Format
9 required courses (135 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in 1 year, or up to 3 years
The study of children’s mental health identifies common childhood mental health disorders, social and institutional supports, and short- and long-term implications.
Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program Approved: Each of the courses are approved under the workshop category (Level 3 ECE only) for Professional Development funding at $369 and a maximum of 15 hours of Release Time for those working in licensed child care programs. Refer to the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program website to confirm if you are eligible.
Expand your understanding of the complex factors that affect children’s mental health. This in-depth program includes theories of risk factors and causes as well as legal and ethical issues. Experienced industry professionals share their real-world knowledge as you enhance your skills and knowledge as a health and human service professional, educational professional or those working with children and adolescents (up to age 17 years).
In our recently updated courses, you will identify common childhood mental-health disorders such as anxiety and depression, review supports for children and their families, and examine social and institutional systems. Exploring children’s mental health issues within the larger context of family, community, and mental health and educational systems provides you with a framework to provide support to children and adolescents. Teachers from all grade levels, counsellors, parents, social workers and more can benefit from the skills and knowledge in these courses.
Develop a framework for working with children, adolescents and families based on the ecological model and strength-based practice. Examine factors that may impact children's mental health, and explore the concept of resiliency and why it is so important in working with children. Examine key factors relating to sleep disorders, substance use and eating disorders and learn when referrals to professionals are appropriate.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning and complete this program from anywhere
Not sure where to start?
Interested in learning more about child and youth mental health but not yet ready to complete the full Children's Mental Health Extension Certificate? Consider one of the Certificate of Completion programs:
Course schedule
Course schedule by semester
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Framework for Healthy Development | ON | ON | |
| The Child's Social and Environmental Conditions | ON | ON | |
| Child and Youth Resiliency | ON | ON | |
| Mental Health I: Disorders Diagnosed in the Early Years | ON | ON | |
| Mental Health II: Psychosis, Mood, Anxiety and Increased Risk | ON | ON | |
| Mental Health III: Physiological Needs and Theories for Intervention | ON | ON | |
| Systems in Criminal Justice and Child Protective Services | ON | ON | |
| Systems in Mental Health and Education | ON | ON | |
| Systems Collaboration | ON | ON |
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is intended for anyone in a position that works with children or youth affected by mental health issues. As many children and youth are directly or indirectly impacted by mental health issues, it is important to note that the information in this program would benefit a vast number of roles that are not necessarily directly related to the field. This would include:
- Health and human service professionals
- Client care assistants
- K-12 education professionals
- Pediatric RNs
- Social workers
- Child and youth care staff and managers
- Health promotion
- Private sector professionals
- Parents and caregivers
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
There is not one specific career option for people who complete this certificate. It can be used as a great addition to your resume to help you obtain a position in many different work environments, including, but not limited to:
- Health and human service professionals including front line workers
- Client care assistants
- K-12 education professionals
- Pediatric RNs
- Social workers
- Child and youth care staff and managers
- Health promotion
- Private sector professionals
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
No, each course is designed to stand alone. Please note that students interested in a shorter certificate can choose one or more of the Certificates of Completion, which can be completed in 4 months or up to 3 years. Please see these websites for more information:
- Child and Youth Development
- Child and Youth Mental Health Disorders
- Child and Youth Mental Health Systems
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has several graded assignments. These assignments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, group projects, discussion board posts, short answers and quizzes.
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions.
Is attendance required for Google Meet sessions?
No, these sessions are not mandatory, but they are recommended. Attending Google Meet sessions allows you to get to know your instructor and classmates and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about content, assignments or due dates.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Last Note for each program
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?