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

Through this nationally-accredited program, you’ll 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, as well as 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 are required to 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 3-year advanced diploma in 2 years (study 10 months per year) 
  • First Canadian program to receive national accreditation from the Child & Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB) 
  • 2 placements give you real-world experience 
  • Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just 1 year when you graduate 

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CCW 1040 Group Process & Pers. Devel. 3
CCW 1110 Fundamentals of Child & Youth Care 3
CCW 1121 Child and Adolescent Development 4
CCW 1221 Intro to Mental Health Care 3
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
PSY 1050 Introduction To Psychology I 3
One General Education Course. 1 3
 Credits22
Semester 2
CCW 1000 Therapeutic Play 4
CCW 1240 Counselling and Interviewing I 3
CCW 1250 Behaviour Management Skills 3
CCW 2431 Neglect & Abuse 3
CCW 1013 Field Placement Seminar I 1
PSY 1003 Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions 3
 Credits17
Semester 3
CCW 1011 Field Placement I 15
 Credits15
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
 Credits19
Semester 5
CCW 1012 Field Placement II 15
 Credits15
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
 Credits17
 Total Credits105
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

Prior to 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

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 5:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 6:  Spring 2026

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.