Child Studies Training

Careers such as Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Work, Developmental Service Work, Community and Justice Services, Police Foundations, Recreation and Leisure Services and Social Services all require the professionals who work in them to be properly trained at a respected post-secondary institution. What happens if a person who wants to enter one of these fields doesn’t have the credentials to take the necessary program? He or she can instead enter the community and child studies training at a school like Centennial College. This unique undertaking serves as a pathway for pursing a profession in one of these fields.

Taking two semesters to complete, the undertaking is specifically designed for adult learners while taking into account and supports the needs of ESL students. Not only does the community and Child Studies Trainingallow students to develop a thorough understanding of the personal and professional requirements of the varied careers available in the community services and child studies department, it also engages students in reflective practice to facilitate professional skill development. All of this is carried out while enhancing communication competence in all language strands.

Faculty members who are experienced in both community and child studies conduct all of the courses within the program. These faculty members not only support and guide students, they also utilize ESL collaborative teaching approaches.

Speaking of the community and Child Studies Course, they include topics such as health and first aid, an introduction to psychology, professional practice and ethics, foundations in community and child studies and others. These topics are covered via specific courses such as Developing College Communications Skills (designed to assist students in upgrading their English skills in the four areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening); Professional Practice and Ethics (students explore how personal attitudes, values and boundaries affect professional relationships. As students begin to define themselves as professionals in the human services field, they will discuss and clarify the professional ethics and standards of employment); Foundations in Community & Child Studies (students will explore professional roles and summarize key career benefits and issues); and more.

Once students successfully complete the program, they obtain an Ontario College Certificate and apply to a Centennial College program of their choice.

To apply for the child studies courses, students must have minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants should be advised that the program is only open for admission to applicants who have been advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. Applicants cannot apply directly to ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this program.