SIAST logo

Youth Care Worker (Certificate)


Location(s):  Saskatoon    Distance Learning Option

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.

Length: 35 weeks


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

  • community development


For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • community school classroom assistants
  • community school outreach workers
  • group home workers
  • youth workers

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


Note

  • A security clearance, personal interview and/or medical may be required for your practical placements.



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. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

50Arithmetic
75Reading
75Sentence
4WritePlacer
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The 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.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
      Home Study
      Online
      Sask. Communications Network
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

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 Fact Sheet. 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 and Future Study Options


  • Graduates may enter the Youth Care Worker Diploma Program.



  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 292   


  • 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.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • 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.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Independent Study, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 227    PSYC 185   

    Prerequisites:
    HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 291    COMM 295    NURS 114   


  • 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.



    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 222   


  • ORTN 385  Orientation 1
  • The course provides you with an introductory experience working with youth in agencies. The services you provide will prepare you for later course work and help you confirm your career choice.

    5.0 Credit Units
    68.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    HLTH 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and HUMR 186 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and YCW 187 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • 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.

    9.0 Credit Units
    128.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    EMPL 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and MGMT 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and ORTN 385 Minimum Grade of 60 and SFTY 184 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.

    9.0 Credit Units
    128.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    HUMD 186 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMD 280 Minimum Grade of 60 and PRAC 384 Minimum Grade of P and REHA 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and SOCI 185 Minimum Grade of 60 and SPSY 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 188 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 189 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 284 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    YCW 187 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.



    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   SFTY 194   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   SOCI 160   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   SOCI 260    SOCI 282   

    Prerequisites:
    SOCI 184 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.



    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   SPSY 183   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   REC 184   


  • 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.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • 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.



    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time



    More Information



    © Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology | webmaster | Last Modified: September 02, 2010 09:49AM