Introduction to Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Practice

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CYCC 1142
Descriptive
Introduction to Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Practice
Department
Child and Youth Care
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging from 2 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
24
Course Designation
Certificate in Global Competency
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours
60 hours: Lecture
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Guest Speakers
  • Field Trips
  • Films
  • Experiential Learning Activities
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to Aboriginal child and youth care practice. Students will gain an understanding of the history of colonization and the impact of residential schools on Aboriginal peoples and the implications of this for their work. Students will observe and discuss child and youth care practice and develop observation and assessment skills in an Aboriginal context. Students will also explore values and ethics in relationship to working with and for Aboriginal families and communities.
Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • Aboriginal child and youth care practitioners support children, youth, families and communities in culturally appropriate ways
  • The history and legacy of colonization of Aboriginal peoples has significant implications in the lives of Aboriginal children, families and communities
  • Effective Aboriginal child and youth care practice is grounded in Aboriginal ways and teachings
  • Learning from elders, other practitioners and community members provides insight into roles, responsibilities and context for practice
  • Effective observers have clear focus, purpose and intention. They conduct themselves in a legal, culturally respectful and ethical manner
  • The ways in which observations are recorded and reported influences how the information is used. Cultural awareness, self awareness, contextual factors, choice of language and openness to reflection, review and revision need careful attention
  • Observation of and reflection on self are integral to effective Aboriginal child and youth care practice and on-going personal and professional development.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe a range of perspectives on the meaning of ‘caring for children and youth’ within the field of Aboriginal child and youth care and in child and youth care in general
  2. Identify formal and informal networks, programs and sites that constitute a personal community of reference for professional practice
  3. Identify, observe and report on the various roles of child and youth care practice in a range of Aboriginal settings
  4. Describe and record human behaviours and interactions verbally and in writing using the skills of observation, recording, interpreting and reporting
  5. Discuss situations from multiple perspectives: community, family, child, parents, siblings, relatives, workers, community agencies, etc.
  6. Discuss introductory cultural, legal and ethical issues involved in Aboriginal child and youth care practice 
  7. Demonstrate awareness of and the impact of personal and cultural experiences on one’s own practice
  8. Demonstrate awareness of personal values and filters, preconceptions and biases (through written and oral work)
  9. Demonstrate and ability to link events to context when observing, recording and interpreting
  10. Develop plans to address the needs of children, youth, families and/or communities.
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policies regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Means of evaluation could include:

  • Student Journals
  • Field Observation
  • Group Projects
  • Class Presentation
  • Written Reports
  • Participation & Attendance

This is a letter graded course.

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

There is a reading package for this course.

Prerequisites

Enrolment in CYCC Program - Aboriginal Stream or permission of Coordinator

Which Prerequisite