Guide at-risk youth and their families with real-world training
Through this nationally accredited program, you will gain the knowledge and placement experiences you need to launch a career working with at-risk youth and their families experiencing complex emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues.
You'll learn to navigate correctional facilities, mental health, educational, and child welfare agencies and services. Through theory, lab courses, and hands-on fieldwork, you'll develop the skills to facilitate positive change for children, adolescents, and their families. Please note: You must follow the shift work schedules and routines of your fieldwork placements, which could include nights and weekends.
Program highlights
- Accelerated program so you can earn a three-year advanced diploma in two years (study 10 months per year)
- First Canadian program to receive national accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB)
- Two placements give you real-world experience
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CCW 1110 | Fundamentals of Child & Youth Care | 3 |
| CCW 1040 | Group Process & Pers. Devel. | 3 |
| CCW 1250 | Behaviour Management Skills | 3 |
| CCW 1121 | Child and Adolescent Development | 4 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSY 1050 | Introduction To Psychology I | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CCW 1013 | Field Placement Seminar I | 1 |
| CCW 2431 | Neglect & Abuse | 3 |
| CCW 1221 | Intro to Mental Health and Diversity | 3 |
| PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
| CCW 1000 | Therapeutic Play | 4 |
| CCW 1240 | Counselling and Interviewing I | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CCW 1011 | Field Placement I | 15 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CCW 1006 | Behaviour Programming | 3 |
| CCW 1225 | Child Law and Legislation | 3 |
| CCW 3520 | Family Intervention | 3 |
| CCW 1009 | Field Placement Seminar II | 1 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| Two General Education courses. 1 | 6 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| CCW 1012 | Field Placement II | 15 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| CCW 1007 | CYC In The Education Sector | 3 |
| CCW 1010 | Rights and Advocacy | 3 |
| CCW 3040 | Counselling and Interviewing II | 3 |
| CCW 3500 | Trauma and Trends in CYC | 4 |
| CCW 1191 | Supporting Special Populations in CYC | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 105 | |
- 1
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
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 4: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 5: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 6: Spring 2027
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 agencies
- Schools
- Youth detention facilities
- Children's Aid Societies
- Mental health services (community and hospital)
- Out of home placement organizations and treatment settings
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
