Florida Outreach Childbirth Education Program (FOCEP)

Childbirth educators can be from a variety of backgrounds:  social work, nursing, psychology, education, midwifery and others.  Ideal candidates for FOCEP  certification should have an interest in providing education.  A minimum of a high school diploma is required.  Learn to teach parents about pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum care, breastfeeding and baby care. You can have a beneficial impact by bringing quality childbirth education to your community! FOCEP training is a low-cost alternative certification that allows graduates to teach childbirth education in the State of Florida. FOCEP certification can be used as a step towards seeking an international certification in childbirth education.

Program Requirements:

* Attend 48 hours of classroom instruction by FOCEP Faculty
* Pass the final exam (80%)
* Observe 12 hours of  childbirth education classes
* Teach 12 hours of FOCEP classes with an approved childbirth education preceptor
* Observe two vaginal births
* Attend one maternal and child health community meeting
* Tour a birth facility

Participants have up to one year to complete the program requirements. Certificates are awarded following the completion of all program requirements.  The certificate enables the holder to use the FOCEP Curriculum with pregnant women and their families. 

Program Components

* Introduction: History of childbirth education, project goals
* Adult Education: Characteristics, principles and conditions, teaching styles, literacy
* Pregnancy: Conception, anatomy and physiology, fetal growth, health components
* Labor and Birth: Process, physiology, stages and phases, pain theory, coping techniques
* Postpartum: Anatomical changes, complications, behavior, contraceptives
* Newborn: Hospital care and procedures, circumcision, characteristics, behavior
* Breastfeeding: Benefits, techniques, nutrition, formula concerns
* Ethnocultural: Diversity, communication, expectations
* Bereavement: Unexpected outcomes, acceptance and stages of grief
* Community: Resources, Healthy Start, others