Better the lives of others with a career as a child and youth worker
Practice your skills in our interactive simulation labs. Cutting-edge community placements. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.
Learn to work with children and youth who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that may be associated with mental health, cognitive and neurodevelopmental issues, socioeconomic factors, trauma and abuse, and involvement with the justice system. Child and Youth Care practitioners engage with at-risk children, youth, and their families in a variety of settings as they navigate these challenges and build on strengths and capacities to facilitate positive changes. Students explore, practice, and implement a variety of evidence-informed therapeutic prevention and intervention strategies that are based on an understanding of risk and resiliency, the ecological perspective, relational practice, human development, family systems, equity and inclusion, and exceptionalities. We emphasize experiential interactive learning, community service, and opportunities for social innovation, entrepreneurship, and change-making.
Accelerated delivery option
We also offer an accelerated delivery format for this program:
- Complete the program in 16 consecutive months
- Studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year
- Apply if you have previous postsecondary education – such as a degree or diploma – from an accredited university or college in the areas of human services, education, interdisciplinary studies, social sciences, psychology, or sociology
Note : Use the major CYAC when applying to the accelerated program through OCAS.