Behavioural Strategies Extension Certificate - Online

E-mail: cehealth@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.6867 or toll-free 1.866.616.3606
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 Required Courses | Student Testimonial

Children and youth can present behavioural challenges in family and community settings. This program is ideal for human service professionals working in child and youth care, education, child services, social work, justice, child welfare and counselling.

Designed for those supporting school aged children and youth with challenging behaviours, this extension certificate focuses on understanding the function of behaviour, exploring environmental conditions that may influence behaviour and implementing practical strategies for managing difficult behaviour.

Earn credit toward a degree/diploma.
Certain Extension Certificates have been developed in cooperation with the Mount Royal University credit faculties. These certificates have components which are transferable into various diplomas, applied degrees and degrees, provided applicants achieve the minimum required grade in the course(s) and meet the entrance requirements for the degree. Please see credit program websites for diploma, applied degree or degree entrance requirements. For more information on transfer credit please contact Community and Health Studies at cehealth@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.6867.

Technical Requirements
It is important that you are aware of the technical requirements for using the Blackboard online learning platform prior to registering for any of the following courses. Please refer to the following link for more information: Blackboard Technical Requirements

Program Requirements
Learners must have skills in word processing to succeed in this program. Please log in to your Blackboard course on the official course start date and refer to your Course Outline for assignment due dates. APA 6 formatting standards must be met when completing all assignments. APA Formatting

Course Expectations
The listed course hours indicate the estimated time for students to review the online learning units. The actual time spent completing assignments will vary depending on each student’s particular learning style and level of study skills.

Textbooks and Course Materials

• Used in all courses:
  Brendtro, L. K., Brokenleg, M. & Van Bockern, S. (1998). Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future. Bloomington, Indiana: National Educational Services.
• Used in Goals and Intentions of Behaviour course:
  Martens, T. (1991). The Spirit Weeps: Characteristics and dynamics of incest and child sexual abuse. Edmonton. AB: Nechi Institute.
• Coursepacks:
  An additional coursepack is required for each Winter semester course.

Please refer to your registration confirmation for more information.
All textbooks and coursepacks are available from the Mount Royal University BookStore.

Earning Your Extension Certificate
Complete the eight required courses (120 hours) with a minimum passing grade in each course. All courses offered online.

Career Outlook
The Behavioural Strategies Extension Certificate is especially useful for human service professionals within the fields of child and youth care, education, child care, social work, justice, child welfare and counselling.

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Required Courses

Values and Beliefs in Behavioural Issues
Explore dynamics related to the professional use of self within the child and youth care environment. This serves as a catalyst in initiating and maintaining healthy client relationships, playing an important role in the process of client change. Explore how personal values and beliefs may provide an optimum opportunity for successful resolution to general misunderstandings, conflict and crisis.

Communication Skills in Behavioural Studies
Communication, conflict resolution and interviewing skills are critical to building professional and positive relationships with children, youth and families. Examine communication styles and useful strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution and basic interviewing skills that support positive working relationships with children, youth and families.
Prerequisite: Values and Beliefs in Behavioural Issues

Individual, Team and Environmental Behaviours

The quality of the relationships we develop within a team can influence the behaviours of the children and youth we support. Examine group values and beliefs as well as the processes related to effective team work. Explore creating a common mission, setting group goals and team building.

Prerequisite: Communication Skills in Behavioural Studies

Goals and Intentions of Behaviour
Explore factors that impact children and youth as they grow. Understand how these influences have contributed to current behaviours. Influences may be environmental (societal, abuse or neglect) or internal to the individual (organic, neurological, etc.)

Strategic Approaches in Behavioural Studies

Explore strategic approaches and interventions such as the Circle of Courage for managing challenging behaviours. Create reclaiming environments for children and youth with challenging behaviours.
Prerequisite: Goals and Intentions of Behaviour

Matching Behavioural Strategies
Examine techniques for matching strategic approaches and interventions. Consider factors such as environment, physical and mental health, and behavioural problems when managing challenging behaviours.
Prerequisite: Strategic Approaches in Behavioural Studies

Diversity Issues in Behavioural Studies
Canadian society is comprised of communities and groups with various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, each with its own unique perspectives, values and experiences. Become familiar with diversity issues, particularly in relation to children, youth and families. Topics include Aboriginal/First Nations, immigrants and refugees, and cultural competency.

Observing, Documenting and Recording Behaviours
The focus of this course is on observing, documenting and recording behaviour and events within the context of a practical setting. Determine how to identify the appropriate information and data to create an accurate documentation report.

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Student Testimonial

"This program has helped me to accomplish my dream of working with children with challenging and many types of learning styles. The facilitators were exceptional and were very helpful and knowledgeable about the courses. I would recommend to anyone wishing to work with children, that they take these courses to help better understand and care for our children in our society."

- Fern Trithart