Contemporary family life educators operate within a wide range of settings and with increasingly varied populations and families. In the fourth edition of Family Life Education, Carol Darling and Dawn Cassidy are pleased to have Sharon Ballard join in the process of exposing readers to the diverse landscape of the field while laying a comprehensive, research-based, and practical foundation for current and future family life educators. The authors, who are CFLE Certified, consider the Certified Family Life Educator credential requirements of the National Council on Family Relations throughout the text.

Their broad overview of the field includes a brief history and discussion of family life education as an established profession. New to this edition is the inclusion of several models that provide insight into the discipline and practice. There is expanded information about working with diverse audiences and the skills needed to be a culturally competent family life educator. The addition of the personal experiences and reflections of 17 family life educators working in a variety of settings provides a meaningful context to the continuing evolution and importance of family life education in society. The authors incorporate theory, research, and practice while also providing guidelines for planning, implementing, and evaluating family life education programs. Content on sexuality education, relationship and marriage education, and parenting education highlights some of the more prevalent trends and visible forms of family life education. Comments from 35 international colleagues representing 27 countries and 6 continents facilitate understanding the role of family life education in various international settings. The provision of interactive classroom exercises focuses on building awareness, appreciation of diversity, and global trends. Discussion questions and activities encourage readers to examine issues and apply what they have learned.