Children's Mental Health Extension Certificate

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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.