Child and Youth Care Worker banner image Child and Youth Care Worker banner image Child and Youth Care Worker banner image

Child and Youth Care Worker


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 2 Years


Credential: Diploma, Child and Youth Care Worker


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Waiting list

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Waiting list

Other International Applicants: Closed


The Child and Youth Care Worker program prepares you for a meaningful career helping at-risk youth and their families overcome complex issues. Through courses in counselling, case management, child welfare, intervention, and program development, you will learn how to identify clients’ needs and develop strategies to support them and their families.

Your on-the-job training will take place in a child and youth care facility, in an educational setting, a justice of mental health facility, or in an addictions services facility, giving you the opportunity to apply what you have learned.

This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre at the Prince of Wales Campus. Take a virtual tour.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Child and Youth Care Worker program at Holland College, graduates will: 

  1. Develop and maintain respectful and therapeutic relationships with children, youth, and families. 
  2. Communicate and collaborate with an inter-professional team to support children, youth, and families and to ensure and enhance professionalism.
  3. Assess the strengths and needs of children, youth, and families using equitable and inclusive approaches, and develop and implement care and intervention plans and programming.
  4. Recognize the role trauma may play in an individual’s life, and practice trauma-informed care in all areas of interaction to ensure the safety of children, youth and families involved.
  5. Attend to personal, staff, children, and youth safety by maintaining self-awareness, professional boundaries, and personal wellness, while practicing de-escalation, crisis prevention, intervention, and harm-reduction skills.
  6. Practice flexibility, adaptability, open-mindedness, organization, and other standards of practice while adhering to the codes of ethics of the profession.
  7. Engage in critical reflection to develop strategies for learning and practicing self-care.

DEGREE PATHWAYS


This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Bachelor of Arts Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 hours of credit toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Grade 12 academic English* minimum of 65%
  • Applicants must be out of high school at least one year before applying to this program due to the nature of the work and the age range of the clientele serviced by a child and youth care worker
  • Two letters of reference, one personal and one from an employer or a teacher, not from a family member (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • A minimum of 100 hours paid work or volunteer experience with youth ages 8-18. Babysitting hours are not acceptable. Volunteer Experience Form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • All applicants will receive an invitation to attend a Child and Youth Care Worker program information session. It is important for you to attend the session to make sure that this program is the right fit for you.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level C from a recognized View a list of providers here. This training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Certificate
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

Notes:

  • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your GED in Adult Ed. It’s free!
  • Post-secondary diplomas, degrees, or psychology/sociology credits enhance your application.
  • Hepatitis B immunizations are recommended.
  • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check:
    Before attending any practicum or clinical portions of the program, a student must submit a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If the check indicates that a record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of their program that are required for graduation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
  • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements page.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

1st Year

Canadian

International

Tuition  $5,532 $10,632
Fees $887 $1,637
Other Costs $2,350 $2,350
Total $8,769 $14,619

2nd Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $3,604 $8,604
Fees $847 $1,597
Other Costs - -
Total $4,451 $10,201
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1st Year

2nd Year

Tuition $5,532 $3,604
Lab Fee $130 $50
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $445 $445
Fitness Centre Fee $80 $80
Additional Courses $60
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $6,419 $4,451
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $3,160 $3,733
2nd installment due first day of second semester $3,259 $718
     

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1st Year

2nd Year

Books $1,800 -
Materials/Supplies $400 -
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $150 -
     Total $2,350 -
     
Grand Total $8,769 $4,451

 

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1st Year

2nd Year

Tuition* $10,632 $8,604
Lab Fee $130 $50
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $1,195 $1,195
Fitness Centre Fee $80 $80
Additional Courses $60
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $12,269 $10,201
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $9,010 $9,583
2nd installment due first day of second semester $3,259 $618
     

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1st Year

2nd Year

Books $1,800 -
Materials/Supplies $400 -
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $150 -
     Total $2,350 -
     
Grand Total $14,619 $10,201

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Government or private agencies
  • Crisis assessment centres
  • Young offender facilities
  • Residential treatment programs
  • Group homes
  • Schools
  • Day programs
  • Various community-based, youth-oriented programs
  • Family preservation programs

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many Holland College programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your Holland College diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:COUN-1100

Counselling I

An introduction to the core elements of a helping relationship and the corresponding strategies used to develop such a relationship. A variety of skills used in the counselling process are examined. A central theme presented throughout this course is the necessity for students to develop an ongoing commitment to self-awareness as a vital part of their counselling framework.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:COUN-1200

Counselling II

Students examine the action, evaluation and termination components of the counselling process. The importance of effective communication in dealing with crisis-oriented and challenging situations, as well as, communication roadblocks are explored. A variety of the core couselling skills are demonstrated. A central theme presented throughout this course is the necessity for students to develop an ongoing commitment to self-awareness as a vital part of their counselling framework.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1035

Orientation to the Child and Youth Care Field

A broad introduction to the multi-contextual field of child and youth care: child welfare, educational, justice, health and community. Students explore the varied resources available to children and families as well as the employment options for a child and youth care worker.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1200

Family Systems

An examination of basic family systems theory. Students are introduced to contemporary issues involving families across the lifespan.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1205

Case Management

An introduction to the process and components of case management. Students are exposed to the creation of case plans using assessment tools in the development, revision, and conclusion of the plan. Students explore the role of a case worker and involvement in a multi-disciplinary team.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1230

Understanding Child Abuse

A comprehensive overview of the primary categories of child maltreatment. Students examine the complex interplay between the parent, child, environment, and society. Identification of the physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of abuse, casework implications, and the process of treatment for the child victim, the child's family, and their abuser are examined. Long-term behavioral outcomes and styles of coping often exhibited by abuse survivors are explored.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1280

Relational Practice

An exploration of the limits to traditional behaviorist approaches to relational practice, contrasting with Trauma Informed methodologies. Students outline, practice and implement how to effectively engage and intervene with clients through self-exploration and experiential learning using a relational practice approach.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-1300

Family Support and Intervention

An exploration of the various types of adversity that families can face and the impact that families have on the individuals and the family system. Students examine the conceptual frameworks used to assess family systems and use a strength based approach to working with families.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-2100

Issues in Child Welfare

Students are introduced to the world of child welfare from a historical, clinical, and legislative perspective. Students explore the core themes of attachment, separation, grief, and placement that impact children and their families when they become immersed in the foster care system and beyond. Effective interventions and treatment approaches are examined as well as the roles and responsibilities of the legal and community agencies involved in case planning. The continuum of care for out of home placements is studied and beneficial strategies are noted that meet the child's attachment and relationship needs.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-2110

Child and Youth Care Worker Practitioner Development

In an independent and group format, students will be presented with several opportunities to explore their identity as a CYC practitioner. Using insight gained from personal reflection and previous courses, students will discuss, analyze, and consolidate experiences with a view to critiquing their learning journey and considering opportunities for future growth.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CYCW-2120

The Therapeutic Milieu

A familiarization with a competency-based philosophy and approach to assessing and intervening with children in a variety of settings. Students explore developing and implementing behavior management strategies and examine environmental design issues and the importance of daily living activities as seen within the context of the therapeutic milieu.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-2130

Youth Substance Abuse and Addictions

A Reflection on the current issues in the field of substance use and abuse and an overview of terminology, theories of addiction, psychoactive substances, treatment options, treatment resources, and prevention strategies. The skills required to become a competent helper for those who struggle with use and abuse of substances will be discussed pertaining to the role of the CYC professional.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CYCW-2140

Group Work Facilitation

Students gain practical training in group design and facilitation. Students create, organize, facilitate and reflect on psychoeducational groupwork with children. This course builds on previous courses, and provides students with valuable experience in developing leadership skills, behavior management strategies, and programming skills.

Credit Value:5


Course Code:EDUC-1200

Group Dynamics

An exploration of the complexities of the group work process both in community based and residential settings. Students discuss the role of group work as an effective treatment modality for children. Students examine the patterns of group dynamic structure in residential groups, including recognition of typical group roles of residents, problematic group behavior, appropriate staff interventions, and recording group behavior.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:EDUC-1210

Designing Psychoeducational Programming

An introduction to the importance of therapeutic programming for children in a variety of settings. Students are provided with a conceptual framework and the necessary skills to develop programs that can be used in the attainment of leisure, educational, and therapeutic goals with children.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HLTH-1000

Personal Wellness

Exploration of personal wellness. Students examine the sources and effects of stress. Strategies to maintain wellness and support personal growth are investigated, with students identifying strategies that are most beneficial to them.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:NCPR-1000

Food Service Sanitation Certificate

Students attend a food service safety course featuring a presentation on safe food preparation, how food poisoning happens, and how it can be prevented. Students will learn how to prevent food preparation mistakes that lead to disease outbreaks and possible damage to operator reputation. Students gain confidence that food handling practices are in keeping with recommended practices.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1006

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Students attain skills on how to prevent a potential crisis from occuring and how to intervene in a crisis situation. Students are introduced to and practice physical skills to use when managing disruptive behaviours.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1009

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

The ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community. Students learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PRAC-1100

Agency Overview Practicum

Students engage in observing, questioning, and participating in daily activities and programs conducted at a facility. Students are encouraged to interact with children and staff whenever and wherever feasible in order to gain a realistic overview of the operational and situational demands of the child care setting. The practicum is critical for students' experiential learning as it helps to confirm their desire to embark on a career in the child and youth care field. It also serves as a clinical reference point for the theoretical components of the Child and Youth Care Worker program.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:PRAC-1325

Fieldwork Practicum

Students will increase their experience with and exposure to the daily activities and programs conducted in a child care setting. Students are encouraged to regularly interact with children and staff in order to begin practising some of the skills and strategies learned during previous classes, both individually and collectively.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PRAC-2205

Child and Youth Care Worker Practicum

Student's suitability and readiness to meet the challenges of the child and youth care field is affirmed. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their professional skills, attitudes and abilities to work both independently and collectively in a child care setting.

Credit Value:15


Course Code:PSYC-1100

Developmental Psychology

Students examine the normal range of child and adolescent development including physical, emotional, social, and intellectual. The influence of family, school, and community upon the identity of the child is explored through prominent developmental theories. Strong emphasis is placed on the issues of attachment and bonding, the long term implications for healthy functioning, and the situations that can alter healthy development.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PSYC-2100

Children's Mental Health

Students examine a wide range of behavioral, psychological, and social problems experienced by children including treatment approaches currently endorsed to address these mental health issues. Causes and prevalence of the most common disorders experienced by children and assessments and diagnostic methods used in the mental health field will be discussed.

Credit Value:4


Child and Youth Care Worker background image Child and Youth Care Worker background image Child and Youth Care Worker background image

The Child and Youth Care Worker program is renowned in the youth worker field across North America. I knew that to be the best youth worker I could possibly be, I would have to take the best program I possibly could. That was at Holland College. I researched and talked to friends that had taken the program and the consensus was there was no other place to be.

Barry, Class of 2016

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