The CAGE Children and Youth Programs
Practicum Opportunity DescriptionThe Centre for Adapted Group and Individual Exercise (CAGE) is the child and youth component of The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement, a not-for-profit disability research facility at the University of Alberta, that provides fitness, motor skill development, health and lifestyle programs for people with disabilities.
Our clients
At present, the CAGE serves over 200 children and youth between 4 to 19 years of age with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities.
What we do
The objectives of the CAGE program are
- to provide opportunities for children and youth of all ability levels to participate in physical activity and fitness programs
- and to develop health and wellness while asserting their independence in a fun and social environment.
The Steadward Centre is committed to offering exceptional applied learning opportunities for students through hands-on experiences in an adapted physical activity environment.
We encourage students to become involved in the learning, discovery, and citizenship opportunities available through their practicum placements with the Centre.
- Direct service delivery in both individual and group programs will make up approximately 70 percent of practicum hours and will be completed with direct supervision and on-the-job training by full-time adapted physical activity instructors and the CAGE Coordinator.
- The remaining 30 percent of placement hours will allow students the opportunity to use their creativity and knowledge to develop a practicum project relevant to CAGE programming.
Our Commitment to you
As a practicum student with the CAGE, we will provide:
• Sufficient training and supervision for you to effectively carry out your responsibilities
• Opportunities that are challenging and yet within your range of abilities and interests
• Projects that have real purpose and value for our participants
• The opportunity to provide feedback on your learning experience
• A positive applied learning opportunity where you are able to use and build upon your current skill set
Responsibilities of Practicum Students
As a practicum student with the CAGE, you will contribute to the team in the following ways:
- Help facilitate exercise programs for youth with disabilities by teaching proper technique, making appropriate adaptations, monitoring progress to alter programs, and motivating youth with a creative, energetic approach.
- Observe and participate in motor skill development sessions and motor skill assessments.
- Provide feedback, activity suggestions, and implement strategies and ideas with the children.
- Assist with group fitness and skill development programs.
- Supervising children, assisting with sport and game play, and improving gross motor skills.
- Be actively involved in the following programs (depending on hours of availability):
- Summer
- instructional summer camps,
- athlete training workshops, activity sessions,
- drop-in fitness sessions
- Fall
- Teen Drop-in Night,
- Skate Challenge,
- Sport Sampler,
- Little Activators,
- Motor Skill Development sessions,
- and Athlete Mentorship Program.
- Some programs will require evening availability.
- Report to coordinator of children and youth programs and/or full-time adapted physical activity instructors in the absence of the coordinator.
- Attend weekly CAGE team meetings with coordinator and all instructors as well as monthly Steadward Centre staff meetings.
Summer Projects
Project | Learning Opportunities |
Handcycle Club | Assist in development and implementation of training sessions for junior athletes. Potential involvement in research pilot study. |
Spring Drop-in Sessions | Coordinate weekly drop-in activities for children and youth (ie. contacting guest instructors, booking space, leading activities, etc.). |
Summer Camps/Workshops | Program planning for instruction-based camps and workshops for children and youth with various physical activity themes (athlete development, motor skill instruction, sport and fitness). Lead role in program delivery. |
Community Week | Liaise with various community organizations and coordinate activities for group orientations in the CAGE. |
Fall Projects
Project | Learning Opportunities |
Skate Challenge | Assist in program development and delivery for instructional in-line skating and hockey program. |
Athletes In Training (AIT) | Assist in developing and leading training programs for junior development athletes. |
Group Programs | Involvement with group program planning and delivery for a variety of ages and abilities. Fall Programs include Teen Drop-in Night, Sport Sampler, and Little Activators. |
Newsletter Development | Lead role in gathering and compiling CAGE updates, pictures, and information for CAGE Chatter semi-annual newsletter. |
Motor Skill Development | Job-shadow and assist instructors in individual program development and one-on-one session delivery. Opportunity to create and lead activities for participants. Potential to assist with formal and informal motor skill assessments (ie. Movement ABC). |
Previous Experience
We require :
• Experience working with children and youth
• An understanding of exercise, sport, and fitness
• Basic knowledge regarding the characteristics of different types of disabilities
• The ability to work independently and in a team environment
• First aid and CPR is an asset but not required