Youth Development Services, Certificate

Mission

The mission of the Social and Human Services Program is to provide the highest quality education to future and current Human Service Professionals with a learning environment that supports the development of culturally competent, compassionate, and accountable professionals. The Program prepares graduates who are dedicated to the autonomy, dignity, and diversity of the people they serve.

The Human Services Youth Development Services College Credit Certificate (CCC) is a shorter program of study that consists of select courses from the Social and Human Services Associate in Science Program, Youth Development Track. The CCC is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills for working in child, family and youth service occupations in community, school, residential and group environments. It provides a foundation for AA students who wish to pursue a higher degree in a related field or supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in the field of human services.

After successful completion of the Youth Development Services CCC, the student will be able to perform the following:

  1. Understand the importance of legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities.
  2. Display an understanding of a youth development approach in community-based, residential, group home and other youth worker environments.
  3. Examine the theories, principles and stages of typical human growth and development and the challenges of each stage.
  4. Demonstrate a general knowledge and understanding of community characteristics.
  5. Demonstrate a general knowledge and understanding of family dynamics.
  6. Understand how current social issues influence children/youth.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of principles and best practices of a developmentally appropriate youth program.

All courses in the Program are available fully online (no classroom attendance) or offered in a blended format (occasional classroom attendance). The Social and Human Services Program is an open enrollment program; upon admittance to the college, no additional application is required. The Youth Development Services, CCC can be completed in 3 semesters of part-time attendance if students begin in the Fall Semester. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Add this Certification to Your AA Degree

Students pursuing an AA degree can use their electives to earn the Youth Development Services Certificate. Adding this Certificate may give students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree a competitive edge in applying to Bachelor's degree programs in related fields (such as Social Work, Behavioral Healthcare, Child and Youth Studies, or Psychology). These students will have a solid foundation for future studies and will graduate from FSW with the training required to immediately begin working in the field of Social and Human Services.

Students interested in adding the Youth Development Services Certificate to their AA studies and/or pursuing a Bachelor's degree after graduation should consult with the Program's Student Success Advisor very early to avoid taking excess credit hours and to assist with transfer to other institutions. There are particular courses that are required for the bachelor's degree. These courses are outlined in the State Common Prerequisites Manuals. Additionally, the Social and Human Services Program has established articulation agreements and 2+2 Pathways to Success that allow students to transfer directly into Bachelor's degree programs in related fields. Contact the Student Success Advisor for more details.

Program Highlights

The Social and Human Services Program is always looking for ways to enhance the students learning experience. To provided the students with hands-on learning, Chip, an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog, recently joined the Social and Human Services team. Chip will be assisting with teaching courses and can be seen around campus participating in student support services.

Chip Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Chip

Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Co-Instructor for HUS 1001 sec 10F Introduction to Human Services

Program Contact Information

Cristy Estes, Ed.S., LMHC Program Director, Social and Human Services Email: Cristy.Estes@fsw.edu Phone (239) 432-7391

Janetta Mullins, MS, Program Coordinator, Social and Human Services Email: Janetta.Mullins@fsw.edu

Faculty Information

Adjunct Faculty

  • Ariella VanHara, LCSW
  • Timothy Lloyd, PhD, LMFT, BCBA
  • Susan Patti, M.Ed.
  • Cassandra Louden, LCSW
  • Virginia Rose, MSW