Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma and Degree
Child and youth care workers focus on the strengths of children, youth and families. Child and youth care practice supports the development of children and youth in their everyday environments through the full range of human experience, in times of happiness, difficulty and resolution.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
Child and youth care counsellors work in schools, community centres, parent-child education settings, residential settings, programs for street-involved youth, addictions services and in a variety of other settings. Diploma graduates are employed in front-line positions working directly with children and youth in these settings. Degree graduates find additional employment options in government settings and team leader or supervisory positions in community settings.
Graduates from the diploma program receive block-transfer credit toward a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care offered at Douglas College, University of Victoria, University of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island University. Graduates from the BA in Child and Youth Care at Douglas College are eligible to apply for the Master's in Child and Youth Care at the School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria. The School of Child and Youth Care also offers a PhD program.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
**Application deadlines may be extended.
Enrolment is limited for both the diploma and degree programs. Students are advised to apply early. Applications must be submitted by April 1 for the diploma program and January 31 for the degree program each year. Complete application packages require preparation and therefore applicants are advised to prepare and apply as early as possible and submit required documentation by the stated deadline dates. Both the diploma and degree programs commence in September and may be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those
applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.
Admission Requirements - Diploma
Admission to the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma program is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Following this review, applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession.
NOTE: Applicants are advised to meet all admission criteria as early as possible to demonstrate preparedness and motivation for obtaining a seat in the program.
In addition to Douglas College General Admission Requirements, applicants must:
- Meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies.
- Provide evidence of recently (within the last two years) completing at least 100 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in the child and youth care field. Working with children ages 6-18 years. (A form will be provided for the supervisor to evaluate the work experience.)
- Attendance at the orientation/selection process is mandatory. Applicants are contacted by the Registrar's Office and advised of the program orientation/ selection process dates.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years by December 31 of the first semester.
Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session and discuss their plans with an Academic Advisor.
Admission Requirements - Degree
In addition to the Douglas College General Admission Requirements, admission to the BA in CYC requires the following:
- Completion of the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma (or equivalent) with a minimum of a (2.67) B- average.
- Written English language requirement: Two university level English courses are required with a minimum grade of "P". Recommended courses are (English) ENGL 1130 (or another academic writing course) and (Communications) CMNS 1110 (or equivalent). Students may replace one of these courses with a 1st year or higher English Literature course.
- Preferential Admission Criteria: Admission to the BA in Child and Youth Care is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of preferential selection. Suitability is determined on the basis of awareness of self and others, life/work experience, formal education and overall personal suitability. The preferential selective process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Applicants will submit a resumé, an essay on their personal suitability for the program, one reference from a supervisor and one reference from an instructor as part of the selection process. Following the preferential selection review, applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the criteria.
- Criminal Record Search (CRS) - This program requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current Criminal Record Search for the protection of clients and individual supported. To meet this requirement, when offered a seat in the program, prospective students must submit to a current Criminal Record Search as a condition of entry to the program. Any CRS forms returned with a notation of a record will be reviewed by the Registrar to determine if there is any relevance to the specific program. In these cases, final determination of admission rests with the Registrar. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual student.
- A medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good emotional and physical health.
Once an offer of admission is made, completion of the following will be required:
NOTE: To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria. Please note that shift work may be required in some practica. Word processing, effective use of internet, myDouglas and library research skills are necessary skills.
Applicants are responsible for any costs incurred in the admission process (such as CRS costs).
Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session and discuss their plans with an Academic Advisor.
Equivalencies to the Diploma in Child and Youth Care:
Some Douglas College diploma programs will receive block transfer into third year upon completion of the Child and Youth Care bridging course(s). Douglas College diploma programs eligible for this block transfer are:
- Classroom and Community Support
- Community Social Service Worker
- Early Childhood Education
- Youth Justice Worker
Block transfer of other child and youth care or human services-related diplomas from other post-secondary institutions will be evaluated using the Child and Youth Care Education Consortium of BC (CYCECBC) criteria. For information, consult with the Douglas College CYC degree coordinator. Students who have completed 60 first- and second-year credits in disciplines not listed above are advised to contact the CYC degree coordinator to enquire about transferability.
PLAR
Experienced practitioners with at least two years experience in the field are encouraged to investigate Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Successful PLAR candidates can receive academic credit for up to 75 percent of their diploma. Previous post secondary coursework can also be assessed for transferability.
Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream
The Child and Youth Care Department offers a part-time Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream. The Stream is designed for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and for those who work for Aboriginal child, youth and family serving agencies.
The Stream will prepare students for growing employment opportunities in services with Aboriginal children, youth and families.
The Stream includes 16.5 credits that can ladder into the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma Program. All courses were developed from Aboriginal perspectives and are delivered in ways that respect and reflect Aboriginal ways.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream is contingent on availability of seats and applicants meeting admission requirements (see Admission Requirements to CYCC Diploma Program above). Priority will be given to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and to those who work for Aboriginal child, youth and family serving agencies. Applicants will participate in an individual or group interview to determine suitability for admission into the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream.
Intake dates/deadlines
Note: for the Fall 2010 intake, the application deadline has been extended to July 2, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
Students must apply to the Child and Youth Care Diploma Part-time Program – Aboriginal Stream. Applications are accepted throughout the year. The application deadline is May 15 but may be extended.
Other Information
Students in the Aboriginal Stream will complete one practicum (4.5 credits) and the four following courses.
| CYCC 1142 | Introduction to Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Practice |
| CYCC 2212 | Aboriginal Children, Youth and Families: Transforming Legislation and Policies |
| CYCC 2332 | Strengthening the Family Spirit – Working from Aboriginal Perspectives with Elders’ Teachings |
| CYCC 2452 | Enhancing Resilience in Aboriginal Children and Youth |
Location
The diploma and degree programs in Child and Youth Care are offered at the New Westminster Campus.
Other Information
This program offers a free information session. For more details about dates, times and locations, please check on-line.
Please refer to the section on the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies regarding an English Competency requirement.
Credentials
Diploma - Courses are developed leading to a four-semester Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma.
Degree - Third and fourth-year courses are offered leading to a Child and Youth Care Bachelor of Arts.
Program Content - Diploma
The courses in the program are listed below. All CFCS courses are required or are electives for two or more programs in the department.
Full Time Program
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CFCS 1110 | Introduction to Community | 3 |
| CFCS 1121 | Personal and Professional Development | 1.5 |
| CFCS 1130 | Change and Development: Lifespan | 3 |
| CYCC 1141 | Introduction to Practice | 3 |
| CYCC 1150 | Activity Programming for Children and Youth | 3 |
| 13.5 |
Semester II
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 1220 | Counselling Children and Youth | 3 |
| CFCS 1221 | Wellness: Self and Profesional Practice | 1.5 |
| CYCC 1250 | Supporting Behavioral Change | 3 |
| CYCC 1240 | Practicum | 4.5 |
| CFCS 1260 | Community Practice: Addictions | 3 |
| 15 |
Semester III
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 2211 | The Professional Community: Policies, Standards, Legislation and Children | 3 |
| CYCC 2320 | Working with others in groups |
3 |
| CFCS 2333 | Change and Development: Families | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| 15 |
Semester IV
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CFCS 2410 | Advanced Issues: Reflection and Integration | 3 |
| CYCC 2440 | Practicum | 4.5 |
| CYCC 2450 | CYCC Practice: Advanced | 3 |
| CYCC 2460 | Family Violence, Abuse and Recovery | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| 16.5 |
* Exit writing requirement 3 credits
Total credits for diploma: 63 (Unless exempt - see coordinator for details)
*See Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies section for the English Language Entrance and Exit Policy.
Program Content - Degree
The courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care are listed below. Detailed course outlines are available.
Students will complete 60 credits in addition to the 60 required for the diploma.
Year 3
Semester V
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 3310 | Supervised Practicum | 4.5 |
| CYCC 3340 | Developmental Theory and CYC Practice with Children | 3 |
| CYCC 3520 | Professional Child and Youth Care: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Elective | Approved by Department | 3 |
| Total credits | 13.5 |
Semester VI
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 3311 | Supervised Practicum | 4.5 |
| CYCC 3341 | Developmental Theory and CYC Practice with Youth | 3 |
| CYCC 3621 | Critical Issues in Current CYC Practice | 3 |
| Elective | Appoved by Department | 3 |
| Elective | Approved by Department | 3 |
| Total credits | 16.5 |
Year 4
Semester VII
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 4410 | Advanced Supervised Practicum | 4.5 |
| CYCC 4423 | Research Methods in Child and Youth Care | 3 |
| CYCC 4467 | Advanced Skills with Individuals in Child and Youth Care | 3 |
| CYCC 4469 | Advanced Skills with Families in CYC | 3 |
| Total credits | 13.5 |
Semester VIII
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CYCC 4411 | Advanced Supervised Practicum | 4.5 |
| CYCC 4425 | Data Analysis in Child and Youth Care | 3 |
| CYCC 4468 | Advanced Skills with Groups in CYC Organizations | 3 |
| Elective | Approved by Department | 3 |
| Elective | Approved by Department | 3 |
| Total credits | 16.5 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
ELECTIVES (15 credits)
Five elective courses will offer an opportunity for the student to be exposed to different points of view and have more breadth in the degree program. In selecting elective courses, students have a choice of a specific specialization or of self-selecting five courses. There are two specializations, Child Protection or Youth Justice.
Child Protection Degree Specialization
Students choosing the Child Protection Specialization option will take the core 45 credits and these specific electives:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CFCS 1260 | Community Practice: Addictions | 3 |
| CYCC 2460 | Family Violence, Abuse and Recovery | 3 |
| DACS 5111 | Disability in Context | 3 |
| CYCC 2211 | Professional Community: Policies, Standards, Children and Families | 3 |
| CYCC 3350 | Child and Youth Care Practice in Child Protection | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
* Courses are under development.
Most students will have completed CFCS 1260, CYCC 2211 and CYCC 2460 as part of their diploma program. Consult with the CYCC degree coordinator to plan your course of study. You will also complete a specialized block placement for CYCC 4410 and CYCC 4411 during your final term of study. You must have completed your required electives prior to placement in your fourth-year practicum in your final semester of study.
Youth Justice Degree Specialization
Students choosing the Youth Justice Specialization option will take the core 45 credits and these specific electives:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CRIM 1100 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CRIM 2252 | Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour | 3 |
| CRIM 2253 | Youth Crime and the Law | 3 |
| CRIM 2260 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| And one of the following three courses: | ||
| CRIM 2276 | Restorative Justice | 3 |
| CRIM 3335 | Human Rights and Civil Liberties | 3 |
| CRIM 4410 | Canadian Law and the Mentally Disordered Offender | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
Most YJW Diploma graduates will have completed CRIM 1100, CRIM 2253 and CRIM 2260 as part of their diploma program. Consult with the CYCC degree Coordinator to plan your course of study. You will also complete a specialized Youth Justice Placement for CYCC 4410 and CYCC 4411.
Student Selected Electives
For students who don’t select a specialization, The specific elective courses a student takes will depend on their areas of interest. Students may choose from a broad range of electives. Douglas College departments have identified specific courses that may be of interest to students within a broad range of faculties including Humanities and Social Sciences, Language, Literature and Performing Arts, Health Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Science and Technology and Child, Family and Community Studies. We encourage students to explore the Douglas College Calendar for courses that match your interests