Human Services Foundation
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Program Overview
Human Services Foundation is a one-year certificate program that provides a broad education in understanding human behaviour. Students will learn strong interpersonal skills, theoretical models of behaviour, client service strategies, and written and verbal communication skills. Graduates of this program will be prepared to advance or supplement their education.
Program Details
Program Code
HSF1
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
If you are passionate about helping people, Fanshawe’s Human Services Foundation program can introduce you to the many career options in human and community services. This preparatory program will provide a balanced education that helps give you the right skills, knowledge, and experience to succeed in college and in a competitive job market.
As a student in our Human Services Foundation courses, you’ll enjoy a combination of classwork and presentations from human services workers, while learning about community services and career programs. You will have the opportunity to observe professionals working on-site, for real-life understanding of a career in human services. This program provides an up-close and comprehensive view into this diverse and rewarding field. With your human services certificate and learning, you can be sure that you’ll be able to find the career path that is right for you.
This program gives you excellent preparation – and extra consideration – if you are planning on entering any of Fanshawe’s Human Services career programs like Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Service Worker, Developmental Service Worker, or Recreation and Leisure Services, among others. If you plan on moving on to university, a 3.0 or better GPA in this program will put you in great position for acceptance, as it provides you with the development of academic skills and strategies to enhance your success.
The Human Services Foundation program uniquely offers an almost entirely textbook-free curriculum.
Graduates from the Human Services Foundation program will be eligible for 1-3 course exemptions for each of the career programs, offering the advantage of a lighter course load while retaining full-time student status.
The Human Services Foundation courses provide an engaging and broad education in understanding human behaviour, developing professionalism, cultivating self-awareness, building leadership abilities, learning job-ready skills, and interpersonal skills. This program serves as a foundation for preparing students to be successful in college and in specific people-oriented career programs. Basic academic coursework relevant to human services and a Silex experience in a human services setting combine to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of helping. By joining the HSF program, you will learn to help others, make a difference, and become more self-aware.
Career Information
Fanshawe’s Human Services Foundation program introduces students to the many career options they can pursue in the human and community services sector. Graduates will be prepared to enter programs such as:
- Child and Youth Care
- Early Childhood Education
- Recreation and Leisure Services
- Social Service Worker
- Developmental Service Worker
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Human Services Foundation program:
Community Support Associate
Determines initial and continuing eligibility for individuals in receipt of community support programs, completing all necessary supporting documentation.
Relief Child and Youth Worker
Counsel residents, provide educational support services and participate in resident assessments.
Day Camp Counselors
Supervise activities to ensure the care, safety and security of day camp participants during program hours.
The Human Services Foundation Program provided direction for me when I was directionless. After struggling emotionally and academically in high school, I doubted whether college was an option for me. All I knew was that I wanted to contribute to making the world a better place by supporting others. So, when I heard about the Human Services Foundation program, I knew that it was the perfect way to find out what I was capable of and to learn what pathways were available to me. This program taught me to believe in myself and showed me all the opportunities that community services had to offer. It allowed me to find my passion and led me to the life I was always meant to live.
Allycia K. Longfield (she/her)
Student: Child and Youth Care Program Level 5
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
1. Discuss the roles, responsibilities, career opportunities, academic and personal requirements for success in the Community Services and Child Studies field.
2. Apply culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills to support team functioning in academic and professional settings with the ability to engage in self-reflection.
3. Explain major theoretical models of behaviour associated with the study of psychology.
4. Apply the appropriate Client service strategies according to client behaviour/preference.
5. Select the Community Services and Child Studies field best suited to personal and career interest.
6. Explain how academic strengths, needs and personal health factors affect success and wellness in a college environment.
7. Utilize written and verbal communication skills specific to the Community Services and Child Studies field.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator
Chantell Carreiro
Admission Requirements
OSSD (with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream), or equivalent, or mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
Note:
Successful completion of the Human Services Foundation program enables students to be given additional consideration when applying for competitive programs in the School of Community Studies.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Family Studies (C), (M), or (O) OR General Social Science (M) AND any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Health and Physical Education courses (C) or (O)
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Students should develop personal responsibility and leadership traits by participating in school and social organizations which are concerned with helping people
- Work or volunteer experience in a human service field is important
- Ability to communicate and work in groups is essential
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BSCI-1252 | Leadership in Community Studies | 3 | ||
| This course will assist students gain a greater awareness and understanding of their own personal attributes and fit for the community studies field. There will be a focus on personal development and the understanding of leadership styles. Students will become more aware of their behaviours, attitudes, and values as they learn to improve their leadership and communications skills. | ||||
| SKLS-1024 | College Orientation Skills | 3 | ||
| This course will help the student to become successful in a post-secondary environment. Students will develop skills and strategies associated with academic preparation (including essay writing and presentation skills). The focus on critical thought is an essential component for this course. The exploration of college services will also be addressed. | ||||
| PSYC-1113 | Psychology-Intro | 3 | ||
| Psychology is the study of who we are and why we do what we do. This course is an introduction to understanding ourselves and others. The student will learn to view the human experience from a variety of perspectives. | ||||
| SKLS-1027 | Digital Literacy-Intro | 3 | ||
| This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop their professional presentation skills through a variety of activities. Students will develop professional digital literacy skills through computerized application. Students will produce professional multimedia presentations, spreadsheets and word processed documents using Microsoft technologies. These skills will be demonstrated through oral and written presentations. | ||||
| DEVL-1050 | Discovery of Community Studies Careers | 3 | ||
| Students will be introduced to a variety of Community Studies careers. By reflecting on presentations from guest speakers, students will determine their interest, suitability and available pathways regarding the professions of Early Childhood Education, Developmental Social Work, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Work, and Child and Youth Care. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the importance of interprofessional practice while supporting people from vulnerable populations. | ||||
| BSCI-1254 | Developing the Professional Persona | 3 | ||
| Students will have an opportunity to explore key professionalism values and soft skills related to the field of community studies. They will start to define themselves as professionals in the helping field as they are introduced to ethics and standards for employment. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.