COURSE CURRICULUM

Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to prepare students for a rewarding career supporting children, youth, and families. In Semester 1, students build a strong foundation through courses such as Child Development, Introduction to Professional Skills, Community Resources and Legislation, Relational Child and Youth Care Practice 1, Group Dynamics, and College Reading and Writing Skills. Semester 2 deepens this foundation with courses like Core Competencies in Child and Youth Care, Adolescent Development, Family Dynamics, Interviewing and Counselling, and Workplace Writing Skills, along with a general elective. In Semester 3, students begin their hands-on training with Field Experience & Integrative Seminar 1 while exploring Therapeutic Activities Programming, Psychology of Mental Health and Illness 1, and Relational Practice 2. Semester 4 continues to build expertise through Response to Abuse, Human Sexuality, Relational Practice 3, Philosophies of Care, and Psychology of Mental Health and Illness 2, along with a course in the arts and sciences. Semester 5 includes Field Experience & Integrative Seminar 2, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings, supported by another general elective. In Semester 6, students take Issues in Child and Youth Care Practice and complete their final Field Experience & Integrative Seminar 3. Across the program, students engage in a progression of professional practice, theory, and self-reflection, building advanced relational and therapeutic skills. This curriculum equips graduates to respond to the emotional, mental, and social needs of children and youth with complex challenges, preparing them for meaningful careers in group homes, schools, youth shelters, and community programs.