Child And Youth Care (compressed)

Program overview

Earn your diploma through Durham College’s Child and Youth Care program. This program is designed to develop essential skills to support children, youth, and families. Students will learn to engage with young people in their everyday lives, promoting optimal development and facilitating positive changes through the principles of relational practice. The program prepares students to provide frontline treatment services to young individuals with complex special needs, equipping them with the necessary education and skill development to work effectively in various settings.

Program structure

The Child and Youth Care program at Durham College is an intensive program that spans over six consecutive semesters. This advanced diploma program is structured to be completed in a fast-track format over two calendar years, requiring students to engage in both academic and field placement components during the spring and summer of both years. Key features of the program structure include:

• In-person delivery of courses
• Three competency-based field placements supervised by qualified clinicians
• Emphasis on evidence-based approaches to address developmental needs
• Hands-on experience in community agencies, schools, and residential settings

This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the complex needs of children and youth in various contexts.

Featured Experiences

The Child and Youth Care program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

• Three competency-based field placements that provide real-world experience in children's mental health agencies and school settings.
• Opportunities to develop critical thinking skills valuable for assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation.
• Focus on self-reflective practice, allowing students to explore their values and beliefs related to human behavior and relationships.
• Collaboration with faculty to support skill development in communication techniques and counseling theory.
• Engagement in immersive learning opportunities that prepare students for the rewarding field of child and youth care.

Career Options

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada. Some potential job options include:

• Child Welfare Worker: Support children and families in need, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Youth Counselor: Provide guidance and support to young individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Community Support Worker: Assist children and youth in community-based programs, promoting their development and integration.
• Residential Treatment Worker: Work in group homes or treatment facilities, providing care and support to youth with complex needs.
• School Social Worker: Collaborate with educators and families to support students' mental health and academic success.

These roles allow graduates to apply their specialized knowledge and relational practice skills to foster positive development in young people across various settings.

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