Student Experience

What to Expect

Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the program highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the new Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program launching in Fall 2025.

• Focus on creative prevention and intervention strategies for diverse children, youth, families and communities 
• Develop a strength-based anti-oppressive relational practice
• Course work in community development – systemic change processes
• Development of advocacy skills to amplify the voice of individuals and systems 
• As part of the coursework you earn industry certifications including crisis training and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Interprofessional simulation-based learning
• Skills in program evaluation (design and interpret data to understand if programs are effective) – be capable of speaking to efficacy of programs, use that data to improve and create programs
• Specialized skills in nature-based programming (multi-night camping trip – therapeutic recreational activities), social innovation and entrepreneurship 

Success Stories and Testimonials

“I chose the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program because of my passion for working with children and the program’s versatility. It offers a wide range of career options after graduation and can be applied to fields such as education, healthcare, community services, youth justice programs, and many more. The diversity of potential career paths really drew me in. What also stood out to me was the program’s emphasis on practical experience, with a field placement in second year and a work term after third year, allowing me to gain direct experience while applying what I’ve learned in class.

One of the things that has impressed me the most is the level of personalized support and expertise from the professors. Coming from a larger university program, I was used to feeling like just another face in the crowd with 200 peers in one lecture hall. In contrast, the smaller class sizes in the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program have allowed me to build meaningful connections with educators who are genuinely invested in our success.

This program is very hands-on, and I think the best way to learn is through practice. For example, in our counselling course, we learn new skills like documentation, problem solving, and confidentiality, and then practice them in small groups by rotating through the roles of client, Child and Youth Care practitioner, and observer. These experiences have been incredibly helpful in building both my confidence and my skills.
-Emmalyn, Student, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours)
Read Emmalyn’s full story

Work Integrated Learning

You gain hands-on experience through two field placements in level 3 and 4  and a 14-week work term (unpaid or paid) completed in a variety of organizational settings.
The program includes applied research connected to Program Evaluation and Online Relational Child and Youth Care Practice courses. You realize some of your own interests by completing a final Applied Research Project.
Graduates will be equipped to create your own programs, services, agencies and businesses that meet the needs in the mental health and behaviour arena of young people and families.