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.
