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Child and Youth Care

A happy student in a red Loyalist sweatshirt is standing outside holding a large multicoloured tarp.

Child and youth care practitioners offer life-changing support to vulnerable children, youth and their families. As a child and youth care practitioner, you have the opportunity to help youth find their own voice and make a profound difference in their lives.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Child and Youth Care
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
Five semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
44.0702

Find your career

Child and youth care practitioners work front-line with children, youth and their families as part of a multi-disciplinary teams. 

Settings include: 

  • School-based programs 
  • Child welfare and protection 
  • Group homes and residential treatment facilities 
  • Community mental health and children’s mental health programs 
  • Youth outreach centres 
  • Community-based child and youth development programs 
  • Home-based care and treatment 
  • Parent education and family support 
  • Hospital-based services 
  • Youth justice programs 
  • Private practice 
A headshot of Bradley Dall-Smith, a CYC student, in a red Loyalist sweater. He's holding two thumbs up and in the background is a wooded forest.

My experience with the CYC program has been phenomenal! The professors go above and beyond to ensure we are grasping the knowledge and relating it to both ourselves and the field of child and youth care. They have given me the ability and support I needed to discover who I am, and that knowledge is something I would never trade. This program has a way of bringing passionate people together – as we call it, “Our CYC family.”

Bradley, Child and Youth Care, 2023

Our grads get great jobs

  • Child and Youth Worker, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board 
  • Enhanced Support Worker, Military Family Resource Centre 
  • Program Manager, Applewood Academy 
  • Child and Youth Service Worker, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services Agency 
  • Direct Support Professional, Community Living 
  • Professor of Child and Youth Care, St. Clair College 
  • Manager, Children’s Mental Health Services, Belleville 
  • Enhanced Support Worker, Abigail’s Learning Centre 
  • Child and Youth Counsellor II, Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health 
  • Child and Youth Worker, Children’s Mental Health, Belleville 
  • Program Manager, Boys and Girls Club 

Is it for you?

Child and Youth Care Practitioners support people to live their best lives. To do this, they need: 

  • Empathy and good people skills 
  • The ability to be open minded, accepting and non-judgmental 
  • A strong desire to help others 
  • A willingness to learn 
A headshot of Prashaani David Harris, a CYC student, wearing a red Loyalist sweater. In the background is a wooded forest in winter.

Being in the CYC program for almost a year now, I couldn’t be happier that I chose Loyalist. The small class size has allowed me to build close friendships with my peers, while being known and supported by my professors. At Loyalist, you are not just a student number, you are known by name, encouraged and valued, characteristics that are key as a CYC! Growing up in Toronto, I hesitated to move to Belleville, but I have found a sense of home here and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Prashaani, Child and Youth Care, 2023

How you'll learn

This program is delivered in five semesters, including a final block placement. It is completed in an accelerated program structure, allowing students to graduate with an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in less than two calendar years. 

Experiential learning 

  • Prepare for a rewarding career helping young people by engaging with them in their everyday lives, building on their strengths, and empowering them to make positive changes. 
  • Participate in engaging and relevant learning experiences that prepare you for the child and youth care field. Develop the required knowledge, a rich skillset, and a strong sense of self through learning in both classroom and practicum settings. 
  • Caring faculty guide learners in developing relational skills and a deep understanding of the wide variety of issues that young people face today. 
  • Explore the impact of mental health issues, trauma and loss, abuse, violence and poverty on children, youth, and families and learn how to provide inclusive, non-judgmental support to young people from varied backgrounds. 
  • Loyalist graduates are eligible for professional certification with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care. 
  • Learners connect with the local community through practicum experiences, field trips, and class guests sharing professional knowledge and lived experiences. 
  • Enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio which allows for discussion-based and active learning opportunities. 
  • Portfolio development offers students one-on-one time with faculty who guide them in setting and achieving their educational goals. 
  • Personalized guidance from the CYC Practicum Coordinator assists in finding practicum opportunities based on each learner’s career aspirations. 
  • During their time in the program, students can earn industry-valued certifications to add to their professional portfolios, including Triple P Parenting, Living Works START suicide prevention, and DLE (Daily Life Events). 
  • Authentic learning opportunities and practical workplace experience build confidence in our students and strengthen community partnerships. Students have completed practicums in elementary and secondary schools, specialized classrooms, Bayfield Treatment Centres, Quinte Children’s Homes, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Quinte West Youth Centre, and Children’s Mental Health, among other organizations. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Faculty with a depth of knowledge in the field share their insights based on current evidence-based practices.
  • Professors have worked extensively in individual, group and family counselling, crisis intervention, inpatient mental health programs, restorative practices, alternative education, behavioural therapy for children and youth, critical incident impact assessment, and evidence-based interventions concerning sexually aggressive behaviour. 
  • Learn from teachers’ personal experiences working in mental health and educational settings; correctional and residential treatment facilities; the Children’s Aid Society; Hospital for Sick Children, international experiences; and ongoing private practice 
  • Highly qualified faculty have experience providing clinical supervision for front-line Child and Youth Care Practitioners. They possess industry certifications including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Instructor; Trauma and Loss School Specialist; Restorative Practices Trainer; Personality Dimensions; Intercultural Communication, Daily Life Events (DLE) Trainer, Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training 
  • Community partnerships support our faculty in facilitating authentic learning opportunities, fostering academic goals and career planning 

Peer mentors 

Loyalist CYC recognizes the importance of feeling like you belong and that you can easily access supports when needed. Faculty work hard to help learners feel connected and cared for. Another layer of support comes from our unique CYC-specific peer mentor program. Select second-year CYCs act as peer mentors to help us welcome incoming students and provide encouragement and support throughout their first year. Peer mentors help incoming students feel comfortable in their new learning environment and share advice based on their own experiences in the program. Peer mentors are another essential support to help us build a strong and welcoming CYC community. 

Courses

CADW1003 Child & Youth Development

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and youth. This course is designed to equip learners with a deep understanding of the factors that influence development, the theories that explain these processes, and how we may enhance protective factors and reduce risk factors related to developmental outcomes.

CYWP1001 Foundations of Child & Youth Care

This course is an introduction to the field of Child and Youth Care. Students explore the historical roots of the profession, the professional role of the Child and Youth Care practitioner and the scope of practice in the field. An examination of the theoretical approaches in the field will introduce the learner to guiding principles for their practice, including using strength based and ecological approaches to build relationships and enhance supports for children, youth and families.

COUN1033 Helping Relationships

This course explores the fundamental therapeutic engagement skills utilized in the field of child and youth care. Skills essential for effective therapeutic interventions with children and youth include: building therapeutic rapport, active listening, questioning, seeking concreteness, and empowerment. This course puts theory into practice, incorporating extensive use of experiential role-plays in order to develop, practise, and improve one’s therapeutic engagement skills with children and youth.

CYWP1010 Self in CYC Practice

This course explores elements of the self that impact child and youth care practice, including strengths, interests, personality, culture and opportunities for personal growth. The course facilitates the development of skills in reflective practice, utilizing self-care strategies, effective teamwork and conflict resolution. Effective use of the self in CYC practice is woven throughout the course.

CYWP1009 Supporting Change

This course explores principles of learning theory to observe, assess and support changes in behaviour. Principles of change theory are introduced to assess individual readiness and enhance motivation to change. Goal setting is used to create meaningful changes in behaviour.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

CYWP1013 Building Resilience

This course explores behaviour from a pain-based framework, utilizing the Circle of Courage to address risk and resilience. Learners will explore the universal needs of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity and develop skills in assessing and enhancing support for children, youth, and families. Focus on a restorative approach to building community and repairing harm will be used and learners will explore their role in supporting youth through crises and high-risk behaviours.

CYWP1012 Childhood Mental Health

This course explores mental health literacy in the Child & Youth Care field, building on prior learning about development and the foundations of child and youth care practice. The focus is on mental health diagnoses affecting children, youth and families, most notably the diagnoses that first appear in childhood. The course explores both theory and practice in relation to supporting children’s mental health and well-being.

CYWP2010 Legislation for CYCs

This course examines the development, purpose and philosophy of legislation that governs the lives of children, youth and their families. Agencies and resources which enact the legislation to protect the rights and responsibilities of children, youth and their families will be introduced. The Child & Youth Care practitioner role as advocates for children's rights will be introduced.

PROF1028 Professional Practice

This course is foundational in preparing students for practicum experiences in upcoming semesters, including exploration of opportunities, benefits and expectations in CYC practicum environments. The course initiates a framework and support for learners to develop a professional e-portfolio; reflecting on strengths, life experiences, prior learning, and the development of child and youth care competencies. Learners will continue to build on their portfolio throughout their time in the CYC program, with support and guidance from faculty. Prerequisite: CYWP 1001, CYWP 1009

CYWP1014 Therapeutic Interventions

This course provides students with fundamental skills in understanding the relationship between recreational and therapeutic programming to health and wellness and in achieving goals. Learners will gain experience in planning and implementing programming based on presenting needs and developmental levels of children and youth. Learners will develop a “toolbox” of intervention strategies that are practical, relevant, and easy to use with children and youth in a variety of settings.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

CYWP2009 CYC Practice with Families

This course guides students to apply a child and youth care approach to work with families. It will introduce learners to current evidence-based practices for assessing, supporting and intervening with families. Case studies provide opportunities to practice assessing family systems for strengths and challenges and to develop a plan for intervention. In addition, students become familiar with community resources they will access while supporting families as a child and youth worker.

CYWP2008 Engaging Youth

This course will support learners to engage with youth to identify and address societal issues that impact their lives. Learners will be eligible for certification in The Purposeful Use of Daily Life Events (DLE). DLE training focuses on the use of teachable opportunities in everyday moments with children and youth. Learners will examine their work with youth from a relational CYC approach including being with, doing with and interpreting work with youth.

PROF2014 Integrative Seminar 1

This course provides discussion, coaching, and opportunities for exploration of issues, counselling strategies, and intervention methodologies conducive to the needs of individual children or youth in specialized settings. Prerequisite: PROF 1028 Co-requisite: WKPL 2021

WKPL2021 Practicum 1

This placement provides students with the opportunity, under supervision, to plan and implement counselling and specialized programming conducive to the needs of individual children or youth and the specialized setting. Prerequisite: PROF 1028 Co-requisite: PROF 2014

CYWP2007 Protecting Children, Youth, and Families

This course examines the complex dynamics surrounding child abuse, including witnessing violence within the home. Learners will explore the impact of abuse on children, families and communities and the various interventions and prevention strategies aimed at addressing this critical social problem. A strength-based and relational approach to our understanding and support of children, youth and families will be utilized. Prerequisite: CYWP 1010, COUN 1033

CYWP2002 Service Delivery Process

This course will examine the Child and Youth Care service delivery process, and the skills required for effective documentation. This includes the written and verbal communication skills specific to each phase of the treatment plan: intake; plan of care; progress reports; note taking and discharge plans. An overview of the service delivery and documentation process in residential, school-based and mental health settings will be included.

CYWP2006 Youth Mental Health

This course is designed as a continuation of Childhood Mental Health. The content focuses on mental health of adolescence and young adulthood. Students learn to recognize symptoms and understand treatment approaches for mental health issues, as well as theories related to cause. Areas of focus include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse and others. Understanding stigma, the Child and Youth Worker role, community supports and the assessment process will be common threads throughout the course.

CYWP3000 Advocacy

The role of Child and Youth Care practitioners in using their special knowledge of children/youth’s needs to protect the rights of children and youth is increasing. This project-based course facilitates students to build skills and knowledge in serving children youth and families from an anti-oppressive, rights and strengths based approach. Various levels of advocacy will be explored including client and systemic advocacy, self-advocacy, community education, and improving access to resources. The course guides students to prepare and deliver an advocacy project which makes best use of their self as a CYC. The course uses relevant legislation and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as the basis for advocacy.

SOCI3002 Developing Cultural Humility

This course explores culture in many ways, with an aim to develop cultural humility for effective child and youth care practice. Focus will be put on increasing understanding of one's own and other cultural backgrounds, developing cultural humility in CYC practice, and allyship. Connections with various cultural groups in the local community enrich and deepen the learning experience.

COUN3001 Facilitating Groups

This course builds on fundamental relational skills developed in Helping Relationships to support students to develop and facilitate group program sessions for children and youth. Facilitation skills will be developed through theoretical discussions, video demonstrations and practical lab applications in role play scenarios.

PROF2015 Integrative Seminar 2

This seminar provides advanced discussion and leads learners to employ a variety of critical thinking skills necessary to integrate theory with practice. Examination of potential strategies and actual intervention methodologies will be examined. Co-requisite: WKPL 2022

WKPL2022 Practicum 2

This placement supports students, under supervision, to integrate theory with practice. This course includes an emphasis on working with children, youth and their families in specialized settings. Co-requisite: PROF 2015

PSYC3001 Trauma Informed Care

This course examines the principles and practices essential for understanding and implementing trauma-informed care with children and youth and within professional and caregiving contexts. Learners will gain a deep understanding of the impact of loss, chronic stress and trauma on individuals and communities, along with the tools and strategies needed to create safe, supportive and healing environments.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL2063 Practicum 3

In this final practicum, learners will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills regarding the competencies required of the graduate Child and Youth Care Practitioner. With faculty support, learners will self-reflect and assess their performance and actively seek feedback to continue to learn and progress. Prerequisite: CYWP 1014, CYWP 2010, PROF 1028, CYWP 2002, CYWP 2006, CYWP 2007, CYWP 2009, COUN 3001, CYWP 3000, PROF 2015, PSYC 3001, SOCI 3002, WKPL 2022, PROF 2014, WKPL 2021, CADW 1003, COUN 1033, CYWP 1001, CYWP 1009, CYWP 1010, CYWP 1012, CYWP 1013

*Courses subject to change.

At a playground, a student is smiling while giving a high five to a child in front of them. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, and 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Additional requirements 

  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check; required prior to first practicum (semester three) 
  • Some placements require Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification. It is recommended that all students complete this certification; information about specific placement requirements may be obtained through the field placement coordinator 
  • Prospective students with identified needs or limitations that may affect their practicum or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with faculty prior to admission 

Advanced standing 

  • Direct entry into year two is available to applicants with a diploma in Social Service Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Early Childhood Education, General Arts and Science with a social studies focus, Justice Studies, or a relevant university degree. Learn more about credit transfer and advanced standing.  
  • A minimum 60 percent overall average is required. 
  • Applicants with other post-secondary credentials will be assessed on an individual basis. 
  • Please book some time to meet with the program coordinator for more details or to determine the length of your customized learning experience. 

Direct Entry 

Are you a graduate of a human services program? If yes, you may qualify for direct entry into semester three of our five semester program! Learners accepted into our direct entry program can now receive a three-year advanced diploma in just one calendar year! Learn more about program pathways.  

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.  

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Two students stand in a gym smiling in front of a professor who holds a clipboard. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.  

 

Expand your qualifications at Loyalist 

  • Accelerated studies may be available in the Social Service Worker (SSWA) program; please contact the coordinator to discuss 
  • Earn a double diploma in another College program, in as little as two semesters 

The Purposeful Use of Daily Life Events 

Learners in the Child and Youth Care program at Loyalist College are eligible for participation and certification in The Purposeful Use of Life Events (DLE) training developed specifically for the CYC field by Thom Garfat, PhD (Canada), in collaboration with John Digney, PhD (Ireland), and Leon Fulcher, PhD (New Zealand). This two-day workshop style training helps learners become more intentional and effective in their daily interactions with children, youth, and their families. DLE captures the powerful opportunities in everyday moments and events in a young person’s life and how we can use these moments to help young people and/or families move toward their goals. Essentially, DLE allows us to use a relational approach while making every moment meaningful in our support of children, youth, and their families. 

What employers say

“Strong relationship building skills. Excellent flexibility in thinking. A commitment to the profession. This is what we have seen in the Loyalist CYC grads that we have hired.”
Jeffrey J. Waplak, MA, RP, Clinical Director 

 

“Our relationship with the Child and Youth Care program at Loyalist College has become integral to our organization’s recruitment strategy. Loyalist graduates are exceptionally well prepared for a career in working with this province’s most challenging and vulnerable children and youth.”
Todd Powell, Director of Residential Services
Bayfield Treatment Centres

 

“We hire Loyalist Child and Youth Care graduates as we value their flexibility, strong work ethic, and community knowledge base. As an organization we strive for diversity in many ways and having a complement of staff with diverse skill sets enhances our mandate to offer people the best quality of services.” 
Laura Hicks, Manager of Child and Family Services
Community Living Belleville and Area 

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