Child and Youth Care (Year 1)

Turn your passion for helping into a rewarding career.

  • Complete your first year online, and join your classmates in-person at the Ottawa campus in years two and three.
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
  • Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Community and Social Services

Other Campuses

Other Delivery Options

Work Integrated Learning

No

The Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to support vulnerable children, youth, and families with complex needs.

Learn a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies that foster positive change and healthy development. Assess the strengths and needs of young people and families and develop interventions to meet those needs. Apply the principles of relational practice, life space engagement and anti-oppressive practice while working with children, youth, and families. In classes, you learn practical and theoretical concepts and then apply them in field placements....(read more)

Overview

Turn your passion for helping into a rewarding career.

The Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to support vulnerable children, youth, and families with complex needs.

Learn a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies that foster positive change and healthy development. Assess the strengths and needs of young people and families and develop interventions to meet those needs. Apply the principles of relational practice, life space engagement and anti-oppressive practice while working with children, youth, and families. In classes, you learn practical and theoretical concepts and then apply them in field placements.

Working with young people in field placements helps you to develop into a confident and competent child and youth care practitioner. By the end of this program, you have practical experience in two different work environments in the field of child and youth care.

This program offers two courses in outdoor activities. In these courses, you learn to facilitate activities in the outdoors while on a camping trip with fellow classmates and faculty - a truly memorable learning experience.

There is a wide variety of work opportunities for you after graduation. As a child and youth care practitioner, you may find employment in a variety of environments:

  • group homes
  • hospitals
  • mental health treatment centres
  • shelters
  • schools
  • youth justice programs
  • community resource centres

If you are interested in furthering your education, this program is a good foundation for future studies in child and youth care, education, social work, psychology and sociology.

To qualify for this diploma, you must complete the first year with AC Online (Level 01 and 02) within two years. For Level 03, 04, 05, and 06 (Year 2 and 3) when you are transferred to the Ottawa campus for on campus delivery, you must complete the second year and third year full time within two years. Combined, you must complete the program in four years.

For Online Students Only:

Online students complete Year 1 courses (Level 01 and 02) online and must transfer on campus for in-person learning for Years 2 and 3 (Levels 03 to 06). Students cannot complete the entire advanced diploma online.

Courses

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

OnlineDistance Education   
Course
Number
Hours Course NameWinter
Series: 01
ENL1813S42.0Communications 1Communications 1

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM000142.0Principles of PsychologyPrinciples of Psychology

Understanding self and others is essential in promoting healthy interactions, and success in personal and professional relationships. Students investigate the key concepts associated with the study of psychology. Students develop an understanding of research methodologies and ethics, motivation and emotion, personality theories, memory systems, social learning theories and theories of stress.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM007442.0Anti-Oppressive Practice in Child and Youth CareAnti-Oppressive Practice in Child and Youth Care

The children, youth and families served by child and youth care practitioners are disproportionately impacted by systemic inequalities, discrimination, and oppression. Child and youth care practitioners need to be equipped to work with equity deserving young people and families in ways that mitigate power imbalances. Students explore intersectionality and how each person's social location impacts their development. Students examine how child and youth care practices can impose dominant values on marginalized groups and identify child and youth care practices that share power. Through case studies and critical reflection, students identify structural factors that marginalize children, youth and families, examine the use and misuse of power in child and youth care practice, and develop ways of engaging children, youth, and families through a power-with approach. Through self-reflection students examine their own intersectionality and how it may impact their practice.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM105442.0Introduction to Child and Youth CareIntroduction to Child and Youth Care

Children, youth, families and communities may require support from child and youth care practitioners in order to lead healthy lives. Students develop an understanding of the history of the child and youth care profession, roles and responsibilities of child and youth care practitioners, strengths and needs of children, youth, families, and communities, professional conduct and personal self-awareness for becoming an effective child and youth care practitioner. Through learning activities, group discussions and self-reflection, students develop foundational knowledge of the child and youth care profession.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM106642.0Child DevelopmentChild Development

The early years are very important in the optimal healthy development of a human's life. From conception to 12 years old, an interactive process of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, environmental and cultural factors influences child development. Students examine the phase of child development and explore the importance of prevention and intervention concepts that optimize healthy development by linking theory to child and youth care practice. Developmental stages, heredity, culture and environmental influences are addressed with emphasis placed on the interdependency between the physical, cognitive and social/emotional milestones in childhood.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM125542.0Community Service LearningCommunity Service Learning

Child and youth care practitioners need to understand how their roles interact with child serving agencies in the community. Students professionally collaborate to manage group dynamics including problem solving, time management and conflict resolution. Students identify needs to advocate on behalf of an agency that serves children, youth and families. Through weekly team meetings, independent research, reflection, role play, and community advocacy, students plan and implement an event to meet a need of a community agency.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM127328.0Mental Health 1Mental Health 1

Child and youth care workers regularly engage with and develop interventions for young people who are experiencing mental health challenges that can interfere with their optimal emotional, behavioural, psychological, social and academic functioning. Students learn about DSM-V disorders that have an early onset of symptoms in childhood such as ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, and conduct disorders. Students increase their mental health literacy related to etiology of the diagnosis, symptom identification and strength-based interventions. Through case analysis, students apply their knowledge of mental health diagnosis, interventions and strategies, IEPs, and interprofessional collaboration relevant in school and family environments.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 02
ENL1902F42.0Professional Communication for Child and Youth Care PractitionersProfessional Communication for Child and Youth Care Practitioners

Writing legally appropriate documents, advocating for clients and communicating in a professional manner are critical components of being a child and youth care practitioner. Students use case studies to write letters and field-specific reports. In addition, students learn and demonstrate oral communication, listening and advocacy skills in client-centred, team-based case meetings.

Pre-requisites: ENL1813S

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM007528.0Adolescent DevelopmentAdolescent Development

Adolescence is a distinct phase of development and one in which young people experience rapid growth. Students explore physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of adolescents in the contexts of family, peers, school, work and media. Students identify risk factors and issues affecting adolescent development as well as protective factors and resiliency.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM007642.0DiversityDiversity

Child and youth care practitioners work with diverse populations. Students explore concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion as they relate to culture, race, religion, social class, ability, and gender at the personal, societal, and professional levels. Students examine the impacts of structural inequality on marginalized communities to inform their interactions, engagement strategies, advocacy, and allyship. Students critically reflect on their own ethnocentricity and privilege and how these influence their interactions with children, youth, and families. Through learning activities and case studies, students examine practices and policies that further marginalize young people and families and explore ways of engaging that promote cultural humility and safety.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM007728.0Systems Navigation for Child and Youth PractitionersSystems Navigation for Child and Youth Practitioners

A young person's healthy development and their family's and community's well-being are impacted by the institutional systems in society. Students focus on the systems in Ontario which impact young people and families. Emphasis is placed on identifying system-based barriers such as systemic racism, oppression and marginalization, inherent in child welfare, health, education and justice. Students critically analyse these systems, practice being an advocate and identify ways to help others navigate systems. Using case studies, group discussion, self-reflection and learning activities, students develop a foundational knowledge of Ontario systems and begin to develop their advocacy skills.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM007828.0Mental Health 2Mental Health 2

Child and youth care workers regularly engage with and develop interventions for young people who are experiencing mental health challenges that can interfere with their optimal emotional, behavioural, psychological, social and academic functioning. Students learn about DSM-V disorders that have a later developmental onset of symptom presentation such as eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Students also develop an understanding of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide. Students increase their mental health literacy related to etiology of the diagnosis, symptom identification and evidence-based interventions. Through case analysis, students apply their knowledge of mental health diagnosis, of strength-based interventions and strategies in various settings.

Pre-requisites: FAM1273

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM105828.0Field PreparationField Preparation

The development of professional skills supports students in the transition from an academic environment to a field placement. Students develop basic skills in professional time management, observation, documentation, supervision, facilitation, ethics, self-care and goal development. Through learning activities, group discussions, self-reflection, and presentations, students develop the skills required to begin their first field placement.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

General Education Elective: choose 1
AST200042.0Introduction to AstronomyOnline Learning
COR173742.0Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental IllnessesOnline Learning
ENL179842.0Contemporary Canadian IssuesOnline Learning
ENV000242.0Environmental CitizenshipOnline Learning
ENV500442.0Waste-Free OntarioWaste-Free Ontario

Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy - a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM100340.0Psychology of LearningPsychology of Learning

Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FIN230042.0Introduction to Personal FinanceIntroduction to Personal Finance

Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards autonomy and agency. Students discover how financial decision-making is a continuous process, requiring foundation skills in economics, behavioural science, and surprisingly, Canadian history. Through personal reflection, analysis of economic lived experiences, and application of practical budgeting and financial planning strategies, students acquire knowledge and skills to harness the power of money.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED002142.0Disability in Arts: Portrayals and IdentityDisability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity

All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED002242.0Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-BeingOnline Learning
GED220042.0Free Speech and the Challenge of Social MediaFree Speech and the Challenge of Social Media

This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society's free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for "regulatory fixes" advanced from different viewpoints.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED500742.0Transatlantic Slavery and Its AbolitionTransatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition

The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED501042.0The Fungus Among UsThe Fungus Among Us

Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED530142.0On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)

Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society's past and present approaches to death.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED710542.0Professionalism and EthicsOnline Learning
GEO001242.0Foreign Landscapes and Their InhabitantsForeign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants

Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MGT234642.0Introduction to E-BusinessOnline Learning
PSI170242.0Government of CanadaOnline Learning
PSY001042.0Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic MindsCriminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds

What makes a psychopath tick? Are they born that way, or are they products of society? Are serial killers really possessed with evil, or do they know exactly what they are doing? In this course, students will study how and why some individuals become criminals and why some actually become killers. You will study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals. Also, the latest techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning will be examined.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

SCI220042.0Dynamic Dna: You Are Not AloneDynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone

DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life's biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA's involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 03
FAM007924.0Field Practice Supervision 1Field Practice Supervision 1

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM105039.0Therapeutic ActivitiesTherapeutic Activities

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM106439.0Child and Youth Care InterventionsChild and Youth Care Interventions

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM107030.0Outdoor Activities 1: Fall CampingOutdoor Activities 1: Fall Camping

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM1075175.0Field Practice 1Field Practice 1

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM108239.0Counselling SkillsCounselling Skills

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 04
FAM006426.0Field Practice Supervision 2Field Practice Supervision 2

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM008628.0Life-SpACE EngagementLife-SpACE Engagement

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM106042.0Therapeutic ProgrammingTherapeutic Programming

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM108742.0Trauma and AbuseTrauma and Abuse

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM1275245.0Field Practice 2Field Practice 2

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

General Education Elective: choose 1
AST200042.0Introduction to AstronomyOnline Learning
COR173742.0Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental IllnessesOnline Learning
ENL179842.0Contemporary Canadian IssuesOnline Learning
ENV000242.0Environmental CitizenshipOnline Learning
ENV500442.0Waste-Free OntarioWaste-Free Ontario

Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy - a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM100340.0Psychology of LearningPsychology of Learning

Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FIN230042.0Introduction to Personal FinanceIntroduction to Personal Finance

Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards autonomy and agency. Students discover how financial decision-making is a continuous process, requiring foundation skills in economics, behavioural science, and surprisingly, Canadian history. Through personal reflection, analysis of economic lived experiences, and application of practical budgeting and financial planning strategies, students acquire knowledge and skills to harness the power of money.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED002142.0Disability in Arts: Portrayals and IdentityDisability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity

All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED002242.0Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-BeingOnline Learning
GED220042.0Free Speech and the Challenge of Social MediaFree Speech and the Challenge of Social Media

This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society's free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for "regulatory fixes" advanced from different viewpoints.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED500742.0Transatlantic Slavery and Its AbolitionTransatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition

The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED501042.0The Fungus Among UsThe Fungus Among Us

Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED530142.0On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)

Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society's past and present approaches to death.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

GED710542.0Professionalism and EthicsOnline Learning
GEO001242.0Foreign Landscapes and Their InhabitantsForeign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants

Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MGT234642.0Introduction to E-BusinessOnline Learning
PSI170242.0Government of CanadaOnline Learning
PSY001042.0Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic MindsCriminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds

What makes a psychopath tick? Are they born that way, or are they products of society? Are serial killers really possessed with evil, or do they know exactly what they are doing? In this course, students will study how and why some individuals become criminals and why some actually become killers. You will study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals. Also, the latest techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning will be examined.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

SCI220042.0Dynamic Dna: You Are Not AloneDynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone

DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life's biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA's involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 05
ENL202828.0Research Writing for Evidence-Based ProgrammingResearch Writing for Evidence-Based Programming

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM008726.0Field Practice Supervision 3Field Practice Supervision 3

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM108142.0Group WorkGroup Work

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM126942.0Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM127042.0Assessment and Intervention PlanningAssessment and Intervention Planning

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM1276252.0Field Practice 3Field Practice 3

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 06
FAM001428.0Group Program DesignGroup Program Design

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM0042252.0Field Practice 4Field Practice 4

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM008824.0Field Practice Supervision 4Field Practice Supervision 4

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM108939.0Professional Issues and DevelopmentProfessional Issues and Development

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM109639.0Family InterventionsFamily Interventions

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

FAM110030.0Outdoor Activities 2: Winter CampingOutdoor Activities 2: Winter Camping

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment as child and youth care practitioners; youth workers; educational assistants; case coordinator; child advocate; child and youth counsellor; community, family, or housing support workers.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with children, youth and their families, respecting their unique life spaces, and applying the principles of relational practice to meet their needs.
  2. Assess the strengths, developmental and holistic needs of children, youth and their families, using methods grounded in theoretical frameworks, research and therapeutic practices, to develop care and intervention plans.
  3. Develop and implement care and intervention plans appropriate for the therapeutic milieu using evidence-informed practices and research to provide support for children, youth, and their families.
  4. Use equitable and inclusive approaches that are anti-colonial, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and strength-based frameworks, as well as cultural humility, to create positive and sustainable solutions and respond to inequities and to systemic barriers experienced by children, youth and their families.
  5. Advocate for, and in solidarity with, children, youth, their families and communities through their participation in the development and implementation of care and intervention plans that uphold their rights.
  6. Employ communication, collaboration and relational skills with the inter-professional team and with community partners to ensure and enhance the professionalism of practice.
  7. Engage in self-inquiry, relational inquiry and critical reflection to develop strategies for learning and the practice of self-care, as a practitioner.
  8. Use professional development resources and supervision to increase professional capacity, learning and leadership skills.
  9. Adhere to relevant legislation and Child and Youth Care standards of practice, competencies, and codes of ethics as a practitioner.
  10. Practice in a variety of contexts and settings, respecting needs for developmental growth, safety, wellbeing and agency, while addressing the varying age and developmental ranges of children, youth, and their families.
  11. Employ crisis prevention and intervention techniques, and harm-reduction principles, with children, youth and their families in the provision of care, to ensure their safety, resolution of crises, and reparation of relationships.
  12. Develop the capacity to work with children, youth and families who identify with Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, as well as people in LGBTQ2+ and disabled communities, by identifying systemic inequities and barriers, integrating practices such as trauma-informed care, and respecting their inherent rights to self-determine.
  13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

2025/2026 Academic Year

Fees are subject to change.

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee:

Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.

Additional program related expenses include:

Supplies and textbooks cost approximately $1,000 in the first year, $1,000 in the second year and $650 in the third year.

Additional expenses related to field placement requirements:

ParaMed clearance, police records check, health immunizations and first aid are the responsibility of the student and can cost up to $350. The ParaMed documentation clearance fee is approximately $65 and is set by ParaMed, a third-party provider.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

The following requirement is recommended to ensure success in the program:

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 65% or higher.
  • It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo scores to ensure success:
    • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service-Overall band of 6.5 wit a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-Overall 88, with the minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

Application Information

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Additional Information

Program Resources

Year 1 - Online Information

The first year of this AC Online delivered program is fully online (not offered in the classroom). Second and third year on-campus are delivered in a variety of formats, including face-to-face in a classroom and hybrid (combination of classroom and independent learning) as well as labs and field placements.

Year 2 and 3 - On-Campus and Field Placement Information

Field Placement Eligibility:

Field placements occur only in second and third year of the program.

To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete and submit up to date immunizations to ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department.

Police Records Check Documentation:

Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to field placement and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted by the deadline identified by the department, students may not be placed in field practice and progression through the program may be delayed. If you cannot complete field placement, you will not be able to graduate.

Health Requirements:

The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that they can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement. If you have any physical or emotional limitations that may impact your studies contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

Program Progression:

All courses in Level 01 and Level 02 (Year 1) must be successfully completed before entering Level 03 (Year 2) of the program. All courses in Level 03 and Level 04 (Year 2) must be successfully completed before entering Level 05 courses (Year 3) of the program. When reducing a course load in Year 2 and Year 3 of the program all theory courses must be completed first before the field practice related courses.

Scheduling of On-Campus Courses:

The Child and Youth Care program consists of courses that are delivered in a variety of formats including face-to-face in a classroom and hybrid (combination of classroom and independent learning). Students participate in both types of learning. Students also participate in laboratory and field placement learning activities.

Class schedules vary from term to term and courses may be scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classes for first-year students run Monday through Friday. Second and third-year classes take place on campus two days per week. Field placements occur off campus three days per week. Some field placements require the student to be available for evening or weekend shifts.

There is only a two-week break between the first and second year of the program for students in the January intake. Students who begin the program in January will complete the first year from January to August and complete the second year of the program from September to April. Please note there is no extended break between Year 1 and Year 2.

Contact

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.

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