If you have already obtained your Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification and you want to expand your knowledge, the Government of Alberta has recently approved five mental health courses for professional development funding (up to $1500/year).
MH200 Introduction to Mental Health - This introductory course addresses the basic Canadian mental health system. It provides the student the knowledge and skill set to identify mental illness at a basic level. This course examines the relationship between current and past theories and practices. As such, this course examines contemporary debates about poverty, inequality, marginalization, empowerment, homelessness, work related mental illness, substance abuse, sexuality and the role of the mental health practitioner. Pre/co-requisites: None
MH201 Infant & Toddler Mental Health - This course is designed to provide a foundation in the concepts and theories related to supporting infant/toddler mental health. This course explores infant/toddler mental health with a special focus on attachment theory. Students have the opportunity to learn specific strategies to promote healthy families in relation to supporting infant/toddler social emotional development. Pre/co-requisites: None
MH203 Understanding Trauma - This course is an introduction to many different forms of psychological trauma. It includes symptomology, long term and short term effects along with treatment options. It also explains in detail the trauma-informed model. Pre/co-requisites: None
MH205 Families & Community - This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge of factors influencing mental health in the family and the role of community. The focus of this course is to understand the complexity and diversity in families who must negotiate several factors that can impact the family member who has a mental illness. Other topics include assisting families to find strength and build resilience while navigating the mental health system and community resources. Pre/co-requisites: None
YC203 Counselling Techniques - This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the helping/counselling profession through the use of lectures, readings, class discussions and experiential activities. The focus is on developing and enhancing the necessary skills to interview individuals on a one-to-one basis. The course also focuses on the helping process, stages of counselling, basic counselling skills, counselling theories, practical application of theory, ethical issues, values, caregiver stress, burnout and self-care. Students explore their own values and beliefs and how these impact the helping relationship. Prerequisites: HS 42 & YC 102. Co-requisites: None
Please direct any questions you may have to Kelly Mazerolle at 780-853-8661 or hsacademic.advisor@lakelandcollege.ca