Non-Profit, Education and Child Care SHSM
Making a difference in people’s lives is rewarding—and it takes skill. Your Non-Profit, Education and Child Care SHSM prepares you to support communities, teach, and nurture growth in others. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada helps you develop your own potential while serving those around you.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Child development certifications, education training, behaviour management workshops, child care placements, and non-profit sector exposure.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my education and child care skills by spending about an hour each week on SHSM training in child development, communication techniques, and age-appropriate activities. I’ll track my progress through placement feedback and certifications.
Example Assessor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, ECE Supervisor, or Education Industry Partner
Example Log for ORB:
Today I learned about communicating with children ages 3-5, using simpler words and getting down to their eye level. I’m getting better at keeping instructions short and clear. Next week, I’ll practice planning and leading a short activity session.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Active play and movement games with children, outdoor recreation leadership, physical activities that model healthy living for young learners.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
For the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my ability to lead active play by spending about an hour each week on physical activities that I could use with children—things like movement games, outdoor activities, and fitness routines. I’ll track how my skills at leading and adapting activities improve.
Example Assessor:
Phys. Ed Teacher, Recreation Coordinator, or SHSM Lead Teacher
Example Log for ORB:
Today I practiced leading active games for different age groups, focusing on giving clear instructions and keeping everyone safe. I got better at adapting activities quickly when some children needed changes. Next week, I’ll plan an outdoor activity that encourages teamwork.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Volunteering at daycares, after-school programs, children’s libraries, non-profit organizations, and community education programs.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week at a daycare, after-school program, or community organization, working with children and building positive relationships. I’ll track how my communication and patience improve.
Example Assessor:
Daycare Supervisor, Program Coordinator, or Volunteer Manager
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped with a reading circle for kindergarten kids, using fun voices and asking questions about the story. I gave kids more time to answer and did better at encouraging the quiet ones to participate. Next week, I’ll plan a craft activity and practice giving step-by-step instructions.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
An education and community exploration where your team travels on foot to visit schools, community centres, non-profit organizations, and child-focused programs. You’ll learn about careers in education and social services, observe different teaching approaches, and reflect on how communities support learning and development.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey visiting at least four education or community service sites. We’ll interview educators and youth workers about their careers, observe different program approaches, and reflect together on what we learned about supporting young people and how we collaborated as a team.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Non-Profit Organization Coordinator, or Early Childhood Educator
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Visiting different education settings showed us how many ways people support children’s learning. We got better at listening carefully during our visits and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. Next time, we’d schedule visits in advance and prepare activities to share with the children we meet.
Career Pathways
- conference and event planners
- early childhood educators
- educational assistants
- social and community service workers
- accounting technicians and bookkeepers
- administrative officers
- business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
- facility operation and maintenance managers
- human resources professionals
- instructors of persons with disabilities
- other administrative services managers
- other business services managers
- social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- authors and writers
- business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
- elementary school and kindergarten school teachers
- managers in social, community and correctional services
- professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- secondary school teachers
- social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- conference and event planners
- general office support workers
- other administrative services managers
- program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
- receptionists
- social and community service workers
