Child and Youth Care (CYCP)

Guide at-risk youth and their families with real-world training

Through this nationally accredited program, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on training, and field  placement experience needed  to launch a rewarding career supporting children, youth, and  families facing complex social, emotional, behavioural, and  mental health challenges.  

You will learn to navigate and work effectively within a variety of care systems, including mental health services, hospitals, out-of-home care settings, correctional facilities, educational settings, and child welfare agencies. A strong emphasis is placed on relationship-building, trauma-informed practice, culturally responsive care, and the use of evidence-informed behavioural interventions, preparing you to become a trusted professional capable of making a meaningful difference.

Program highlights

• The first accredited Child and Youth Care diploma program in Canada — and the first to be re-accredited nationally by the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB)
• Compressed academic semesters mean you complete our three-year advanced diploma (six semesters) in just two years
• Two supervised field placements totaling over 900 hours in various child and youth care settings, including schools, mental health organizations, hospitals, out of home care, child welfare agencies, and youth justice programs
• Build your knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive care, including a focus on marginalized populations and rural, remote and Indigenous communities
• Benefit from close mentorship, peer collaboration, and meaningful connections with experienced faculty
• Aligned with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC) Code of Ethics and provincial vocational outcomes — preparing you for a career that makes a real difference
• Graduates can earn a second diploma in another Community Services program at Cambrian in as little as one additional year

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admission requirements

Before commencing placement (Semesters 3 and 6 only), all students must have current:

• First Aid Certificate
• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check 

Recommendations

• Computer competency in relevant software

Program delivery

2026-2027

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 5:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 6:  Spring 2028

Accreditation

Cambrian's Child and Youth Care program is nationally accredited by the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB).

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

• Community and social service agencies 
• Education (elementary and secondary school systems)
• Youth justice system
• Child welfare (Children's Aid Societies)
• Mental health and addiction services (community and hospital)
• Healthcare settings 
• Out of home placement organizations and treatment settings
• Policy and advocacy organizations