Certificate in Family Supports
Family Supports
The Certificate in Family Supports provides individuals with skills and knowledge to
support families in a rapidly changing society. It will appeal to individuals who work
with families in a wide range of settings, such as family resource programs, early
learning and care programs, community agencies, schools, religious institutions,
and the workplace.
Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang
Family support practitioners who are
School of Continuing Education, in partnership
enrolled in the certificate program help
with the School of Early Childhood Education
families flourish in a variety of locations:
and the School of Nutrition, has designed an
• family life education programs
interdisciplinary program that will prepare you
• family resource and support programs
to work as a confident, effective professional in
• early learning and care programs
this socially vital field.
• Military Family Resource Centres
• Best Start and Ontario Early Years Centres
What You’ll Learn
• Parent Link Centres
All courses are university-level undergraduate
• community agencies
courses. Since it began, our program has
• schools
followed a wellness model of service within
• faith-based organizations
a community development perspective. It
• Community Action Program for Children
promotes a holistic, inclusive, and practical
approach to families and communities and
draws on a number of disciplines related
(CAPC)
• Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Programs (CPNP)
families. Family-life diversity means
Why study with The G. Raymond
Chang School of Continuing
Education?
understanding and valuing the similarities and
The Chang School is Canada’s leading provider
differences between and within family types.
of university-based adult learning. Thousands
You’ll be exposed to the key issues faced by
of people from every walk of life turn to us to
family support practitioners.
help them get ahead in their chosen careers.
to human services and education. We
acknowledge the diversity of contemporary
We can offer you an essential combination of
Who should register in our program?
The Chang School’s Certificate in Family
theoretical and applied learning.
Supports is designed for family life educators
Flexible, Accessible Learning
and family support practitioners who want to
As a student of The Chang School, you can
take their knowledge and skills to a higher level.
choose the learning modes that best suit your
In addition, those who volunteer with families
schedule. For example, those in the Toronto
in the community are welcome to enroll in these
area have the opportunity to take most courses
courses. Whichever path you take, you will learn
on campus. All courses, with the exception of
how to combine theory and real-life experience
the elective CVFS 400, are offered by distance
in order to help people enhance their lives.
education. Ryerson also welcomes opportunities
Students at Ryerson University take many of
to discuss new options for providing courses
these courses as a part of a Family Supports and
away from the Toronto campus.
Community Practice Minor as well.
Individuals seeking admission to the program
substitution form signed by the program
must have one of the following:
coordinator, one related Ryerson professional
• an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
course from Early Childhood Education,
with six OAC credits or Grade 12 U
Nutrition, Child and Youth Care, Social Work,
or M credits, or equivalent
or Gerontology, or equivalent.
• mature student status
Admission also requires a phone or in-person
interview to ensure the program meets your
career-oriented learning needs.
Certificate Requirements
The successful completion of six courses, with
a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or
higher, is required for the certificate.
Required Courses:
• Contemporary Family Issues (CVFS 401)
• Family Support Theory and Practice
(CVFS 403)
• Program Planning and Evaluation (CVFS 404)
Electives Group A (select two):
• Group Dynamics and Interpersonal
Communication (CVFS 400)
• Families Power and Social Change (CVFS 402)
• Guiding Children’s Development (CVFS 406)
• Community Development (CVFS 407)
• Practicum/Project (CVFS 408)
• Community Collaborations (CINT 920)
Electives Group B (select one):
Students will choose one course from the
following:
Future Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2014
Contemporary Family Issues (CVFS 401)
In Class: May 6–June 17, 2014
Duration: 39 Hours
Families, Power and Social Change
(CVFS 402)
In Class: May 5–June 18, 2014
Duration: 39 Hours
Practicum/Project (CVFS 408)
Distance: Internet
May 3–July 26, 2014
Duration: 39 Hours
Urban Community Development (CINT 917)
In Class: Monday, April 28–Friday, May 2, 2014
Duration: 39 Hours
Community Collaborations (CINT 920)
Distance: Internet
May 3, 2014–July 26, 2014
Duration: 39 Hours
1. An additional course from Elective Group
A (above), excluding courses that are
already completed.
2. One Interdisciplinary Studies (CINT) course.
3. One Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
Management (CINP) course.
4. With the submission of an approved course
substitution form signed by the program
coordinator, one Ryerson Psychology,
Sociology, Philosophy, or Politics course, or
equivalent.
For More Information
To discover where learning can lead you, and for full admission, registration, and scheduling details,
please consult www.ryerson.ca/ce/familysupports or contact The Chang School.
E-mail: ce@ryerson.ca
Phone: 416.979.5035
www.ryerson.ca/familysupports
5. With the submission of an approved course
Certificate in Family Supports
Admission Requirements