Niagara Catholic District School Board

Program Details

The Childcare, Non-Profit, and Community Development SHSM program equips high school students with essential certifications and hands-on experience, preparing them for further education and meaningful careers in fields such as teaching, social work, early childhood education and community development within the non-profit and childcare sectors. Program features include:

A Bundle of Credits: Students must complete a bundle of nine senior credits, which includes:

·    Four major credits in Non-Profit, which can include courses in social sciences, humanities, and business studies 

• One English credit.

• One credit in mathematics.
• One additional credit in Business or Science, or an additional major credit.

*Sample Grade 11 and 12 Course Selections for College Bound Students Studying Education, Non-Profit, and Childcare 

*Contact Student Services at your school for course availability and planning support

Two Co-operative Education Credits related to the Education, Non-Profit, and Childcare sector. Apprenticeship, College, or Workplace bound students can take FOUR or more credits in co-op while fulfilling graduation requirements.

Certifications and Training: Students must complete sector-recognized certifications and training, such as:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C
• Standard First Aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Experiential Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through co-operative education placements, job shadowing, and field trips.

• Reach Ahead Experiences: Activities that connect students with their postsecondary goals, such as visits to colleges, universities, or workplaces.
• Sector-Partnered Experiences: Activities that involve working with industry partners to gain real-world experience.

Example of Experiential Learning 

An example of a field trip for a Non-Profit, Education, and Childcare Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) could include students touring a non-profit and meeting with various staff members, including program coordinators, volunteers, and the executive director, to understand different roles and responsibilities. Students participate in a hands-on workshop where students can contribute to a current project or initiative, such as organizing a community event or creating awareness materials.

Career Pathways in the Workplace, College, Apprenticeship, and University

Workplace Pathway:

Examples of careers include community outreach worker, fundraising coordinator, and program assistant.

College Pathway:

Examples of careers include social service worker, community development worker, and non-profit management technician.

University Pathway:

Examples of careers include teacher, social worker, public policy analyst, and non-profit organization manager.

Apprenticeship Pathway:

Examples of careers include community and social services apprentice, youth worker apprentice, and early childhood educator.

Sample of Elective Certifications within Non-Profit, Education, and Childcare SHSM