Child and Youth Care Program (C133)

2022-20232023-2024

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

This Child and Youth Care program has earned national accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada, becoming the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the third in Canada to do so.

Program Overview

The Child and Youth Care program teaches students the necessary skills to work effectively with children, youth and families who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental and behavioural challenges. The program integrates a holistic approach embedding an ecological perspective and principles of human rights, anti-oppressive practice, resiliency and restorative practice.

Full Description

George Brown College's Child and Youth Care program combines best practice principles and a relational approach that is anchored in the values of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Code of Ethics.

Students learn to engage purposefully and effectively with children, adolescents and families who struggle with emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges that impair their abilities to relate to others.

Specific focus is on recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on children and youth.

Students learn to translate theory into practice to move youth from potential risk to resilience. In preparation for the field or clinical placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

Your Field Education Options

Field placement plays an important role in the Child and Youth Care program.

The first year provides students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation of skills to build upon. The subsequent academic courses come to life in a wide range of supervised field placements in the second and third years of the program.

Second-year students can expect to be in placement two days a week (Winter semester) and third-year students can expect to be in placement three days a week over 28 weeks (includes both the Fall and Winter Semester).

Placements may take place in professional settings such as:

  • residential care
  • hospitals
  • shelters
  • schools
  • after-school programs
  • community outreach programs
  • day treatment
  • youth justice

Students are expected to work both day and evening shifts (not overnight) and may be requested to work on some weekends.

Students are able to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for one field placement.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  2. Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  3. Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence‐informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  5. Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  6. Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  7. Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self-awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  8. Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1004Introduction to Child and Youth Care
CYCS 1054Interpersonal Communication
GHUM 1035Indigenous Studies
COMM 1007College English**
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1015Field Preparation Seminar
CYCS 1022Therapeutic Activities
CYCS 1055Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practices
CYCS 1056Legislation & Social Issues
CYCS 1057Child & Adolescent Development

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1049Counselling Children & Youth
CYCS 2045Field Practice 1
CYCS 2046Field Work Seminar 1
CYCS 2031Writing for the Profession (Online)

SEMESTER 4

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 2045Field Practice 1
CYCS 2046Field Work Seminar 1
CYCS 2026Trauma Informed Approaches
CYCS 2040Human Sexuality
CYCS 2041Group Work in CYC Practice

SEMESTER 5

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 3016Working With Families
CYCS 3020Community Based Practices
CYCS 3021Mental Health I
CYCS 3023Field Practice II
CYCS 3024Field Work Seminar II
BST 2003Crisis Prevention & Intervention

SEMESTER 6

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 3022Mental Health II
CYCS 3023Field Practice II
CYCS 3024Field Work Seminar II
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Child and Youth Care graduates have found employment in:

  • treatment centres
  • group homes/residential placements
  • hospitals
  • educational settings
  • community-based treatment programs
  • shelters
  • youth justice

Educational Pathways

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program may qualify for advanced standing in other programs at George Brown College. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

Child and Youth Care graduates are also eligible to apply for a degree completion program at the following institutions:

Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University

Child and Youth Care at Humber College

School of Child and Youth Care at University of Victoria

Justice Studies at Royal Roads University

Students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), the professional association representing Child and Youth Workers in the province of Ontario.

For further information, see Transfer Guide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$3,722.00 *

International Tuition

$16,801.00 **

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.

** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
  • grade 12 English (C or U) – minimum grade of 65 per cent required
  • volunteer experience with children and youth is highly recommended

** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)

Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.

Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Clinical Pre-placement health form requirements and program policy

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory requisite health form requirements for this program. This will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
  • Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records such as (MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titers, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and two-step TB skin test), a clear police vulnerable sector check renewed every year, Standard First Aid certificate renewed every three years and CPR level C renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the given deadline to ParaMed.
  • Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and requirements will not be eligible to attend and are excluded from the field practicum, which may jeopardize their academic standing and unable to graduate in this program.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • To download the mandatory requisite health form and for more details, go to the Pre-placement website.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
  • Students are required to successfully complete a Ministry-approved crisis-intervention training certificate in their fifth semester.

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Student Success

Kirishika Ethayarajan, 2016 Graduate

"I always wanted to be an advocate for children and youth. I met a victim services worker who told me about the program at George Brown. Knowing that I wanted to specialize in child abuse prevention and intervention, I felt that the courses in this program would help me set the foundation for my educational path. I also knew that I wanted to continue pursuing higher education and that Ryerson had a direct entry program, which allows George Brown students to apply to go directly into third year. These reasons and the fact that George Brown provided 2 full-year placements made me choose this program at George Brown."

Francis Atta, 2012 Graduate

Francis says his time at the college is what gave him the practical tools he needed to make a difference. “I entered George Brown at 22 and it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” he laughs. “But I worked really hard and took advantage of all the resources the college had to offer.”

Read Francis’s full story here.

Contact Us

School of Social & Community Services

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2185

Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Child & Youth Care Program Coordinators

Judy Masters: 416-415-5000, ext. 3708, jmasters@georgebrown.ca

Pearl Fernandez: 416-415-5000 ext. 2980, pearl.fernandez@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Child and Youth Care Program (C133)

2022-20232023-2024

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

This Child and Youth Care program has earned national accreditation, becoming the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the third in Canada to do so.

Program Overview

The Child and Youth Care program teaches students the necessary skills to work effectively with children, youth and families who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental and behavioural challenges. The program integrates a holistic approach embedding an ecological perspective and principles of human rights, anti-oppressive practice, resiliency and restorative practice.

Full Description

George Brown College's Child and Youth Care program combines best practice principles and a relational approach that is anchored in the values of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Code of Ethics.

Students learn to engage purposefully and effectively with children, adolescents and families who struggle with emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges that impair their abilities to relate to others.

Specific focus is on recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on children and youth.

Students learn to translate theory into practice to move youth from potential risk to resilience.

Your Field Education Options

Field placement plays an important role in the Child and Youth Care program.

The first year provides students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation of skills to build upon. The subsequent academic courses come to life in a wide range of supervised field placements in the second and third years of the program.

Second-year students can expect to be in placement two days a week and third-year students can expect to be in placement three days a week over 28 weeks (includes both the Fall and Winter Semester).

Placements may take place in professional settings such as:

  • residential care
  • hospitals
  • shelters
  • schools
  • community outreach programs
  • day treatment
  • youth justice

Students are able to apply for Prior Learning Recognition for field placement.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  2. Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  3. Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence‐informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  5. Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  6. Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  7. Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self-awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  8. Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1004Introduction to Child and Youth Care
CYCS 1054Interpersonal Communication
GHUM 1035Indigenous Studies
COMM 1007College English**
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1015Field Preparation Seminar
CYCS 1055Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practices
CYCS 1056Legislation & Social Issues
CYCS 1057Child & Adolescent Development

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 1022Therapeutic Activities
CYCS 1049Counselling Children & Youth
CYCS 2040Human Sexuality
CYCS 2041Group Work in CYC Practice
CYCS 2026Trauma Informed Approaches

SEMESTER 4

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 2046Field Work Seminar I
CYCS 2045Field Practice I

SEMESTER 5

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 3023Field Practice II
CYCS 3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS 3020Community Based Practices
CYCS 3021Mental Health I
CYCS 3016Working With Families
BST 2003Crisis Prevention & Intervention

SEMESTER 6

CodeCourse Name
CYCS 3023Field Practice II
CYCS 3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS 3022Mental Health II
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1003 (English Skills)*** or CESL1003 (English Skills – ESL)*** before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1003/CESL1003*** does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.

***COMM1003/CESL1003 courses will be replaced by COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication starting with Winter 2022 intake.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Child and Youth Care graduates have found employment in:

  • treatment centres
  • group homes/residential placements
  • hospitals
  • schools
  • community-based treatment programs
  • shelters
  • youth justice

Future Study Options

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program may qualify for advanced standing in other programs at George Brown College. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

Child and Youth Care graduates are also eligible to apply for a degree completion program at the following institutions:

Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University

School of Child and Youth Care at University of Victoria

Child and Youth Care at Humber College

Students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), the professional association representing Child and Youth Workers in the province of Ontario.

For further information, see Transfer Guide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$3,759.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
  • Grade 12 English (C or U) - Minimum grade of 65% required.
  • Volunteer experience with children and youth is highly recommended.

Applicants may also qualify for admission through completion of the Pre-Community Services program (A103) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. There are a limited number of seats available and admission is not guaranteed.

** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)

Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.

Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Clinical Pre-placement health form requirements and program policy

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Requisite health form requirements for this program. This will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
  • Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records such as (MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titers, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and Two Step TB Skin Test), a clear police vulnerable sector check renewed every year, Standard First Aid certificate renewed every three years and CPR level C renewed every year. This requirements must be submitted by the given deadline to ParaMed.
  • Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and requirements will not be eligible to attend and are excluded from the field practicum which may jeopardize their academic standing and unable to graduate in this program.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • To download the mandatory Requisite health form and for more details, go to the Pre-placement website.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
  • Students are required to successfully complete a Ministry-approved crisis intervention training certificate in their fifth semester.

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Student Success

Kirishika Ethayarajan, 2016 Graduate

"I always wanted to be an advocate for children and youth. I met a victim services worker who told me about the program at George Brown. Knowing that I wanted to specialize in child abuse prevention and intervention, I felt that the courses in this program would help me set the foundation for my educational path. I also knew that I wanted to continue pursuing higher education and that Ryerson had a direct entry program, which allows George Brown students to apply to go directly into third year. These reasons and the fact that George Brown provided 2 full-year placements made me choose this program at George Brown."

Francis Atta, 2012 Graduate

Francis says his time at the college is what gave him the practical tools he needed to make a difference. “I entered George Brown at 22 and it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” he laughs. “But I worked really hard and took advantage of all the resources the college had to offer.”

Read Francis’s full story here.

Contact Us

School of Social & Community Services

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2185

Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Child & Youth Care Program Co-ordinators

Judy Masters: 416-415-5000, ext. 3708, jmasters@georgebrown.ca

Pearl Fernandez: 416-415-5000 ext. 2980, pearl.fernandez@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Child and Youth Care Program (C133)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Child and Youth Care
  • Code: C133
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Advanced Diploma
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    3 years (6 semesters)
  • Centre:
  • School: Social & Community Services
  • Location: St. James Campus
  • Starting Months: September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $3,676.00 *
  • Fall 2020 Delivery Method:
    Online (on-campus activities will resume as soon as it is safe to do so)

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada

This Child and Youth Care program has earned national accreditation, becoming the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area and the third in Canada to do so.

Program Overview

The Child and Youth Care program teaches students the necessary skills to work effectively with children, youth and families who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental and behavioural challenges. The program integrates a holistic approach embedding an ecological perspective and principles of human rights, anti-oppressive practice, resiliency and restorative practice.

Full Description

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned delivery of this course starting in September 2020 will be online with limited access to field placement experiences.

PLEASE NOTE: In response to this evolving situation, the delivery, learning activities and evaluation methods may be further modified mid-semester.

Learners will require access to high-speed internet, a computer with a built-in or external web camera, a microphone and Google Chrome or Firefox as a web browser.

George Brown College's Child and Youth Care program combines best practice principles and a relational approach that is anchored in the values of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Code of Ethics.

Students learn to engage purposefully and effectively with children, adolescents and families who struggle with emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges that impair their abilities to relate to others.

Specific focus is on recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on children and youth.

Students learn to translate theory into practice to move youth from potential risk to resilience.

Your Field Education Options

Field placement plays an important role in the Child and Youth Care program.

The first year provides students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation of skills to build upon. The subsequent academic courses come to life in a wide range of supervised field placements in the second and third years of the program.

Second-year students can expect to be in placement two days a week and third-year students can expect to be in placement three days a week over 28 weeks (includes both the Fall and Winter Semester).

These placements may take place in professional settings such as:

  • residential care
  • hospitals
  • shelters
  • schools
  • community outreach programs
  • day treatment

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  2. Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  3. Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence‐informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  5. Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  6. Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  7. Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self-awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  8. Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1004Introduction to Child and Youth Care
CYCS1055Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practices
GHUM1035Indigenous Studies
COMM1007College English
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1015Field Preparation Seminar
CYCS1022Therapeutic Activities
CYCS1054Interpersonal Communication
CYCS1056Legislation & Social Issues
CYCS1057Child & Adolescent Development

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1049Counselling Children & Youth
CYCS2046Field Work Seminar I
CYCS2031Professional Writing in CYC
CYCS2045Field Practice I

SEMESTER 4

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS2026Trauma Informed Approaches
CYCS2046Field Work Seminar I
CYCS2045Field Practice I
CYCS2040Human Sexuality
CYCS2041Group Work in CYC Practice

SEMESTER 5

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS3023Field Practice II
CYCS3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS3020Community Based Practices
CYCS3021Mental Health I
GSSC1138Introductory to Sociology
BST2003Crisis Prevention & Intervention

SEMESTER 6

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS3023Field Practice II
CYCS3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS3016Working With Families
CYCS3022Mental Health II
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Child and Youth Care graduates have found employment in:

  • treatment centres
  • group homes/residential placements
  • hospitals
  • schools
  • community-based treatment programs
  • shelters

Future Study Options

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program may qualify for advanced standing in other programs at George Brown College. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

Child and Youth Care graduates are also eligible to apply for a degree completion program at the following institutions:

Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University

School of Child and Youth Care at University of Victoria

Child and Youth Care at Humber College

Students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), the professional association representing Child and Youth Workers in the province of Ontario.

For further information, see georgebrown.ca/transferguide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$3,676.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2019. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2020 and at later dates.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
  • Grade 12 English (C or U) - Minimum grade of 65% required.
  • Volunteer experience with children and youth is highly recommended.

** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)

Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.

Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Clinical Pre-placement health form requirements and program policy

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Requisite health form requirements for this program. This will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
  • Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical recordssuch as (MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titers, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and Two Step TB Skin Test), a clear police vulnerable sector check renewed every year,Standard First Aid certificate renewed every three years and CPR level C renewed every year. This requirements must be submitted by the given deadline to ParaMed.
  • Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and requirements will not be eligible to attend and are excluded from the field practicum which may jeopardize their academic standing and unable to graduate in this program.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • To download the mandatory Requisite health form and for more details, go to the Pre-placement website atwww.georgebrown.ca/preplacement/social-and-community-services.aspx

Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website at /preplacement/record_check/

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Student Success

Kirishika Ethayarajan, 2016 Graduate

"I always wanted to be an advocate for children and youth. I met a victim services worker who told me about the program at George Brown. Knowing that I wanted to specialize in child abuse prevention and intervention, I felt that the courses in this program would help me set the foundation for my educational path. I also knew that I wanted to continue pursuing higher education and that Ryerson had a direct entry program, which allows George Brown students to apply to go directly into third year. These reasons and the fact that George Brown provided 2 full-year placements made me choose this program at George Brown."

Francis Atta, 2012 Graduate

Francis says his time at the college is what gave him the practical tools he needed to make a difference. “I entered George Brown at 22 and it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” he laughs. “But I worked really hard and took advantage of all the resources the college had to offer.”

Read Francis’s full story here.

Contact Us

School of Social & Community Services

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2185

Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Child & Youth Care Program Co-ordinators

Judy Masters: 416-415-5000, ext. 3708, jmasters@georgebrown.ca

Zalina Mohamad: 416-415-5000, ext. 3034, zalina.mohamad@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Child and Youth Care Program (C133)

2022-20232023-2024

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

This Child and Youth Care program has earned national accreditation, becoming the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area and the third in Canada to do so.

Program Overview

The Child and Youth Care program teaches students the necessary skills to work effectively with children, youth and families who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental and behavioural challenges. The program integrates a holistic approach embedding an ecological perspective and principles of human rights, resiliency and restorative practice.

Full Description

George Brown College's Child and Youth Care program combines best practice principles and a relational approach that is anchored in the values of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Code of Ethics.

Students learn to engage purposefully and effectively with children, adolescents and families who struggle with emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges that impair their abilities to relate to others.

Specific focus is on recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on children and youth.

Students learn to translate theory into practice to move youth from potential risk to resilience.

Your Field Education Options

Field placement plays an important role in this program. Second-year students can expect to be in placement two days a week for a total of 448 hours, and third-year students can expect to be in placement three days a week over 28 weeks (includes both semesters one and two) for a total of 672 hours.

The first year provides students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation of skills to build upon. The subsequent academic courses come to life in a wide range of supervised field placements in the second and third years of the program.

These placements may take place in professional settings such as:

  • residential care
  • hospitals
  • shelters
  • schools
  • community outreach programs
  • day treatment

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  2. Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  3. Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence‐informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  5. Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  6. Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  7. Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self-awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  8. Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1004Introduction to Child and Youth Care
CYCS1055Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practices
GSSC1105Introduction to Psychology
COMM1007College English
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1015Field Preparation Seminar
CYCS1022Therapeutic Activities
CYCS1054Interpersonal Communication
CYCS1056Legislation & Social Issues
CYCS1057Child & Adolescent Development

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS1049Counselling Children & Youth
CYCS2045Field Work Seminar I
CYCS2031Professional Writing in CYC
CYCS2046Field Practice I
  

SEMESTER 4

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS2026Trauma Informed Approaches
CYCS2045Field Work Seminar I
CYCS2046Field Practice I
CYCS2040Human Sexuality
CYCS2041Group Work in CYC Practice

SEMESTER 5

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS3023Field Practice II
CYCS3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS3020Community Based Practices
CYCS3021Mental Health I
GSSC1138Introductory Sociology
BST2003Crisis Prevention & Intervention

SEMESTER 6

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
CYCS3023Field Practice II
CYCS3024Field Work Seminar II
CYCS3016Working With Families
CYCS3022Mental Health II
GNEDGeneral Education Elective

Detailed course outlines

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Child and Youth Care graduates have found employment in:

  • treatment centres
  • group homes/residential placements
  • hospitals
  • schools
  • community-based treatment programs
  • shelters

Future Study Options

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care program may qualify for advanced standing in other programs at George Brown College. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

Graduates are also eligible to apply for the degree completion program in Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University and Humber College.

Students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), the professional association representing Child and Youth Workers in the province of Ontario.

For further information, see georgebrown.ca/transferguide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$4,008.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
  • Grade 12 English (C or U) - Minimum grade of 65% required.
  • Volunteer experience with children and youth is highly recommended.

** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)

Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.

Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Clinical Pre-placement health form requirements and program policy

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Requisite health form requirements for this program. This will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
  • Students will need to process and provide proof of theirmedical recordssuch as (MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titers, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and Two Step TB Skin Test), a clearpolice vulnerable sector checkrenewed every year,Standard First Aid certificaterenewed every three years and CPR level Crenewed every year. This requirements must be submitted by the given deadline toParaMed.
  • Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and requirements will not be eligible to attend and are excluded from the field practicum which may jeopardize their academic standing and unable to graduate in this program.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • To download the mandatory Requisite health form and for more details, go to the Pre-placement website atwww.georgebrown.ca/preplacement/social-and-community-services.aspx

Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have apolice vulnerable sector checkcompleted, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website at/preplacement/record_check/

How to Apply

Apply To

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Student Success

Kirishika Ethayarajan, 2016 Graduate

"I always wanted to be an advocate for children and youth. I met a victim services worker who told me about the program at George Brown. Knowing that I wanted to specialize in child abuse prevention and intervention, I felt that the courses in this program would help me set the foundation for my educational path. I also knew that I wanted to continue pursuing higher education and that Ryerson had a direct entry program, which allows George Brown students to apply to go directly into third year. These reasons and the fact that George Brown provided 2 full-year placements made me choose this program at George Brown."

Francis Atta, 2012 Graduate

Francis says his time at the college is what gave him the practical tools he needed to make a difference. “I entered George Brown at 22 and it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” he laughs. “But I worked really hard and took advantage of all the resources the college had to offer.”

Read Francis’s full story here.

Contact Us

School of Social & Community Services

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2185

Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Child & Youth Care Program Co-ordinators

Judy Masters, Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3708, Email: jmasters@georgebrown.ca

Zalina Mohamad, Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3034, Email: Zalina.Mohamad@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.