Child And Youth Care at Loyalist College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-08-20

Program overview

Child and Youth Care practitioners offer life-changing support to vulnerable children, youth, and their families. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to help youth find their own voice and make a profound difference in their lives. Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program will be prepared to work in various settings, providing essential support and guidance to those in need.

Program structure

The Child and Youth Care program is structured to be completed in five semesters, allowing students to earn an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in less than two calendar years. The program includes:

Experiential learning opportunities through practicum placements.
Engaging classroom experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Personalized guidance from faculty and a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Final block placement to apply learned skills in a professional setting.

This program is designed to foster a deep understanding of the issues faced by children and youth today, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to support their development and well-being.

Featured Experiences

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

Practicum placements in diverse settings such as schools, community mental health programs, and residential treatment facilities.
Engagement with local community through field trips and guest speakers sharing their professional knowledge.
Portfolio development with one-on-one guidance from faculty to help students achieve their educational goals.
Peer mentor program to support incoming students and foster a sense of community.
Access to caring faculty with extensive experience in child and youth care practices.

These experiences are designed to build confidence and practical skills, preparing students for a rewarding career in child and youth care.

Career Options

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

Child and Youth Worker: Support children and youth in schools or community settings, helping them navigate personal challenges.
Enhanced Support Worker: Provide specialized support to families and children with unique needs, often in a military context.
Program Manager: Oversee programs in educational or community organizations, ensuring effective service delivery.
Child and Youth Service Worker: Work with families to provide support and resources, often in child welfare settings.
Direct Support Professional: Assist individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges in achieving their personal goals.

These roles require strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth.

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

Visit Loyalist College official website

Last updated on 2026-08-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Required academic preparation

OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, and
Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

Mature applicant

Additional requirements

Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check; required prior to first practicum (semester three)
Some placements require Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification. It is recommended that all students complete this certification; information about specific placement requirements may be obtained through the field placement coordinator
Prospective students with identified needs or limitations that may affect their practicum or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with faculty prior to admission

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

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

International students

For international students, it is essential to check the specific admission requirements and how to apply. This program may be PGWP-eligible. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Prerequisite courses

PROF1028 Professional Practice (Prerequisite for subsequent courses)
CYWP1001 Foundations of Child & Youth Care (Prerequisite for subsequent courses)
CYWP1009 Supporting Change (Prerequisite for subsequent courses)
COUN1033 Helping Relationships (Prerequisite for subsequent courses)
CYWP2007 Protecting Children, Youth, and Families (Prerequisite: CYWP 1010, COUN 1033)

Language Requirements

All instruction at Loyalist College is conducted in English. To excel in our programs, strong skills in communication, listening, reading, and writing for post-secondary studies are essential. If English is not your first language or you studied in another language, you must provide an English proficiency assessment. Please submit test scores from one of the following tests with your application:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- 550 (paper-based test)
- 80 (iBT internet-based test with minimums of 20)
IELTS (International English Language Test Service)
- 6.0 overall with no band under 6.0 (generic category)
- 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6.0*
- 7.0 overall with no bands less than 6.5

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)

Overall band of 60, writing 60

Cambridge English Exam

C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Duolingo English Test*
- 105+ (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) – no band lower than 90
OI Digital Institute (Oxford ELLT)
- ELLT 6 (IELTS 6.0)

*For the following programs: Early Childhood Education, Developmental Services Worker, Fitness and Health Promotion, and Recreation, Sports and Leisure.

For the Personal Support Worker program.

* Conditions apply.

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!