FAQ

Who is well suited for this program?
Those who maintain physical and psychological health to work in stressful, high-energy, and challenging situations and have clear work/life boundaries with the ability to manage a heavy workload.
You are compassionate and eager to make a difference in the lives of children, families and the community. You want to assist young people and their families who face challenges involving addictions, mental health, abuse, trauma and learning exceptionalities and have strong verbal and written communication skills. Those who are passionate about social justice and advocacy and improving young people’s lives through creating strong communities. This includes having a willingness to identify and confront your own biases and actions.

What is the difference between a field placement and a work term?
Field placements are concurrent with academics. You will attend classes two days a week and placement three days a week. The work term is a 14-week full-time field experience.

Are you responsible to find your own field placement?
The college will match you with an appropriate agency for each field placement. Matches are made based on a student’s strengths and challenges, and community needs.

What differentiates this program from the 3-year diploma?
Upon completion of this program, you can move directly into graduate studies at a university. The degree program offers practice in developing and completing research. (Program evaluation and applied research.) This program delves deeper into critical theory and exploration of the systems impacting young people, families and communities. The degree gives more preparation for roles that can affect policy and systems level change and leadership within organizations.

Will I be required to do a lot of group/team-based work?
Group and team-based work is a common element of the program. Child and youth care is inherently a collaborative profession. You will work relationally with young people, families, communities, interdisciplinary teams, and CYC peers. The nature of this is reflected in the program curriculum and assignments.

Where can I go from here?
Graduate studies in human services fields such as education, counseling, social work, child and youth care. Employment in various organizations serving children, youth and families, in front-line and supervisory roles. Social science research, community development, and policy analysis are also areas that may be pursued.