Explore our Youth Development Professional Certificate
The human services profession is undergoing changes as rehabilitation efforts shift toward prevention, early intervention and developing healthy children, families and communities. This certificate prepares para-professionals to work in this dynamic field and focus on working with children and youth.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2016 Employment
12,090
2026
14,090
Percent Change
17
Projected Job Openings
1720
SKILLS you learn in SPC's Youth Development Professional Certificate
- Human development stages
- Community outreach practices
- Behavior modification and management
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- Best practices
Youth Development Professional Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility
YDPF-CT
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2016 (520)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2016 (520), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Leadership Information
Dr. Cheryl Kerr
Program Director, kerr.cheryl@spcollege.edu
(727) 341-3736
kerr.cheryl@spcollege.edu
Dr. Joseph Smiley
Dean, Social/Behavioral Science & Human Services
727-712-5851
smiley.joseph@spcollege.edu
Program Summary
This certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in before and after school programs, group homes, residential treatment, youth clubs, recreation centers, and other related environments. Students are prepared to work in the field with a focus on quality standards and best practices in working with children and youth.
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:
o the recommended order in which to take the program courses
o suggested course when more than one option exists
o which semester each course is typically offered
o if the course has a prerequisite
o courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
If you are starting the program this term, click here to access the recommended Academic Pathway.
If you have already started the program, click here for the archived Academic Pathways.
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Florida CIP Code
0451159906: Youth Development Services
Federal CIP Code
51.1599: Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.
Job Related Opportunities
- Youth Counselor/Worker
- Recreation Leader
- Camp Counselor
- Case Management Aide
- Youth/Child Advocate
- Life Skills Instructor
Graduation Rules
Minimum grade of "C" required in all courses.
MAJOR CORE COURSES
CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION AT SPC
The Youth Development Professional Certificate transfers to our Social and Human Services Associate in Science Degree. The A.S. degree transfers to our bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration.
We also offer continuing education for health professionals.