Program Instructor:
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Courtney Lihatsh
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General Program Description:
The Human Services program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as early childhood development and elementary education, counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care, and consumer services.
In Human Services, you will use your skills in communication and problem-solving to provide support to families and individuals, from working in early childhood education to providing mental health services for all ages. This diverse career cluster allows you to work in a variety of settings, including schools, health care, respite care, and community organizations. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom and to begin work-based learning experiences in one of three on-site childcare centers, where they work with children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Students can then explore other related careers in their communities by partnering with industry professionals in various agencies and organizations.
Program Highlights:
If you like to work with people, you'll love Human Services. We have a creative, fun, and educational curriculum that prepares students for work in the diverse world of human services. Employability skills are an important part of our program and are practiced throughout the two-year program. You can spend part of your class time “at work” with the young children in our attached child care center. You can take a “baby” home with you. This may sound like fun and games, but life lessons are woven into your learning. You’ll see what it takes to be part of the Human Services workforce through observation and supervised, hands-on work.
Human Services I
Credit: 3 electives
Eligibility: students in grades 10-12
Prerequisites: none
Class time: full year; 7:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Level I Highlights:
In the first year of this two-year program, you will learn about careers in human services and skills for the workplace: communication, teamwork & people skills, human development across the lifespan, working with children, families & the elderly, substance abuse, mental illness, healthy relationships, and much more! You can join SkillsUSA, a student leadership organization. With this, you will take part in activities that promote individual growth and professional and leadership development.
Human Services II
Credit: 1 Social Studies and 2 electives
Eligibility: students in grades 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Grade of 70 or better in Human Services I
Class time: full year; 11:40 a.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Level II Highlights:
In the second year of the program, you will spend extensive time in the field working with professionals in your area of concentration i.e. education, social services, etc. Learning opportunities will be focused in these areas as well.
Dual Enrollment/Postsecondary Agreements:
Students have the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits through the Community College of Vermont. The following classes are available to students who meet basic skills policy requirements.
PSY 2020 - Infant & Toddler Development
This course explores the processes of human development from conception through 36 months of age. Emphasis is on the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of infants and toddlers. Topics include developmental theories and research, assessment tools, inclusion, and the design of curriculum for infants and toddlers.
EDU 1030 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course is an overview of early childhood education and the ways in which early childhood experiences can enhance the development of the whole child. Students will examine the provision of early education and services for children from conception to age eight. Topics include child development, national and state standards, curriculum development, early intervention, regulation, and career exploration.
EDU 1250 - Fostering Creative Learning for Children
Students will explore creativity in children’s lives and learning environments. Emphasis will be on the exploration and integration of the creative process in the learning situation. Introduces students to the concepts of creativity, materials selection, setting up, and modification of classrooms. Various approaches to teaching children will be discussed as they pertain to children’s age, development, and the arts, especially in a school setting.
COM 1015 - Communication in the Early Childhood Education & Afterschool Workplace
In this course, students will develop effective communication and relationship-building skills for early childhood education and afterschool workplace settings. The course focuses on building effective communication skills with parents, colleagues, children, youth, and community partners. Emphasis will be placed on active listening, observation, reporting, and the use of clear language in interpersonal and small group situations.
SWK 1010 - Introduction to Human Services
Topics include general categories of services and detailed exploration of specific agencies and programs, how they are organized, whom they serve, and criticisms of delivery of service. It also examines career opportunities and educational requirements in the human service field.
Career Opportunities
- Teachers
- Child advocate
- Paraprofessionals
- Mental health counselors
- Preschool teachers
- Child Life Specialists
- Social workers
- Substance abuse counselor
- Elder care providers
- Behavioral therapist
Industry Recognized Credentials
(Tier II)
- Child Development Associate
- ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (Levels 5, 6, or 7)
(Tier I)
- First Aid, CPR, and AED
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Mandated Reporter Training
(Draft)
Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Critical Proficiencies
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7xE-G7Iv16_JlZqssafdBPaER_qXcg0/view?usp=sharing
Program Advisory Committee
RVTC has long-standing partnerships with businesses and industry leaders through our advisory committees. The goal of these committees is to ensure our programs are meeting or exceeding industry standards.
- Sharon Ayer, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
- Karen Prior, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union
- Linda Randall, Burlington Technical Center
- Amelia Struthers, Community College of Vermont
- Courtney Wiese, Springfield School District
- Corina Wood, World of Discovery III
- Crissy Webster, Crissy Webster Counseling Services, LLC
- Jessica Robinson, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services
Post Secondary Opportunities
- Child Care - Certificate Program
- Associates of Arts Degree - Early Childhood Education (A.A.)
- Associates of Science Degree - Human Services
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Services
Quotes:
“This program made a difference in my life by opening my eyes to more opportunities. I have gained confidence and come to understand where I want to be careerwise in the future.” ~ Jessica
“This class has changed the way I look at children and myself. I have learned so much about human development and all of its aspects.” ~ Jody
Pre-Tech Foundations/Intro Course Description - Springfield High Only
Introduction To Human Services
½ credit
Instructor: Mrs. Lihatsh
How do relationships affect the quality of life? You will use knowledge and skills in human development and family studies to enhance personal development, foster quality relationships, and manage multiple adult roles. In small groups, you will examine careers in the human services cluster, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, and personal care services. Learn about real-life topics such as relationships and communication, career choices, budgeting and personal finance, establishing a household, nutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, and anything else you need to know – you just need to ask!!!