Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

This part-time online certificate program provides learners with the application of principles and practices relevant to the field of children and adolescent mental health. This program emphasizes cognitive development, psychological disorders, risk factors, and prevention and intervention strategies when working with children in the fields of health care, community services and education. The aim of this program is to prepare graduates for safe and competent children's mental health support and practice.

Career Opportunities

Prospective students of this program will be currently working with children and looking to upgrade their skills, or hoping to pursue further studies related to children and families.

For those currently working with children, they will be able to apply their new skills to the following occupational areas:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Assistance
  • Fitness & Health Promotion
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Personal support
  • Healthcare

Entry Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma, equivalent or mature student status with at least six months work experience in early childhood development or a related field may be considered for admission.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

ECD950
Cognitive Development,Trauma and Loss:Child's Health
Availability
 

Learners determine the effects of trauma on cognitive development of infants, children and adolescents. Students also identify those children with trauma histories in order to limit the potential triggers within the therapeutic environment. The theories of loss and grief, as these relate to the infant, child and adolescent population are explored throughout the course.




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ECD951
Family Relationships and Impact on Psych Disorders
Availability
 

Students examine the interconnectedness of family relationships and their effect on common abnormal psychiatric disorders in the infant, child and adolescent populations. The course reviews the developmental stages, familial structures and family functions through the lens of family systems theory. Students also explore the environmental effects and their influences on the family as a dynamic entity.




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ECD952
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Availability
 

Students apply prevention and intervention strategies to appropriately respond to stressful situations in the infant, child and adolescent population. The focus of this course is on the effective application of communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills in a variety of situations.




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ECD953
Psychological Disorders Common to Infants, Children and Adolescents
Availability
 

To understand complicated mental health disorders common to infant, child and adolescents, students review a variety of abnormal cognitive and behavioural disorders. This course emphasizes an understanding of the behaviours and the daily effects and challenges on the mental health of the infant, child and adolescent population.




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ECD954
Risk Factors of Common Psychiatric Disorders
Availability
 

Students recognize the risk factors and triggers associated with common psychiatric disorders in the infant, child and adolescent population. Early identification and awareness of the behaviours enable the student to appropriately identify and assess the situation at hand.




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PSY106
Developmental Psychology
Availability
 

This course introduces the student to the knowledge base developmental psychology provides as a guide to social service practice. Students will become familiar with the range of social, emotional, physical and psychological factors affecting human development throughout the lifespan.

Please note: Due to similar content covered in this course and courses in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program, PSY106 will not accepted as a General Education elective credit for ECE.




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Program Outcome

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Recognize abnormal psychological disorders, as well as their effect and influence on the behaviour and mental health of the infant, child and adolescent.
  • Describe the impact of trauma and the history of trauma on the cognitive development of infants, children and adolescents in order to limit potential triggers within the therapeutic environment.
  • Assess behaviours that are a result of triggers associated with common psychiatric disorders in the infant, child and adolescent population.
  • Explain how family dynamics impact the behaviors of the infant, child and adolescent.
  • Apply appropriate communication, critical thinking and problem solving strategies to potential crisis situations.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Program Contacts

Georgina Ioannou
Program Assistant
Georgina.Ioannou@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0969


Dedra Profitt
Academic Program Manager
Dedra.Profitt@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0972