Bachelor Of Child And Youth Care (Honours)

Program overview

The Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in front-line and supervisory roles. This program focuses on enhancing the care, welfare, and positive development of children, youth, families, and communities. As societal dynamics evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can address mental health and behavioral challenges among young people has become increasingly critical. Students engage in both theoretical and experiential learning, including multiple field placements, to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. The program emphasizes a strength-based, anti-oppressive relational practice, equipping students with the skills necessary to facilitate meaningful change and strengthen community ties.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program spans a duration of four years. Throughout this time, students will engage in a variety of learning experiences designed to prepare them for the complexities of working with children and youth. The program includes:

• Two field placements that provide hands-on experience in real-world settings.
• A full work term, which can be either unpaid or paid, allowing students to apply their learning in diverse organizational contexts.
• Opportunities to earn industry certifications, such as crisis training and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
• Focus on interdisciplinary teamwork through group projects, enhancing collaborative skills.

This comprehensive structure ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the needs of children, youth, and families in various professional environments.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program offers several unique experiences that enhance student learning and professional development:

• Hands-on experience through two field placements and a 14-week work term.
• Specialized skills in nature-based programming, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Opportunities to engage in group projects that prepare students for interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Industry certifications, including crisis training and ASIST, embedded within the curriculum.
• Focus on developing advocacy skills to amplify the voices of individuals and systems.

These experiences are designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge that are essential for effective practice in the field of child and youth care.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Residential Care Worker: Support children and youth in residential settings, providing care and guidance to promote their well-being.
• Mental Health Counselor: Work with young individuals facing mental health challenges, offering therapeutic interventions and support.
• Community Health Worker: Engage with families and communities to improve health outcomes and access to services.
• Youth Justice Worker: Assist youth involved in the justice system, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
• Child Welfare Advocate: Work within child welfare systems to ensure the rights and needs of children and families are met.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the lives of children, youth, and their families.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.