COURSE CURRICULUM

The Child and Youth Care program at Sheridan offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support and empower young people effectively. Over six semesters, students engage in a variety of courses that blend theory, practical skills, and hands-on experience. In the first semester, foundational courses such as Anti-Oppression and Equity in Child and Youth Care Relational Practice, Fundamentals of Teams and Small Groups, Child and Youth Development, Relational Practice in the Life Space, and Child and Youth Care Foundations introduce students to core concepts and essential communication skills. The second semester deepens this knowledge with courses like Introduction to Trauma-informed Practice, Restorative Practices in Child and Youth Care, Applied Relational Practice in the Life Space, and Psychology Core Concepts, alongside preparation for practicum experiences. The third semester focuses on Mental Wellness in Child and Youth Care Practice, Creative Therapeutic Programming, and includes the first Field Practicum, supported by Professional Practice Issues coursework. Semesters four and five emphasize applied learning through extensive field practicums, totaling hundreds of hours, alongside courses on Working With Families, Professional Practice Issues, and Working with Trauma and Abuse. The final semester includes advanced coursework such as Current Issues in Child and Youth Care and Advanced Child and Youth Care, coupled with the culminating Field Practicum and professional practice seminars. Throughout the program, students also take General Education electives to broaden their understanding. This well-rounded program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical field experience, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of child and youth care with competence, empathy, and professionalism.