SCDA Course

School Career Development Advisor Training Program – SCDA

Do you have a Passion for Shaping Futures?

If you are on a mission to change the way young adults think about, plan and execute their career and life goals, then you can empower them to build the future they deserve. If you have a message that resonates with them, you can inspire them to create the future they want. If you have a way of connecting to their dreams and ambitions, you can help them make a difference in the world. If you have a way of making them feel more confident and successful, you can help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

In order to do so, you will need the right tools, knowledge, experience and certification.

This can be likened to the idea of being a contractor who was hired to build a house. If you want to get it done right, you have to know how to do it. If you are already a professional in the field, then you know that there are many factors to consider when installing new roofing, plumbing and electrical wiring etc. This is why, it is important to be the right professional for the job.

The successful completion of the School Career Development Advisor course while either being a school counselor, or taking the Facilitating Career Development training qualifies you to apply for certification as a Certified School Career Development Advisor (CSCDA). The CSCDA certification will prepare you to guide youth towards futures they never thought possible and empower them to achieve things they never thought they could achieve.

This credential is one of the only internationally recognized credentials for people interested in providing career facilitation and advising within schools. The credential was developed in partnership with the National Career Development Association.

Why is SCDA Certification Valuable?

As an SCDA program participant, you will learn the 12 career competencies. Your focus will be on what an SCDA is, what activities an SCDA can I implement in a K-12 setting, how to develop and grow business relationships, and how to determine and interact with important stakeholders.

Whether you take this training at home via live online sessions, or take it in the classroom with me, the training includes hands-on and interactive teaching methods and opportunities to interact with colleagues from various work settings. Each SCDA group explores the curriculum together and forms its support group to draw on after completing the class. The focus is to help you grow your local community connections and career program within a school.

You’ll develop the skills to meet Certified School Career Development Advisor (CSCDA) credentialing requirements. And you’ll be more attractive to prospective employers because they know you have met national standards and have developed a clearly defined scope of practice.

My previous SCDA students have enjoyed the course because they are able to add to their new or current career programs in schools.

Who is this Training For?

SCDA training can enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals who work in any type of career development setting. SCDA training can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with young adults who are preparing to enter the work force.

If you are currently in any one of the follow professions, then this program will give you the tools and knowledge needed to empower others to find the a career that is right for them.

Course Format

The 48-hour course consists of 6 weekly modules, with live online or in-person meetings over a period of six weeks. It is designed to prepare you for success in the growing field of career development based in a school. This course combines face-to-face video training with online learning to give you the skills you need to work in a school setting.

You’ll spend five online Zoom classes at night interacting with your instructor and peers. The remainder of the class is a combination of engaging online learning, discussions, and classwork.

Why Choose Mark Danaher as Your Instructor?

Mark has been empowering students and connecting educators with business for over 30 years. His experience as a School Career Development Advisor (SCDA) before it was called an SCDA makes him a true pioneer in this field. As a Master Trainer for the National Career Development Association’s (NCDA) SCDA program, Mark has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and bringing it to the next level.

Mark’s passion for empowering students and bridging the gap between education and business is evident in his extensive career. He has served as a Career & Transition Coordinator, Internship Teacher, Career Counselor, and Career Services Coordinator in various high schools, where he has successfully integrated career programs, established strategic partnerships with community businesses, and guided countless students toward meaningful careers.

As an instructor for the SCDA course, Mark brings his wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the training. Through his engaging 6 week course, which includes 10 hours of face-to-face time on Zoom, participants will comprehensively understand the SCDA objectives and teachings. Mark’s course covers essential topics such as Foundational Skills of the SCDA, Educational Collaborations and Best Practices, K-12 Career Development Programming and Assessment, Business Collaborations and Networks, Employability, and Credentialing Prep.

What truly distinguishes Mark’s course is his sharing many of his resources and lessons that he has successfully implemented in his own classroom teachings and workshops as an SCDA. Participants will gain from his 30-plus years of expertise in connecting business and educators, ensuring they receive practical, real-world insights that will boost their confidence and preparedness.

By enrolling in Mark’s SCDA course, professionals will enhance their skills in guiding students toward successful careers and gain eligibility to apply for the prestigious NCDA Certified School Career Development Advisor (CSCDA) credential. This industry-recognized certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of career development, fueling your ambition and professional growth.

Seize the unique opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced and respected SCDAs in the industry, Mark Danaher. Join his transformative SCDA course and become a catalyst for change in your students’ lives.

SCDA Courses Are Held Every September, January, and May!

Or this course can be taught to a group anytime your organization needs additional training.

SCDA MODULES

COST: $800.00. SCDA Student Manual is NOT included.

College credit is an additional fee ($435.00)

SCDA CLASS: May 13, 2024

FACE-TO-FACE DATES: May 13, 20, 28, June 3, 10 at 2:30 pm to 5:15 pm EST

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SCDA CLASS: June 17, 2024

FACE-TO-FACE DATES: June 17, 24, July 1, 15, 22 at 3 pm to 5:15 pm EST

Week 1: (Module 1)

Course Introduction, Learning, and Helping Skills for the School Career Development Advisor (SCDA). During this week, you will learn about the SCDA course works, the assignments, and the projects required to complete the course to be successful. You will receive an overview of how to access and use the Learning Management System to complete assignments and access each week’s learning information. This week you will learn about the key skills that will help you build trust and rapport with your clients. You will define the helping skills (including attending, listening, reflecting, and encouraging).

Construct open and closed-ended questions and ways to use them appropriately.

Week 2: (Module 2)

Ethics and the School Career Development Advisor (SCDA) professional. This week you will learn how to describe the importance of a professional code of ethics and determine which codes apply to SCDAs and ways to make an ethical decision. You will also

learn about the roles and responsibilities of an SCDA and how to create a culture of career development in the school and community. Developing and maintaining partnerships with businesses and your local community also a key skill you will learn. You’ll be shown how to develop, plan and run an advisory board, job shadowing, career fair, and internships.

Week 3: (Module 3)

Educational Focus K-12. You will work with K-12 students to learn how to describe key service delivery strategies for the application of helping skills, career guidance, and activities focused on the transition to post-secondary education. Review best practices for K-12 career assessment and recommendations for identifying potential barriers to the student’s career development process.

You will also learn about program management and how to design and conduct workshops and conduct groups.

Week 4: (Module 4)

Business Services and Networks. During this week, you will learn how workforce development and economic development are interdependent, and an essential part of business services.

Determine how to take a dual customer approach to address both job seeker and business needs.

Develop and deliver a business pitch in connecting with local community businesses.

You will determine how to take a dual customer approach to address both job seeker and business needs and explain strategies for responding to a demand-driven system.

You will learn and understand the value of developing business relations and networks for your program.

Week 5: (Module 5)

Employability and Labor Market Information. During this week, you will Identify components of the job search process.

Review and learn about the various labor market and career sites to help their students and themselves learn about their local community resources and jobs.

Describe the portfolio method for organizing self-knowledge for a job search. Explain the importance of a business/employer perspective for job seekers.

Describe the hidden job market and how to access it and how to deliver key power/essential skills needed by the students.

Learning Objectives

Helping Skills – You will be proficient in the basic career facilitating process, including productive interpersonal relationships.
Labor Market Information and Resources – You will understand labor market and occupational information and trends. They will know and be able to use and access current resources.
Assessment – You will comprehend and use (under supervision) both formal and informal career development assessments with emphasis on relating appropriate ones to the population served.
Diverse Populations – You will recognize the special needs of various groups and adapt services to meet their needs.
Ethical and Legal Issues – You will read and follow the CDF code of ethics and know current legislative requirements.
Career Development Models – You will understand career development theories, models and techniques as they apply to lifelong development, gender, age and ethnic background.
Employability Skills – You will know job search strategies and placement techniques, especially in working with specific groups.
Training Clients and Peers – You will prepare and develop materials for training programs and demonstrations.
Program Management/Implementation – You will understand career development programs and their implementation and work as a liaison in collaborative relationships.
Promotion and Public Relations – You will know how to market and promote career development programs with staff and supervisors.
Technology – You will comprehend and use career development computer applications.
Consultation – You will accept suggestions for performance improvement from consultants and supervisors.