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Bachelor of Child and Youth Care

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Program Code: 22231
Credential: Honours Degree
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 8 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree program provides you with the knowledge and skills required for in-depth work with children, youth and families. The program is based on the professional practice of child and youth care supported by the disciplines of psychology, sociology, community development, political science and education. The curriculum focuses on the theory and research of relational practice: building relationships to support children and youth in crisis or going through experiences of challenge and change.  

You’ll learn from highly qualified professors, as well as from guest lecturers from the field of child and youth care or community members with lived experiences. You’ll have the unique opportunity to develop key practice skills through faculty supervision in our state-of-the-art interview labs and our therapeutic play lab designed as a children’s activity room and space to support family practice. 

Your courses integrate the study of developmental, preventative and therapeutic approaches in child and youth care and will teach you direct practice methods such as interviewing and counselling, responding to abuse, therapeutic play, and other intervention modalities taught from a strength-based perspective and within a caring, anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework. 

The first two years of the program provide you with a comprehensive understanding of child and youth development, as well as current methodologies in child and youth care professional practice. In the final two years, you will be able to engage in courses related to five areas of concentration – youth justice and advocacy, social policy and research, approaches to care, community development and youth engagement, and international perspectives. The curriculum and work-integrated learning experiences throughout the program will support you to select a focus for your final thesis project in fourth year. 

Courses


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Work-Integrated Learning  

Work-integrated Learning (WIL) is essential in connecting theory to practice. Students will work on an applied project and/or with established community partners and school boards during the program. Opportunities are arranged with the help of a dedicated field advisor. You will complete two courses throughout the program: in Semester 3, you will begin to develop your skills working in the community with children, youth and families during this first 200-hour field experience. The final 540-hour field experience occurs between third and fourth year of the program.

The combination of field experiences will enable you to practise building therapeutic relationships, role model your professional skills, and link academic theory to child and youth care practice.


Take a Tour of Our Sim Labs

student standing in the court of justice

Student dusting bottle for fingerprints

Student using the driving simulator

Students in the Therapeutic Play Lab


Industry and Community Partnerships

Humber’s Faculty of Social & Community Services has earned an excellent reputation within the child and youth care community and profession. Our community partners include:

  • Major children’s mental health organizations
  • Children’s aid organizations
  • Street-involved youth support networks
  • Office of the Ontario Child Advocate

Program Events

Humber Bachelor of Child and Youth Care students have the opportunity to attend and host many industry events throughout the year. Students are encouraged to become involved in the multitude of program and school activities that promote professional development and practice.

Expert Faculty

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This community-oriented program is delivered by experienced professors who are active in the child and youth care profession. Drawing on years of professional and academic experience, your professors will help you learn the skills and knowledge you will need to help children, youth and families develop positive strategies for change in their lives and communities.

View Credentials

Charlotte Serpa

MEd (Adult Education - Community Development) – OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Community Welfare (Youth Work) – University of Western Sydney, Australia
Diploma (Child and Youth Worker) – Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Chrissy Deckers

EdD (Social Justice Education) - OISE, University of Toronto
MA (Child and Youth Studies) - Brock University
BA (Psychology) (Honours) - Wilfred LaurierUniversity

Coura Niang

BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst)
M.ADs (Applied Disability Studies) - Brock University
B.A. (Child and Youth Care) - Ryerson University

Cristina Guerrero

Ph.D. - OISE/University of Toronto (Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development)
M.A. - University of Toronto (Spanish Language and Literature)
B.Ed. - OISE/University of Toronto (Intermediate/Senior Education in Social Science and Spanish)
Hon. B.A. - University of Toronto (Political Science and Spanish)
LLM - Osgoode Hall Law School, York University (Constitutional Law) (in progress)

Dana Costin

PhD (School and Clinical Child Psychology) - OISE, University of Toronto
MA (School and Clinical Child Psychology) - OISE, University of Toronto
BSc (Combined Honours Biology and Psychology) - York University

Janet Seow

PhD ( Children and Youth Studies ) - York University 
MA (Children and Youth Studies) - York University 
BA (Children Studies) (Honors) - York University 
CYW (Child and Youth Worker) - Centennial College
MSc (Accounting) - University of the West Indies (UWI) 
BSc (Management Studies) (Honors) - University of the West Indies (UWI) 

Katherine Sloss

PhD (candidate) (Adult Education - Community Development) - OISE, University of Toronto
MEd (Adult Education - Community Development) - OISE, University of Toronto
BA (Child and Youth Care) - Ryerson University
Diploma (Child and Youth Care Worker) - Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Kelly Cassano

MSc (Child and Youth Care) - University of Strathclyde

Shaheen Ariefdien

MA (Social Anthropology) - York University
BA (Social Anthropology) - University of Cape Town, South Africa
Diploma (Child and Youth Care - Accelerated) (Honours) - Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Shannon Brown

Ph.D. (student) (Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work) - University of Toronto 
MA (Child and Youth Care) – Toronto Metropolitan University  
BA (Criminology) – University of Toronto 
Diploma (Child and Youth Work – Accelerated) – Humber College 

Tina Lackner

Ph.D. (Philosophy in Human Relations, Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy) - Martin Luther University - In Progress
MSc (Family Work) – Nova Southeastern University, USA
BA (Child and Youth Care) – Ryerson Polytechnic University
Diploma (Child and Youth Worker) (Honours) – Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Wolfgang Vachon

PhD (Child and Youth Care) - University of Victoria
MEd (Adult Education, Community, International, and Transformative Learning) – OISE, University of Toronto
BFA (Drama in Education) – Concordia University, PQ


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Your Career

Our program allows you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth and communities. 

You may find yourself in a variety of roles such as: 

  • advocacy 
  • child and youth or family support 
  • child welfare and protection 
  • children’s mental health 
  • community development 
  • education 
  • policy development 
  • research 
  • youth justice 

Employment opportunities exist in a variety of settings such as: 

  • Canadian or international organizations 
  • government agencies 
  • non-governmental organizations 
  • urban and rural communities 

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Child and Youth Care Certification Board (CYCCB)

Graduates may apply to be certified by the Child and Youth Care Certification Board (North America). Additional requirements and/or costs may apply.

Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada (CYCEAB)

This program is recognized by the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada as an accredited program.

Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care

Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC) and the Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations (CCCYCA).

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

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Child and Youth Care

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Watch the video to see how this program is firmly grounded in the disciplines of child and youth care psychology, sociology, community development, political science and education.


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COIL Abroad: Denmark

COIL Abroad: Denmark

During Winter Reading Week, a group of eight students from degree programs across the Faculty of Social and Community Services, flew to Denmark.

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Ministry Consent

Humber College has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting April 26, 2022. Humber shall ensure that all students admitted to this above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Coura Niang, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 79231
coura.niang@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4U or equivalent) minimum 65 per cent
      • Five Grade 12 U or M courses in addition to those listed above
      • Overall minimum grade point average (GPA) 65 per cent

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Vulnerable Sector Check

During your program of study, a vulnerable sector check will be requested. In respect of the 90-day limit on validity of record checks and the types of checks required by various agencies, please do not attain a vulnerable sector check prior to being accepted to the program. Faculty will support students upon arrival to the program to ensure they apply for the correct type of police documentation at the appropriate time. 

Employers who provide field placement opportunities may require students to undergo a vulnerable sector check for criminal offences. It is important for potential students to understand that the requirements noted above are beyond the control of Humber and may prevent students from completing the full program, including the field project or internship components, and/or securing employment. Applicants are advised to check the requirements for specific positions in which they are interested before enrolling in this program.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,607.06
  • international: $20,812.14

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$300 – $500 - textbooks and supplies (for one semester). For information regarding fees for work terms, refer to Fees.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Degree Scholarships

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to graduating high school students based on academic achievement. See this following chart for details. Some of the scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain an average of 80 per cent or more.

95%+ $4,000 renewable
90 - 94.9% $3,500 renewable
85 - 89.9% $3,000 renewable
80 - 84.9% $2,000 renewable
75 - 79.9% $1,500 one time

Degree Transfer Scholarships ($1,500 - $2,500)

Humber automatically awards degree transfer scholarships to students entering any Humber degree program who have completed a one-year Ontario college certificate* or a two- or three-year diploma with a GPA of 80 per cent or more from a publicly-funded college. Students who have achieved a program GPA of 80 per cent or more will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $1,500 for a certificate program or $2,500 for a diploma program in recognition of their academic achievement. Certificates and diplomas do not have to be related to the degree program of choice and are not tied to the eligibility for advanced standing or transfer credit. No application is required

80%+ Certificate | $1,500

One Time 80%+ Diploma | $2,500

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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