Please note:

Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of a leadership education grant and leadership travel grant. Apply online at ecegrants.on.ca.

About the program

This part-time, online certificate program is designed for busy professionals who are currently working with infant, child and adolescent populations with potential mental health challenges. Professionals who may benefit from this certificate include those currently working in the health care and/or community services with an interest in working with children. They will gain the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively work with infants, children or adolescents with complicated psychiatric disorders. The interactive, online courses in this program will focus on the developmental process, understanding psychiatric disorders and associated behaviours, risk factors and triggers, the identification of behaviours and symptoms, family relationships, and intervention and prevention strategies.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 3 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Explain cognitive and behavioural signs and symptoms and their continuous effect/influence on the behaviour and mental health of the infant, child, and adolescent.
  • Develop and implement basic strategies to effectively manage the common symptoms of mental health conditions seen in infant, child and adolescent populations.
  • Prepare a basic need's assessment of trauma, grief, loss and/or psychiatric disorder for an infant, child or youth in crisis.
  • Identify the stages of growth and development as well as basic needs for infants, children and adolescents with an emphasis on the critical periods in personality development.
  • Identify social role structure issues and their potential positive and negative influence on growth and development.
  • Explain preventative measures that promote the mental health and well-being of children and youth in their communities.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024