Child and Youth Care

Students will engage and tailor their communication to work respectfully and empathetically within diverse child and youth care contexts, alongside individuals, families, professional partners, and communities with an awareness of individual and collective social locations. 

Child & Youth Care practitioners support the wholistic development and wellbeing of young people and their families in community, striving for a more socially just world. Collectively, courses in the diploma (60 credits) and degree (120 credits) will prepare graduates for professional practice focusing on: working collaboratively in complex contexts, embodying a relational and ethical approach, focusing on strengths, designing interventions, programs, and environments to best support young people, all with a foundation of interpersonal communication skills and self-awareness. Read more on what students can expect in the Child & Youth Care program. 

Program highlights

  • Learn from instructors who have extensive experience within the various settings where child and youth care practitioners work. 
  • Put what you learn into practice with a practicum placement in settings such as social service agencies, school-based programs, child welfare agencies and more.  
  • Enter the job market with confidence – virtually 100 percent of our grads are employed.
  • Flexible learning options, with day and evening classes, and the option to study full-time or part-time.  

Diploma in Child and Youth Care: ONLINE option

The part-time online Child and Youth Care diploma program allows you to study and complete the diploma from the comfort of your own home. Courses are offered in the evenings and delivered in a synchronous format. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through a practicum placement within their local communities. 

Upon completion of the Child and Youth Care diploma, graduates may choose to further their education by applying to the on-campus Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care program at Douglas College. 

Student Success Story

Child and Youth Care student wants to help teenage girls struggling with addiction.

Gursimran yoga

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Alumni Story

Meet Douglas College’s first recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Child and Youth Care Alumni Story - Meredith Graham

Read more

Contact information

 Email cyc@douglascollege.ca to contact the program advisor directly.

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Ready for next steps?

For information about admission requirements, courses, intake dates and more, visit the Program and Course Catalogue.
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