The Essentials

9-Week Professional Certificate

The Essentials of Family Support

2026/2027

Strengthen your knowledge of Family Support theory, practice, and strategies through nine virtual modules designed for professionals working with children, caregivers, families, and communities.

Register for Essentials ↗
View the 2026/2027 Flyer ↗

About the Certificate

Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of Family Support or increase your capacity to more effectively support families, The Essentials of Family Support Certificate program is for you.

Join a group of like-minded professionals who are working to empower families using a strengths-based approach in their work.

What You’ll Learn

These nine modules provide those working with families with a solid foundation in the practice and principles of Family Support.

  • The history and emergence of the strengths-based Family Support approach
  • Family Support theory, principles, and practical strategies
  • Contemporary challenges affecting children, families, staff, programs, and service delivery
  • Relationship building, family engagement, community connection, and belonging
  • Program evaluation and approaches for measuring impact

Learners will leave with a strong grounding in Family Support theory, practice, and strategies that can be implemented immediately in their work with families.

Learn from Experienced Instructors

FSIO’s certificate program instructors are experienced Registered Early Childhood Educators and Family Support Practitioners. They bring years of teaching experience at the college and university levels, along with practical experience working with families in community-based programs.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing their achievement. Proof of participation certificates are also issued for each completed module for Continuous Professional Learning documentation.

Learners have two years from the start date of their first module to complete the full certificate.

Registration Fees

FSIO Members

$90 per module
$585 for all 9 modules
Save $220

Non-Members

$110 per module
$765 for all 9 modules
Save $225

Student pricing is available. Please email fsio.ontario@gmail.com for more information.

Explore the Modules

Module 1:
The Theory of Family Support

September 17, 2026

Explore the history and emergence of Family Support programs in Canada and examine the underlying theories and practices that make these programs effective and meaningful for families and their children.

Module 2:
Reflective Practice

October 15, 2026

Discover how reflective practice supports ongoing professional growth, strengthens self-awareness, and enhances relationships with families. Explore practical strategies for applying reflective practice to better meet the needs of children, families, and colleagues.

Module 3:
Contemporary Families

November 19, 2026

Examine the changing realities of today’s families, including poverty, mental health, addiction, violence, and diversity. Learn strategies and resources that support inclusive and responsive practice while meeting the unique needs of families in your community.

Module 4:
Enabling Family Empowerment and “Voice”

January 21, 2027

Learn how building authentic, trusting relationships empowers families and strengthens their voice. Explore practical approaches that foster meaningful partnerships with parents and caregivers, creating positive outcomes that extend beyond program walls.

Module 5:
Family Engagement

February 18, 2027

Discover how meaningful family engagement creates strong, lasting relationships between families, educators, and communities. Explore strategies for welcoming diverse families, encouraging participation, and designing programs that promote connection and belonging.

Module 6:
Facilitating Connections for Families

March 18, 2027

Explore how strong partnerships with schools and community organizations enrich Family Support programs. Learn practical strategies for building collaborative relationships that expand resources and strengthen support for children and families.

Module 7:
Fostering Mutual Support and Belonging

April 15, 2027

Discover how Family Support programs create opportunities for families to connect, share experiences, and build supportive relationships. Learn strategies for fostering a strong sense of belonging while strengthening social connections within your community.

Module 8:
Planning During Collective Crises

May 20, 2027

Explore the important role Family Support professionals play during times of community-wide crisis. Learn how to identify changing family needs, respond effectively, and adapt programs to continue supporting children and families during challenging times.

Module 9:
Program Evaluation

June 17, 2027

Learn practical approaches to evaluating Family Support programs and measuring their impact. Explore methods for gathering meaningful feedback, engaging stakeholders, and using evaluation to strengthen programs and improve outcomes for families.

Session Information

  • All nine modules take place virtually
  • Sessions run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Modules are offered monthly from September 2026 through June 2027
  • Participants may register for individual modules or the complete certificate program
  • Proof of participation is issued after each completed module
  • Learners have two years from their first module to complete the certificate

Questions?

Please contact FSIO at fsio.ontario@gmail.com .