VATFACS INSTITUTE

Professionals who have graduated from an accredited educational institution with a baccalaureate degree in any major are eligible to sit for the professional examinations. Candidates taking the Certified Baking Science Professional examination are eligible to take the examination with industry experience.

The AAFCS offers the following assessment-based certifications open to many related disciplines and practice settings.
• CFCS- Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences
• CFCS-HDFS- Certified in Human Development and Family Science
• CPFFE- Certified Personal and Family Finance Educator
• CNWE-Certified in Nutrition and Wellness Educator
• CBSP – Certified Baking Science Professional

In this double session, attendees will be given the materials and instructions on how to create the Folded Amish Star Ornament. This versatile project can be used in the classroom to teach measuring, ironing, and both creation of either a sewing or non-sewing textile arts project. Mrs. Williams has taught students as young as 9 and as old as 90 how to assemble these beautiful projects in both classroom and fundraiser workshop sessions. Materials, lesson plans, and fundraiser information will be provided. 

Related Courses:
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-18/8208)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-6/8241)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-36/8245)
Independent Living (22904-36/8219)
Introduction to Interior Design (19263-36/8255)

Unpacking the FCS Standards is about to feel like stepping into your own FCS‑era transformation. In this session, we’ll break down the Family and Consumer Sciences standards with the same clarity, confidence, and storytelling power that a skilled artist brings to every new album. Participants will explore how to interpret, prioritize, and implement the standards in ways that help students thrive, all while connecting learning to real-life skills that never go out of style. Whether you’re ready to shake off old approaches or rewrite the narrative in your classroom, this session will equip you with strategies that hit all the right notes and leave you feeling fearless about curriculum alignment.

Explore what current research reveals about quality time, effective communication, and healthy relationship dynamics. Participants will examine practical strategies for building and maintaining meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings.





  

In this applied session, conference participants will practice activities to strengthen and build the family in a time of screens and fast food.  
Dr. Donna Hoskins

Rainbow Bean Soup is a symbolic lesson in diversity: our lives are made richer by the "human beans" who surround us, each contributing their own seasoning. It's a delicious way to look at Workplace Readiness Skills.

This hands-on workshop explores the symbolism of a clay pot as a representation of family. Participants will leave with a small houseplant—come play in the dirt with us!

Ready to enter your PBL era? This session delivers ready-to-use project overviews designed specifically for high school ECE — think Pizza Box Theorists, Shoebox Preschool, student-created songs, and more. Walk away with a toolkit of creative, standards-connected projects that keep students engaged and actually excited to learn.

Related Courses:
Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-36/8234)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)

What if your students became the true drivers of their learning by confidently mastering content and teaching others along the way?

In this session, I will share how to transform your classroom into a student-centered environment where learners take ownership and grow into leaders. Through the use of simple, effective strategies like skill drills, “Ask Three Before Me,” and authentic community-building practices, students learn to rely on themselves, support one another, and stay meaningfully connected to their teacher.

These approaches are easy to implement but powerful in impact effectively creating a classroom where it feels like there’s more than one of you in the room. You’ll walk away with practical tools that foster independence, increase engagement, and build a genuine sense of connection without anything feeling forced.

Join me to discover how these three simple shifts can bring more joy to your teaching, help your students feel purposeful in their learning, and empower them to confidently teach and support one another.

Pre-registration for this session is required. This session is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education. There is no additional fee for up to 25 participants. 

American Heart Association HeartSaver First Aid with CPR/AED for Adults and Children will meet OSHA, Virginia Department of Education, and Virginia Department of Social Services requirements for CPR/AED and First Aid Certification for a two-year period.

Related Career Cluster:

Lead Beyond the Classroom: The Virginia ACTE Fellowship Experience
This informational session provides an in-depth look at the Virginia ACTE Fellowship and how it empowers Career and Technical Education educators to expand their leadership, advocacy, and professional impact. Participants will learn about the purpose and structure of the Fellowship, eligibility requirements, expectations, and the application process.
The session will explore how the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education Fellowship develops educators as leaders at the local, state, and national levels through networking, policy engagement, and professional collaboration. Attendees will gain insight into the benefits of participation, including strengthening advocacy skills, building professional relationships, and increasing visibility for CTE programs.
In addition, participants will hear practical strategies for preparing a strong application and balancing Fellowship commitments with classroom responsibilities. Whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned educator ready to broaden your influence, this session will provide a clear roadmap for leveraging the Virginia ACTE Fellowship to lead beyond the classroom and shape the future of CTE.