be 225% below the federal poverty level.
Can I attend if I was “not successful” attending college before?
Yes, you may be eligible. We will review any prior credits and if you have not earned credits for the classes that are a part of the FFD curriculum and meet all other requirements you may be eligible.
What if I already have some college credits?
If you have earned credits for any of the college classes offered through FFD, your transcripts will be reviewed by the FFD Academic Supports committee. There may be alternative courses to substitute in order for you to participate in the program. Your coach, the committee and campus faculty will work with you to determine the best option for you.
Can I attend if I owe money to the college?
Yes, it may still be possible. FFD staff can work with you, college financial aid offices and student loan companies to try and get you eligible as soon as possible.
What is the application process?
- Complete the short application.
- Have a conversation with FFD staff about your goals and circumstances.
- Our admissions committee will review your application and conditionally accept you into FFD or offer other recommendations and resources.
- Once conditionally accepted into FFD, the FFD staff will work with you to complete the college application, apply for financial assistance, and complete the intake process. We’re with you each step of the way!
How much will it cost?
There is no cost to participate in FFD. FFD will assist you in applying for financial aid to pay for classes and materials. If the financial aid awarded does not cover the cost, FFD will assist the family in paying. Early childhood education and youth supports are provided to the children registered with FFD at no cost to the family.
About FFD
What is the Coach and What do they do?
Family Futures Downeast provides you with intensive support from a Coach. Your coach assists you in working to remove barriers to help you to participate in the program.
They will assist you through the year to learn the complicated college system.
Your coach assists you with goal setting, and progression throughout the year.
What is the Summer Preparation course?
FFD begins with a college preparation course the summer before classes begin. This class, provided by WCACE, helps you to be ready for college and settle into a routine with your children. There is no grade for this class.
What if I don't have a computer and internet at home?
Family Futures Downeast loans a laptop and wi-fi hot spot to each participant to use during the program.
Do I need to travel to campus?
All classes are online and remote. If you need to get to campus, you will receive a Pex card for travel to and from the campus if needed. If you do not have reliable transportation, FFD will work with you to ensure you can attend and participate in programming.
Is there a place on campus I can study?
Family Futures Downeast has a Family Center on each campus. Each center is set up so you can study and meet with your coach.
What happens if I need extra help with homework?
Family Futures Downeast is partnered with Washington County Adult & Community Education, who provides College Transitions classes each summer, and free individual tutoring students.
Not sure if you’re ready to apply?
Please complete an interest form and a member of our team will reach out to talk about your options and whether FFD is right for you and your family. You can also reach out directly to a member of our team.
%
Students continue in college
%
of parents feel more hopeful about their children's futures
%