Human Services: Youth Care Worker (Certificate) - Certificate
- Application Form
- 1-866-goSIAST
Program Overview
| Location(s): |
|
| Length:
35 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 program is available full-time at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon and on a part-time basis during the day over a year and a half at SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina.
Career Opportunities
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.
Program Details
Start Date(s): SeptemberTuition and Fees
- For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12
- English Language Requirement
Note
- A security clearance, personal interview and/or medical may be required for your practical placements.
Special Admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.ACCUPLACER©
- 50 Arithmetic
- 75 Reading
- 75 Sentence
- 4 WritePlacer
Post-Secondary Success
One year post-secondary studies
Admission Method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Factsheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.
Transfer Credit
Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
- graduate entry to SIAST's Youth Care Worker diploma program
- selected courses are transferrable to SIAST's Correctional Studies and Aboriginal Police Preparation programs
Courses
| Code | Course Name/Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EMPL 180 | Employability Skills You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed for the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies. Emphasis will be placed on communicating a professional image. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COMM 292 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard  | 3 |
| HLTH 184 | Health Promotion The course presents a holistic approach to wellness with a focus on personal health. You will receive instruction in the lifestyle practices that promote health and wellness. You will study workplace safety practices and have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in practical skills necessary for worker and client safety. Credit Units: 2 Lecture Hours: 30 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard | 2 |
| HUMD 181 | Lifespan Development A Your studies will focus on the period from conception to pre-adolescence. You will receive information about the effect of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and the methods of studying human behaviour. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery | 3 |
| HUMD 186 | Human Sexuality The course provides an introduction to human biology and sexuality. You will explore attitudes towards sexuality and receive information on sex education, sexual health and contraceptive options. Credit Units: 2 Lecture Hours: 30 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 2 |
| HUMD 280 | Lifespan Development B You will examine adolescence and adulthood. This includes the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes of youth, middle age, and later life. You will also explore current research about death and dying. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): HUMD 181 Equivalent Course(s): ECD 227, PSYC 185 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Televised/SCN, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| HUMR 186 | Interpersonal Skills You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviors that facilitate client interactions. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Equivalent Course(s): COMM 291, COMM 295, NEPS 114, NURS 114 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| MGMT 281 | Behavioural Principles and Practices You will be introduced to an overview of the behavioral change process. You will examine the principles and theories of behavior management. You will look at behavioral intervention strategies to increase or decrease desired behavior. The value of functional behavioral assessments in managing disruptive behavior will be reviewed. You will study practical guidelines and techniques for working with normal and exceptional children and youth. You will have the opportunity to select, implement, and evaluate a behavioral change project intended to modify a personal goal. You will discuss the benefits of an integrated perspective when dealing with parents and managing behavioral issues in the community. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): ECD 222 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery | 3 |
| ORTN 385 | Orientation 1 You will experience working with youth in agencies at an introductory level. You will provide services that will prepare you for later course work and help you confirm your career choice. Credit Units: 5 Other Hours: 68 Prerequisites(s): HUMR 186, YCW 187 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum | 5 |
| PRAC 384 | Practicum 1 The course provides you with an opportunity to apply knowledge and principles learned in the program. You will develop the skills needed to work as a front-line employee in a residential, educational or community-based agency providing services to youth and/or their families. Credit Units: 9 Other Hours: 128 Prerequisites(s): EMPL 180, MGMT 281, ORTN 385, SFTY 184 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum | 9 |
| PRAC 385 | Practicum 2 Building on the experience you gained in your first practicum you will develop greater independence and expand the skill set needed to work as a front-line employee in a residential, educational or community-based agency providing services to youth and/or their families. Credit Units: 9 Other Hours: 128 Prerequisites(s): HUMD 186, HUMD 280, PRAC 384, REHA 281, SOCI 185, SPSY 184, YCW 188, YCW 189, YCW 284 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum | 9 |
| REHA 281 | Program Planning Building on YCW 187, Youth Care Practices, you will learn to apply the problem solving process to group situations. You will examine the process of assessing needs and decision making as it applies to groups. You will develop program goals (learning outcomes) and objectives (learning steps), identify learning activities, write lesson plans and develop program resources. You will have the opportunity to develop a 15 hour program for at risk youth and create a program manual to support delivery of the learning outcomes. Credit Units: 2 Lecture Hours: 30 Prerequisites(s): YCW 187 Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 2 |
| SFTY 184 | Crisis Prevention You will learn strategies for crisis prevention and be introduced to the model of Crisis Intervention. You will explore the role of self awareness, triggers and response patterns in conflict situations. You will learn techniques and skills to resolve conflicts without the use of force. You will demonstrate the skills of crisis intervention by doing a five minute role play. The role and purpose of crisis debriefing will be discussed and reviewed. Credit Units: 1 Lecture Hours: 20 Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 194 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard | 1 |
| SOCI 184 | Sociology A The course provides an introduction to the sociological perspective and addresses the study of people as social beings. You will examine socialization processes, social stratification and social deviance. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| SOCI 185 | Sociology B Building on what you learned in SOCI 184, you will study the process of sociological analysis and its importance to the human services professions. You will examine issues facing mainstream and marginalized people in Canada. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): SOCI 184 Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 260, SOCI 282 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| SPSY 184 | Youth Criminal Justice You will be introduced to the Canadian criminal justice system. You will explore the history of juvenile justice and examine the impact of custodial placement on youth in conflict with the law. You will examine the main components of the justice system including the police, the courts (judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers), sentencing, correctional placement, parole and conditional release for youth and adult offenders. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 183 Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| YCW 187 | Youth Care Practices 1 You will be introduced to the assumptions, values, ethics and attitudes that form the basis of working with youth. The course will emphasize the development of self-awareness and its impact on effective helping relationships. You will learn to apply the problem solving process to client situations. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| YCW 188 | Therapeutic Activities You will explore the benefits of therapeutic activities for youth at risk. Your studies will focus on developing and participating in a variety of therapeutic activities as you examine the role of the youth care worker in planning and implementing appropriate activities for youth. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): REC 184 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| YCW 189 | Aboriginal Awareness You will receive an introduction to First Nations and Metis Nations peoples in Canada. You will examine historical and current issues that affect Aboriginal peoples. You will explore racism and develop an understanding of how self-awareness impacts client relationships. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 2 |
| YCW 284 | Addictions You will examine historical trends and theoretical perspectives of addictive behaviors with a focus on substance, gambling, and sexual addiction. You will identify drug classifications and the impact of addictions on family functioning and dynamics. You will learn about current prevention strategies and treatment options when dealing with substance use/abuse issues. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
Email a friend
Ask a Question
Phone 1-866-goSIAST (467-4278)
SIAST is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training, recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise and innovation. Through program and course registrations, SIAST serves 26,000 distinct students with programs that touch every sector of the economy. SIAST operates campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and provides a number of courses and programs through distance education.
