Bachelor Of Child And Youth Care (Honours) at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-01-21

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. With the increasing complexity of societal relationships and the rise in mental health challenges among young people, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals. Students will 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 necessary skills to advocate for and support those in need.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program spans a duration of four years. The structure of the program includes:

Two field placements to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
A 14-week work term, which can be unpaid or paid, allowing students to apply their learning in various organizational contexts.
Courses that cover a range of topics, including crisis intervention, nature-based programming, and social innovation.
Opportunities to earn industry certifications, such as crisis training and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

This comprehensive program structure ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of children and families in various community settings.

Featured Experiences

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

Two field placements that provide practical experience in different organizational settings.
A 14-week work term that allows students to apply their skills in a professional environment.
Hands-on learning through group projects, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Specialized training in nature-based programming and social innovation.
Industry certifications, including crisis training and ASIST, integrated into the curriculum.
Focus on developing advocacy skills to amplify the voices of individuals and systems.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their careers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact.

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 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, providing support and rehabilitation services.
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 meaningful contributions to the lives of children, youth, and families across Canada.

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

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Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

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

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by having demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).

Program Eligibility:

Six Grade 12 University (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:

One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum of 65%

Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies:

One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum of 65%

Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Prerequisite Courses:

One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum of 65%

International Students:

International applicants must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency.
IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a 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.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

Please check with our team for more details.

The following English language proficiency tests are accepted for the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours) program:

IELTS - International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
TOEFL - Internet-based (iBT) overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component:
- Reading 22
- Listening 22
- Speaking 22
- Writing 22
Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!