College Relations
Program provides needed credentials for human service workers
CONTACT --- Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu
SALEM, Mass. - Recognizing a need to provide formal training for social workers and other professionals who deal with family development, Salem State College has become the first institution in the Commonwealth to develop and implement a Family Development Credentialing (FDC) program.
"Social workers, teachers, guidance counselors and early childhood professionals are in the front lines when it come to dealing with family problems," pointed out the FDC program manager Susan J. MacNeil. "We see this family training as needed background. The program trains participants to recognize and enhance the strengths of the family. It teaches them ways to help the family become more self-reliant," MacNeil said.
MacNeil said a statewide movement is underway to mandate all human service workers be FDC certified. A federal law currently requires all Head Start workers be FDC certified by 2005.
To obtain certification through the Salem State program, students take part in a 110-hour curriculum that involves a portfolio, applied skills and an exam. People completing the program also earn 12 CEUs (Continuing Education Units).
Contact MacNeil at 978-542-6984 for more information.
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