Principles and Foundation of Youth Development
| Course code: | 25-SS-119 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | August 22 - December 5, 2024 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | Th from 10:00 AM to 12 N, 15 sessions |
| Hours: | 32.00 |
| Location: | VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center |
| Instructor: | Vaughn Garland |
| Fee: | $599.00 |
Description
Course Objectives:
- Understand the foundational principles and tools of positive youth development.
- Analyze the Strengths Finder Assessment Tool and its application in youth development practices.
- Recognize the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on youth development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of mental health first aid techniques applicable to working with youth.
- Identify and describe key characteristics essential for effective youth development.
- Create and maintain safe spaces conducive to youth growth and development.
- Utilize the Strengths Finder Assessment Tool to empower youth in identifying and leveraging their strengths.
- Implement Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices tailored for youth program professionals.
- Apply mindfulness practices to enhance the effectiveness of youth education and support.
- Develop inclusive strategies for working with LGBTQ+ youth populations.
- Examine historical contexts and health disparities relevant to youth development, including discriminatory practices and systems of oppression.
- Engage in community-based learning practicum and site visits to understand real-world applications of youth development principles.
- Reflect on experiences and lessons learned from community learning practicum activities.
- Integrate insights gained throughout the course to provide an overview of principles and foundations of youth development.
- Evaluate personal growth and development as a youth development practitioner through reflective practices.
Course Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles and tools of positive youth development.
- Apply knowledge of the Strengths Finder Assessment Tool to empower youth program staff in recognizing and leveraging their strengths.
- Evaluate the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on youth development and implement appropriate strategies for addressing trauma and adversity.
- Utilize mental health first aid techniques to provide immediate support and assistance to youth in crisis.
- Identify and describe key characteristics essential for effective youth development, including resilience, autonomy, and positive relationships.
- Design and implement safe and inclusive spaces that foster the growth and development of young individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices and mindfulness techniques into youth development programming to promote emotional well-being and resilience.
- Develop culturally competent strategies for working with LGBTQ+ youth populations, ensuring inclusivity and support.
- Analyze historical contexts and health disparities relevant to youth development, including discriminatory practices and systems of oppression.
- Engage in community-based learning practicum and site visits to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, demonstrating practical competence.
- Reflect on personal growth and development as a youth development practitioner, integrating insights gained throughout the course.
- Advocate for the holistic well-being of young individuals and contribute to positive youth development efforts within diverse communities.
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to tools of positive youth development. Intro to the Strengths Finder\ Assessment Tool (SFAT). Vaughn Garland, RichmondYDN with Susan Harding, VCU School of Education.
Week 2: Understanding ACEs as well as the structural context of trauma. Leigh Ann Breckerridge, VCU Department of Family and Community Health Nursing.
Week 3: Mental health first aid. Yolanda Hall and Octavia Marsh, Henrico Prevention Services.
Week 4: Characteristics of youth development. Yolanda Hall and Octavia Marsh, Henrico Prevention Services.
Week 5: Community learning practicum and site visit. TBD.
Week 6: Building safe spaces. Adrienne Cole Johnson, Chief of Family and Community Engagement, Henrico Public Schools.
Week 7: Prevention and Intervention Science / SFAT Touchpoint. Leanne Lytle, Communities In Schools of VA with touchpoint on Strengths Finder Assessment Tool from Susan Harding, VCU School of Education.
Week 8: Understanding Systems and Learning Ways for Access. LaDesha Batten, Anna Julia Cooper School.
Week 9: Mindful practices for educators. Misti Mueller, VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center.
Week 10: Community learning practicum and site visit. TBD.
Week 11: Working with LGTBQ+ youth. Jae Lange, Marsha and Marians Neighbors.
Week 12: History and Health. Logan Vetrovec and Anne Massey, VCU History and Health Program.
Week 13: Understanding Youth Homelessness and Housing Instability. Alex Wagaman and Advocates for Richmond Youth, VCU School of Social Work.
Week 14: Community learning practicum and site visit. TBD.
Week 15: Reframing Tools of Positive Youth Development. Tamice Spencer-Helms, Mentor Virginia.
Notes
This course includes a 2 hour orientation, 24 hours of coursework, and 6 hours of practicum experience.Each weekly session will require a submitted 300-word reflection of facilitation topics, discussion and site experiences. Sessions will be held in person at the Mary and Frances Youth Center. Depending on weekly facilitator needs, shared content may be offered online and as a hybrid model. A digital badge and certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion.
The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management is a noncredit certificate program and it is not designed for transfer, to apply credit towards another credential, or to meet licensure requirements.
Background Check Requirement:
As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment, a background check is mandatory for all individuals involved in youth engagement. Background checks are provided by VCU and Sterling Check. Following registration and prior to the start of the cohort in August, cohort members will receive instructions from Mary and Frances Youth Center staff on how to complete the necessary background check. Failure to complete this screening process, or the discovery of information that conflicts with the standards for successful youth engagement, may result in dismissal from the program. Background checks are required for on-site placements.
Attendance and Participation:
To successfully complete this noncredit certificate and earn the digital badge, cohort members are expected to actively participate in and attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of the weekly topics. Active participation includes engaging in discussions, completing weekly reflections, and contributing to group activities.
Course Questions? Should you have any questions about the course content, please reach out to ocpe@vcu.edu for assistance.
Instructor:
Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland has over twenty-five years as a Richmond-based educator, community builder, and artist in Richmond. His expertise spans youth education, program development, fostering community dialogue, and contributing to place-making initiatives. Currently serving as the Manager of Youth Education at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, a Virginia Commonwealth University department under the Division of Community Engagement, Garland earned both a Ph.D. and an M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has held positions in many of Richmond's non-profit arts and cultural organizations.
The Mary and Frances Youth Center is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all. Participants are subject to the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Requirements and Expectations Guidelines and Code of Conduct to ensure a positive and supportive experience. Failure to adhere may result in removal from the program and disqualification from receiving the certificate.
Removal Policy:
We are committed to supporting a rewarding experience and journey, which highlights and celebrates the strengths of all cohort members. Compliance with all program policies and the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management Requirements and Expectations Guidelines and Code of Conduct is mandatory. Failure to adhere may result in removal from the program and disqualification from receiving the certificate. Participants removed from a program or course for misconduct or non-compliance are not eligible for a refund. Participants have the right to appeal a removal decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within seven days of the removal notification and should include any supporting documentation or evidence.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
You may cancel your registration up until 14 days prior to the course start date, and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In cases of emergency or extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, family emergencies), participants may be eligible for a partial refund regardless of the timing. Documentation may be required.
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
Online registration is not available at this time. Please contact our office for seat availability, or alternative or upcoming course/event dates.
Contact: VCU Continuing and Professional Education, ocpe@vcu.edu, 804-828-1322
