FAQs
Getting started
- What does a Child and Youth Care Counsellor do?
- Is this program right for me?
- Where, when, how much, how long?
- How and when do I apply?
- What if need to upgrade my English and writing skills?
About the program
- Can I study part-time?
- What's the difference between the degree and the diploma program?
- Will a degree from Douglas College be equivalent to a CYC degree from a university or university college?
- How do I specialize in the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care stream?
- How much do Child and Youth Care Counsellors earn?
- I am currently working in the field. Do I have to complete the whole program?
- What's a practicum?
- What are the job prospects for graduates?
What does a Child and Youth Care Counsellor do?
Child and Youth Care Counsellors (CYCC) work with children, youth and families who are experiencing social, emotional or behavioural stress. What distinguishes CYCC from other helping professions is that we work with people in their daily environments.
Is this program right for me?
This career involves dealing with people. That means that good interpersonal skills are a must. This field also involves dealing with people who are experiencing stress and crisis in their lives. Many of the children and youth we work with present very challenging behaviours. To thrive you need to be able to deal with stress and challenging behaviours. You also need to understand the difference between being a caring helper and being a rescuer. If you need people to need you, this is not the profession for you.
Being an effective Child and Youth Care Counsellor also involves an ongoing commitment to your own personal growth. The people we work with constantly challenge our notions of who we are.
Where, when, how much, how long?
Cost
Tuition fees for the 2-year diploma are approximately $5,000. Tuition fees for the 4-year degree are approximately $11,000. Books and student fees are extra. Rates are subject to change, so check current costs with the Program Cost Calculator.
Start Date
September for both the diploma and degree program. Spaces are limited, so apply early!
Location
All classes take place at the New Westminster Campus, steps from the New Westminster SkyTrain station. Workplace learning placements (practicums) take place at various Lower Mainland locations.
Program Length
The Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma can be completed in 2 years (full-time study) or less if you have recognized experience in the field.
The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care can be completed in 4 years (full-time study) OR 2 years if you have already completed a related diploma.
If you choose to study part-time, program length will vary depending on how many courses you take per semester.
How and when do I apply?
There are several requirements you must meet in order to gain entry into the Child and Youth Care program. In addition to the Douglas College general entrance requirements, you must:
- Meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years by December 31 of the first semester
- Provide evidence of completed 100 hours of related volunteer experience (see Prospective Student Handbook for examples)
- Complete a medical Declaration form and criminal record search
- Attend a group orientation and assessment session
For more details on entrance requirements, see the College Calendar.
Classes start in September of each year. If you are applying for the degree program, you must have your application and all required documents submitted by January 31. If you are applying to the diploma program, you must have your application and all required documents submitted by April 1.
What if need to upgrade my English and writing skills?
The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies offers specialized upgrading classes for students looking to enter human services programs at Douglas. If you do not meet the English language entrance requirement, this is a good option for you. See Upgrade for Human Service Programs for more information.
Can I study part-time?
Yes. Both the diploma and degree programs are offered on a part-time basis.
What's the difference between the diploma and the degree program?
The Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma is a two-year program that will provide you with a diploma upon completion. It will prepare you for a variety of jobs in the child and youth care field. If you complete the diploma, you can also transfer into third year of the degree program at Douglas or into a related degree program at a number of other universities. For more information on the diploma program, see the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma program page.
The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care is an additional two years of study that you can complete after you complete the two-year Diploma program (4 years total). Earning your degree will allow you to work in more advanced and higher-paying jobs in the child and youth care field, as well as open more doors for further continuing your education. For more information on the degree program, see the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care page.
Will a degree from Douglas College be equivalent to a CYC degree from a university or university college?
Yes. All the CYC degrees in British Columbia are considered equivalent. University of Victoria, Malaspina University College, University College of the Fraser Valley and Douglas College all offer equivalent degrees. All of the programs are members of the Child and Youth Care Educators Consortium and teach to the same learning outcomes. The programs work in partnership with other institutions in British Columbia and Alberta that offer CYC diploma and degree programs.
How do I specialize in the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care stream?
The Aboriginal Child and Youth Care stream is an optional specialization within the diploma program. It is made up of several specialized courses and a practicum that you take in place of other courses in your second year. You will still complete your diploma in the same amount of time, but with a specialization. For more details, see the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care stream page.
How much do Child and Youth Care Counsellors earn?
There is no standard rate of pay. At the starting end, some private contractors pay about $15 per hour. At the higher end, unionized settings pay $19 to $22 per hour. Degree graduates working in supervisory or advanced positions can earn significantly higher salaries.
I am currently working in the field. Do I have to complete the whole program?
Douglas College offers Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) in both the diploma and degree program. PLAR examines your previous experience or education and if you can earn credit for the work you've already done. In addition, you can receive credit for one of your two practicums if you have at least one year of full-time field experience and have demonstrated superior skills on your first practicum. You may also be part of a Practitioner's Stream to facilitate people working full-time in the field. This program includes a PLAR component.
What's a practicum?
Practicums are supervised worksite learning sessions. You will go and work in a child and youth care setting, giving you the opportunity to practice skills learned in the classroom. Both the diploma and degree program include practicums. For more information, see the Worksite Learning page.
What are the job prospects for graduates?
Excellent - surveys of graduates show an employment rate of virtually 100%. See the Employment page for more details on employment opportunities for graduates.