Youth Care Worker Certificate

Program Start: 30 November -0001 - In Session
Location: Nipawin
Credit Granting Institution: Sask Polytech
Length: 68 weeks

Overview:

The Youth Care Worker Certificate program provides knowledge and skill development in the care and support of children, youth and families in communities. You will learn how to facilitate the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and youth while focusing on strengths and opportunities for growth.

You will examine the various aspects of children's growth and development and learn how to develop therapeutic relationships with children, youth, their families and other informal helpers. You will also learn how to work directly, day-to-day with children and youth. A rich combination of theory and practical applications will help you develop a strong foundation in providing assistance to youth and their families.

Your studies will include:

• interpersonal communication skills
• Aboriginal awareness
• addictions
• techniques of problem-solving
• health and wellness
• human sexuality
• sociology
• the criminal justice system
• planning and implementing activities
• behavioural intervention strategies
• therapeutic activities
• crisis prevention/self-protection strategies
• theoretical basis of professional child and youth care work
• employability skills

In addition to lectures and other classroom learning activities, you will participate in practicum placements where you will receive hands-on experience integrating core concepts into practice, developing skills and engaging in the design and delivery of programs with agency supervision. Your practicum placement may be in a group home, community agency, community school or residential treatment facility.

The current program is offered two weekdays per week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the two practicums will be full-time in your placement location.

Requirements:

Grade 12

Tuition: $4,638*
Books & Supplies: $1,200*
Student Fees: $170

*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.

Notes:

• Admitted students will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search prior to entering required coursework and practicum with children, youth and adults. At the discretion of the agency, a student may be declined access to a practicum placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check, personal interview and/or medical assessment. A student must complete the practicum placements to graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is the student's responsibility.
• Proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' or equivalent may be required prior to entry into a practicum.

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for employment in community agencies, residential treatment centres and school-based programs. Under supervision, they work directly with children and youth in various settings. These include

• community-based child and youth programs,
• school-based programs,
• residential treatment,
• recreation programs,
• home-based care,
• child and youth advocacy and
• community development.