The certificate in Family Literacy, based on a multidisciplinary approach to literacy instruction involving both adult educators and early childhood education and family literacy specialists, is intended for location-bound students who work in a variety of literacy-related settings, both formal and informal. These settings include public schools and preschools (teachers, teaching assistants, reading specialists), organizations such as Head Start and grant-funded family literacy programs.

The goal of the certificate is to build the capacity of the field to provide high-quality, research-based instruction and program development in family literacy. The certificate consists of a 12-credit program delivered online through the World Campus. The program objectives include strengthening program effectiveness through developing an understanding of staff roles and responsibilities as part of a collaborative family literacy team and supporting a learner-centered approach to delivering program services.