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Life Skills is an indispensable training program for group leaders, coaches and facilitators delivering adult learning programs.
The Life Skills Coach Certificate training programs are rooted in the principles and philosophy of the Saskatchewan NewStart model of adult education and utilize the lesson plan as a template for designing experiential workshops that engage learners cognitively, physically and affectively.
1: Foundations of Life Skills Coaching
This five-day course provides the basic skills and tools to design and deliver meaningful, experiential Life Skills workshops. Participants who meet the course requirement will earn a Phase 1 Certificate.
What does this course offer?
By the end of this course participants will:
- understand their individual learning style
- improve their presentation skills
- understand the 6-step problem-solving strategy
- understand the stages of group development
- know how to adapt lesson content and facilitation skills to different group needs
Course Fee: $875 regular / $575 students
Course materials include The NEW Dynamics of Life Skills Coaching textbook.
2: Dynamics of Life Skills Coaching
This five-day course provides the skills to facilitate group dynamics, address disruptive group behaviour and build confidence as a professional group leader. It is recommended that participants accumulate 60 hours facilitating Life Skills groups before attending this program. A mandatory pre-requisite for this program is Phase 1 - Foundations of Life Skills Coaching.
What does this course offer?
By the end of this course participants will:
- understand the principles and application of the Life Skills model
- understand the structural components of lesson design
- be able to identify the impact of behaviour in groups
- understand appropriate interventions for challenging behaviour
- understand about the roles and responsibilities of Life Skills coaches
- create a path for continued professional development
Course Fee: $875 regular / $575 students

Who are these courses for?
- women and men
- professionals, students, consultants, trainers
- new and experienced group leaders in health care, social services, employment, youth, disabilities, corrections, human resources
- facilitators who want to improve their leadership skills and confidence
- group leaders who want to design and deliver their own workshops
- supervisors who want to improve group motivation and dynamics
- people seeking professional development
- students or professionals entering community or social work
Where?
Courses are offered throughout the country. Please see training schedule for details on courses and locations.
When?
Please see training schedule for details on courses and dates.
Who do I contact?
Lea Rideout, Program Administrator
416-531-3900 x270
416-531-3907 (fax)
1-866-460-5595 (Toll free number)
lifeskills@ywcatoronto.org
