COURSE CURRICULUM

The two-year Child and Youth Care diploma program at Vancouver Island University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with children, youth, families, and caregivers across diverse settings. In the first year, students complete foundational courses such as Child Development, Interpersonal Communication Skills in Therapeutic Contexts, Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care Practice, and Theoretical Foundations in Child and Youth Care, along with University Writing and Research and electives, totaling 30 credits. To progress to the second year, students must complete at least 24 credits including English 115. The second year deepens practical and theoretical knowledge with courses like Introduction to Family Development and Support, Activity-Based Child and Youth Care Practice, Child Abuse and Neglect Concerns, and a six-credit Introductory Supervised Practicum. Additional courses focus on Fundamental Counselling Skills, Relational Youth Work, Diverse Abilities in Child and Youth Care, and Trauma and Resiliency Across the Lifespan, alongside electives, again totaling 30 credits. The practicum experience is a key component, providing hands-on training and exposure to real-world settings. This program prepares graduates to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and promotes cultural safety and Indigenous ways of knowing, ultimately leading to a Diploma in Child and Youth Care and careers in a range of professional environments.