SUNY Plattsburgh Human Development & Family Relations

SUNY Plattsburgh's Upward Bound program to return PLATTSBURGH | On Wednesday, SUNY Plattsburgh President Dr. Alexander announced that the university's Upward Bound will return.

New mural in progress at SUNY Plattsburgh Angell College Center with Brendon Palmer-Angell! More details soon!

Keep an eye on this space! New mural project coming soon! with SUNY Plattsburgh + Brendon Palmer-Angell

Gabriella Rettagliata is currently interning with the Children’s Developmental Services team at the Clinton County Health Department. Through the Early Intervention Program (EIP), she supports children under the age of three who have developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities.

In her role, Gabriella assists families while gaining hands-on experience in how early intervention services help children grow, learn, and reach key developmental milestones. This experience is providing valuable insight into the impact of community-based programs on young children and their families.

After graduation, Gabriella plans to pursue a Master of Social Work. Her long-term goal is to become a hospital social worker, where she can provide emotional support to children and their families.

Finals are coming… use the Force wisely!

Burghy said: "These ARE the classes you’re looking for.’ 👀”

Emily Walbroehl is a Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) major with a focus in child development. She is currently completing an internship at Kids Cove Childcare Center in Keeseville, where she works as an assistant teacher in the pre-preschool classroom. In this role, she supports early childhood learning and development through structured activities and daily interactions with young children.

Although she does not plan to pursue graduate school after graduation, Emily hopes to continue gaining experience working with children, particularly those from families affected by parental addiction.

🎓 New Certification Pathway for HDFR Students!

Our HDFR program is now approved by the National Council on Family Relations as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) program—opening new career opportunities for students interested in supporting individuals and families.

✔️ General Lifespan students: Automatically eligible for provisional CFLE certification
✔️ ECE Administration students: Eligible with 2 additional courses

💼 CFLE certification demonstrates expertise in areas like human development, relationships, parenting, and family well-being. It helps you stand out in entry-level roles and is recognized across the U.S. and Canada.

📩 Interested? Contact Dr. Priyanka Patel to learn more. Workshops begin Fall 2026!
Additional details, including the CFLE-Approved Program Checklist, are available upon request and on our department webpage.
https://www.plattsburgh.edu/programs/human-development-family-relations-major.html

📚✨ Happy World Book Day from SUNY Plattsburgh! ✨📚

There’s no better way to celebrate than by grabbing your favorite book and heading outside 🌿💙 Come relax, unwind, and enjoy a good read by the pond, just like Burghy would! 📖

Whether you're diving into a classic, exploring a new favorite, or rereading a beloved story, take a moment today to slow down and get lost in the pages.

Tag a friend you'd bring along for a cozy reading day and share what you're reading! 📚👇

Taylor Waddell is currently completing an internship with Warren County DSS on the Children’s Services Unit. In this role, they shadow foster care, CPS, and preventive caseworkers during home visits, court proceedings, removals, and client transportation. They also review case files, upload progress notes, and conduct individual client transport. These experiences have provided valuable exposure to child welfare services and strengthened their skills in documentation, communication, and client support.

Following graduation, Taylor plans to pursue a position as a caseworker with Warren County DSS while earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) through an online program.