HIGH FIVE® is Canada's quality standard for recreation and leisure programs. It was founded in 2001 by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) as a national standard for children’s recreation programs. 

HIGH FIVE not only provides recreation professionals with training, but also gives organizations program assessment tools, policies and procedures, and resources to raise awareness about the component parts of operating successful programs.

Since then, the standard has evolved to include training on several of other factors including mental health, competitive sport programs, and healthy aging.

 HIGH FIVE = Happy & Healthy Children! 

HIGH FIVE is the only recognized certification for recreation and sport in Canada based on the Five Principles of Healthy Child Development for children aged 4-12 years. HIGH FIVE helps organizations enhance the quality of their children's programs and provide positive experiences for children.

The HIGH FIVE vision is that through sustained involvement in quality programs, all children aged 4-12 are experiencing healthy development. By becoming certified through a HIGH FIVE course or becoming a HIGH FIVE Registered Organization, you can ensure that children throughout BC have positive and welcoming recreation experiences that enables them to thrive. Recreation experiences have a life-long impact on children. 

Commit to healthy child development and make a difference with HIGH FIVE. 

We’ve now made it quicker and easier than ever to certify your staff!

Flexible certification process both in-person and online!

Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD) 4-hour is an essential certification program that provides a high-quality in a more efficient way. PHCD 4-hour ensures your staff can implement the HIGH FIVE principles as soon as they finish the course.

PHCD 4-hour learners also gain FREE access to 4 modules:

1. Healthy Minds for Healthy Children
2. Communicating with Empathy
3. Introduction to Conflict Resolution
4. Planning Quality Programs