Certified Infant & Family Educator (CIFE)

CAPPA is an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Lactation Educators. Since our foundation in 1998, we have certified thousands of perinatal professionals. As one of the first and most comprehensive perinatal organizations in the world, CAPPA is respected for its longevity and its commitment to excellence in both education and unsurpassed student and member support. Choosing an organization for your education is an important decision. CAPPA offers stability that you can be confident in as you invest in your education and career.

Certification Course Options

Traditional Course ( For students who take an In-person or Virtual training )

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Scope of Practice

CAPPA Scope of Practice: Certified Infant & Family Educators (CIFE)

The CAPPA Certified Infant & Family Educator (CIFE) supports and empowers families through education, encouragement, and resources during the transition to parenthood and the early years of child development. CIFEs work within CAPPA’s mission, vision, and code of conduct to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and family-centered education.

Role of the CIFE

A CIFE is a professional educator who:

Provides non-biased, evidence-based information on infant and family wellness, bonding, feeding, sleep, emotional adjustment, and development from birth through the early years.

Supports families in identifying their values, strengths, and priorities.

Promotes confidence and competence in parenting through individualized and group education.

Fosters respectful collaboration with healthcare providers, community resources, and allied professionals.

Recognizes when to refer families to licensed professionals for clinical, medical, or mental health support.

CIFEs May:

Offer private or group classes, workshops, and one-on-one education sessions for expectant and new families.

Provide information on topics such as:

Infant and child development (birth through 5 years)

Feeding, sleep, safety, and bonding

Parental adjustment, matrescence and patrescence

Postpartum recovery and family dynamics

Early parenting styles and communication strategies

Infant and child mental health foundations

Support diverse parenting pathways (including adoption, surrogacy, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and disabled parents).

Educate about community resources and advocate for family access to supportive services.

Work in collaboration with hospitals, community programs, public health agencies, and private family support services.

Create curriculum and educational materials for parents and professionals, in alignment with CAPPA standards.

CIFEs Do Not:

Diagnose medical or mental health conditions.

Provide therapy, counseling, or medical treatment.

Prescribe or administer medication or herbal remedies.

Perform clinical assessments or interpret medical results.

Offer medical opinions or replace licensed medical care.

Represent CAPPA as providing healthcare or therapeutic interventions.

Professional Conduct

CIFEs must:

Adhere to CAPPA’s Code of Conduct, Mission, Vision, and Social Media Policy.

Maintain current certification and continue professional development.

Provide inclusive, respectful education free of discrimination or personal bias.

Uphold confidentiality and maintain clear boundaries with clients.

Represent CAPPA and the CIFE credential with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.

Collaboration and Advocacy

CIFEs are encouraged to:

Build bridges between families and community or healthcare resources.

Advocate for family-centered care policies that promote informed choice and cultural sensitivity.

Model respectful interdisciplinary teamwork.

Contribute to the advancement of public understanding of early parenthood, infant development, and family well-being.

Traditional Course ( For students who take an In-person or Virtual training )

Course Fees*

This course is designed for students who choose to take a training class with approved Faculty. Training classes have in-person, virtual, and hybrid options!

Training Class - $700.00 and up
1 Year Membership - $75.00 (first year included with your training class)

Course Requirements

Becoming a Certified Infant & Family Educator (CIFE) is a guided, step-by-step process designed to build confidence, competence, and professional excellence.

Step 1: Attend the Training

Complete the 2- or 3-day live virtual CIFE training led by an approved CAPPA Program Advisor or Trainer. You’ll participate in interactive sessions, discussions, and practical learning experiences.

Step 2: Earn Your Foundational Certificate

After the training, participants complete a short multiple-choice assessment and a curriculum development exercise. Once these are successfully completed, you’ll receive your Foundational Certificate, which certifies you as a CAPPA Certified Infant & Family Educator (CIFE) for up to one year.

Step 3: Complete Your Certification Requirements

Within one year, participants complete the following to earn full certification:

CAPPA-approved reading list

Essay-style written assessment

Student teaching practicum

Community resource guide creation

Completion of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training

Step 4: Celebrate Your Achievement

Once all requirements are met, you’ll receive your full certification and join CAPPA’s community of professionals making a difference in families’ lives worldwide.

Please view all of CAPPA’s Policies and Procedures.

Last Updated 10/8/2025

For more information, email info@cappa.net or call 770-965-9777.

Upcoming Training

Sorry, there are no Certified New Parent Educator (CNPE) training events scheduled.