Child And Youth Care at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Turn your passion for helping into a rewarding career. The three-year Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares 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 program emphasizes assessing the strengths and needs of young people and families, developing 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 become a confident and competent child and youth care practitioner.

Program structure

The Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program is structured over a period of three years. The program includes:

Field placements in two different work environments, providing hands-on experience.
Courses in outdoor activities, including a memorable two-day overnight camping trip.
Community-based service learning and experiential learning opportunities.
Online students complete Year 1 courses online and must transfer on campus for in-person learning for Years 2 and 3.

By the end of the program, students will have accumulated approximately 1000 hours of practical experience in the field of child and youth care, preparing them for various career paths.

Featured Experiences

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

Two therapeutic outdoor activity courses, which include a two-day overnight camping trip.
Field placements tailored to match students' strengths and community needs.
Community-based service learning projects that connect students with local public social issues.
Experiential learning opportunities that enhance personal and professional development.

These experiences are designed to provide students with practical skills and confidence in their ability to work with children, youth, and families.

Career Options

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

Child and Youth Care Practitioner: Support vulnerable children and youth in various settings, helping them navigate challenges.
Youth Worker: Work directly with young people in community programs, providing guidance and support.
Educational Assistant: Assist teachers in supporting students with diverse needs in educational settings.
Case Coordinator: Manage cases for children and families, ensuring they receive necessary services and support.
Child Advocate: Represent the interests of children and youth, ensuring their voices are heard in various systems.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact in 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.

Visit Algonquin College official website

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, all applicants must meet both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements. The following outlines the specific requirements:

College Eligibility:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility:
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 65% or higher.

International applicants 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.

For international students, it is essential to ensure that all academic credentials are recognized and meet the program's requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact LOA Portal's advisors for clarification and support.

Additionally, applicants must be aware that field placements occur only in the second and third years of the program. To be eligible for placement, students must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, and a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS).

For any further details or specific inquiries, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors who are here to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

Language Requirements

To apply for the Child and Youth Care Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, applicants must meet the following language proficiency requirements:

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 score of 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component:
- Reading: 22
- Listening: 22
- Speaking: 22
- Writing: 22
Duolingo English Test (DET): Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Please check with our team for more details.

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!

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview