Students will engage and tailor their communication to work respectfully and empathetically within diverse child and youth care contexts, alongside individuals, families, professional partners, and communities with an awareness of individual and collective social locations.
Child & Youth Care practitioners support the wholistic development and wellbeing of young people and their families in community, striving for a more socially just world. Collectively, courses in the diploma (60 credits) and degree (120 credits) will prepare graduates for professional practice focusing on: working collaboratively in complex contexts, embodying a relational and ethical approach, focusing on strengths, designing interventions, programs, and environments to best support young people, all with a foundation of interpersonal communication skills and self-awareness. Read more on what students can expect in the Child & Youth Care program.
Program Highlights
- Gain competitive skills
- Virtually 100% employment rate for graduates
- Experienced instructors who focus on real-world skills
- Practical experience through practicum placements in the community
The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care (BA CYC) program is a comprehensive 120 credit degree program. The program can be completed in eight semesters of full-time study over four years. Students have the option to study part time and complete the degree at their own pace.
After completion of year 1 and 2 (60 required credits – see program guidelines), students can apply to graduate with a Diploma in Child and Youth Care and either remain in the degree or exit. If you exit, you can return at a later date to complete your degree by applying to 3rd year entry.
Please note: applicants who wish to complete the CYC Diploma on-campus must apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care (BA CYC)
Holders of a 60 credit Child and Youth Care diploma or Human services-related diploma from a recognized public post-secondary institution may be eligible to apply to enter the BA CYC at third year.
The following Douglas College diploma programs are eligible for block transfer into the BA CYC:
- Child and Youth Care
- Classroom and Community Support
- Community Social Service Work
- Early Childhood Education
- Youth Justice
Block transfer of Child and Youth Care or human services-related diplomas from other public post-secondary institutions will be evaluated by the CYC coordinator. For information, please email cyc@douglascollege.ca.
The online diploma in CYC is an exclusively ONLINE option to complete the CYC diploma requirements within 3 years (9 semesters of part time study, 2 courses in the Fall, Winter, and Summer terms). Courses in the online Diploma program are offered in the evenings and delivered in a synchronous format. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through two practicums in their local communities.
Upon completion of the online CYC diploma, graduates may choose to further their education by completing a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth care at Douglas College on-campus by applying as a 3rd year entry into the CYC Degree Program.
