Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) flashcards

30 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Lifespan perspective

An approach that examines development and changing roles throughout life rather than treating meaningful adaptation as limited to childhood.

Developmental domains

Interacting areas such as cognitive, physical, emotional and social functioning that need not show identical progress within an individual.

Scaffolding

Temporary structured support that helps a learner perform a task and is adjusted or reduced as demonstrated competence develops.

Cohort

A group linked by a shared period or experience whose historical context may influence comparisons with other groups.

Needs assessment

A systematic inquiry into learners’ priorities, strengths, knowledge, skills and access barriers used to shape relevant educational planning.

Measurable objective

A statement specifying observable learner performance and relevant conditions so instruction and assessment can address the same intended result.

Formative evaluation

Collection and use of evidence during planning or implementation to improve an educational program rather than only judge its final results.

Selection bias

A concern that compared groups differ because of who entered or responded, limiting interpretations of observed outcome differences.

Implementation fidelity

The extent to which a program is delivered as intended, interpreted alongside documented adaptations and the actual learning context.

Reciprocal pattern

An interaction sequence in which people’s responses influence each other, inviting analysis beyond a single isolated action or sole blame.

Role ambiguity

Unclear expectations about responsibility or authority that can leave tasks undone or create conflicting assumptions within a family.

Strengths-based practice

An approach that recognizes existing capacities and resources while still taking difficulties, unmet needs and structural constraints seriously.

Institutional context

The policies, schedules, procedures and resources of organizations that shape families’ practical opportunities, demands and access to support.

Administrative burden

The effort and practical demands involved in understanding, applying for and maintaining access to a service or benefit.

Cultural responsiveness

Practice that seeks relevant meaning and context with participants while avoiding stereotypes, imposing private norms or ignoring individual differences.

Reflective listening

Restating a speaker’s meaning and checking accuracy before responding, without assuming that understanding requires agreement with every proposal.

Interest versus position

A distinction between an underlying need or concern and a particular proposed solution, useful when exploring alternative agreements.

Assertive communication

Clear expression of a need, boundary or request that respects others rather than using intimidation, covert refusal or personal attack.

Voluntary consent

Agreement considered in light of current willingness and freedom from coercive pressure rather than inferred solely from silence or prior participation.

Educational scope

The professional boundary around providing knowledge and skills, distinct from clinical diagnosis, individualized treatment or jurisdiction-specific legal representation.

Opportunity cost

The value of a feasible alternative forgone when limited time, money or other resources are allocated to a chosen option.

Cash-flow calendar

A planning tool that records when money arrives and obligations fall due, revealing timing problems that monthly totals can conceal.

Sinking fund

An allocation accumulated over time for a predictable future expense, calculated using the target amount, existing balance and available period.

Bounded choice

An opportunity to select among acceptable options while retaining a clear appropriate expectation and adult responsibility for relevant limits.

Specific feedback

Information that identifies an observable action or strategy, helping learners understand performance rather than assigning a fixed personality label.

Conflict of interest

A circumstance in which another interest may influence professional judgment or its appearance, requiring transparency and appropriate safeguards.

Informed participation

Participation based on understandable information about purpose, activities, choices, data use and relevant limits rather than assumed blanket consent.

Reidentification risk

The possibility that a person can be recognized from combined or distinctive details even after their name has been removed.

Jurisdiction

The relevant legal authority and geographic or subject-matter context that helps determine which rules apply to a specific situation.

Eligibility versus access

A distinction between meeting formal program conditions and being practically able to navigate, obtain and use the available benefit or service.