A Child and Youth Care practitioner engaging in a discussion with a youth client while taking notes

program

Practise your skills in our interactive simulation labs. Cutting-edge community placements. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.

Did you know?

We’re consolidating our Orillia and Muskoka campuses into Barrie, with all programs and apprenticeship offerings at those campuses planned to transition by fall 2026. This means significant enhancements to the student experience with improved access to services, a wider range of facilities, an expanded employer network, and vibrant campus life.
Program code
Program Delivery Part-time

Program information

Program description

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Orillia

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Child and Youth Care program?

admission requirements

What career paths can I take in child and youth care?

Your Child and Youth Care diploma gives you many career opportunities

Child and Youth Care practitioners engage and work with children, youth and their families across a wide variety of settings including:

  • public and private schools
  • group homes
  • residential centres
  • foster care agencies
  • day and live-in treatment programs
  • youth detention centres
  • community-based child and youth development programs
  • early intervention programs
  • recreational programs
  • psychiatric centres
  • rehabilitation programs
  • pediatric health care centres within hospitals
  • home-based care, respite and treatment
  • private practice

Experiential learning opportunities

Changemaking in Child and Youth Care

In this video, Child and Youth Care student Erin explains how learning in social entrepreneurship helps her gain experience tackling major social issues and creating positive influences in a child’s life.

Explore a future in Human Services today.

Accelerated delivery option

We also offer an accelerated delivery format for this program:

  • Complete the program in 16 consecutive months
  • Studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year
  • Apply if you have previous postsecondary education – such as a degree or diploma – from an accredited university or college in the areas of human services, education, interdisciplinary studies, social sciences, psychology or sociology

NOTE: Use the major CYAC when applying to the accelerated program through OCAS.

What courses are included in the Child and Youth Care diploma program?

Course overview

27 Program Courses
1 Communications Course

4 Field Placements
5 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Child and Youth Care program outline.

  • CYWK 1007 – Child and Youth Care 1
  • CYWK 1015 – Child and Adolescent Development
  • HUMN 1008 – Success in Human Services and Beyond
  • HUMN 2004 – Interpersonal Skills
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

An Early Childhood Educator (ECE) reading to a group of young children in a daycare centre

Early Childhood Education

Enjoy engaging faculty. Experience exciting, project-based classes. Choose a variety of hands-on experiences in the ECE field.

A Developmental Services Worker providing support to a youth client using a laptop

Developmental Services Worker

100% graduate satisfaction. Small class sizes. Caring, knowledgeable faculty. Lots of hands-on learning. Active community partners/employers.

A group therapy session with the counsellor and five attendees sitting in a circle and chatting

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology

Broad range of counselling theories and techniques. Promote mental health in diverse populations. Strong foundation in research and theory. Field placements to practise skills.

A group of people sitting on chairs in a circle with pens and notebooks during a group counselling or intervention session

Community and Justice Services

Knowledge is built upon a foundation of strong experiences. Learn from experts and build the skills to change your community.

Do you have questions about Child and Youth Care? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Ways to connect

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