Child And Youth Care

Program overview

Turn your passion for helping into a rewarding career with the three-year Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program. This program is designed to prepare you to support vulnerable children, youth, and families with complex needs. You will learn a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies that foster positive change and healthy development. The curriculum emphasizes assessing the strengths and needs of young people and families, developing tailored interventions, and applying principles of relational practice, lifespace engagement, and anti-oppressive practice. Practical and theoretical concepts are taught in classes and applied in field placements, ensuring you gain confidence and competence as a child and youth care practitioner. By the end of the program, you will have practical experience in two different work environments, enhancing your readiness for the field.

Program structure

The Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program spans three years and is structured to provide a comprehensive education in child and youth care. The program includes:

• Field placements in two different work environments, totaling 1000 hours of practical experience.
• Courses that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of child and youth care.
• Unique opportunities such as two therapeutic outdoor activity courses, including a memorable two-day overnight camping trip.
• Online students complete Year 1 courses online but must transition to in-person learning for Years 2 and 3.

This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support children and youth in various settings, including group homes, schools, and community resource centers.

Featured Experiences

The Child and Youth Care program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

• Field placements that provide hands-on experience in real-world settings.
• Two therapeutic outdoor activity courses, which include a two-day overnight camping trip to facilitate outdoor activities.
• Community-based service learning projects that connect students with local partners to address social issues.
• Opportunities for experiential learning through scheduled or volunteer activities.
• Students are matched with placements based on their strengths and community needs, ensuring a tailored learning experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:

• Child and Youth Care Practitioner: Support children and youth in various settings, helping them navigate challenges and develop coping strategies.
• Youth Worker: Work in community organizations to assist young people in achieving personal and social goals.
• Educational Assistant: Support students with diverse needs in educational settings, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Case Coordinator: Manage cases for children and families, ensuring they receive appropriate services and support.
• Child Advocate: Represent the interests of children and youth, ensuring their voices are heard in various systems.
• Community Support Worker: Provide assistance and resources to families and individuals in need within the community.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact on the lives of children, youth, and families, contributing to their overall well-being and development.

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