Child and Youth Care

Not all children and youth receive the same opportunities and resources to succeed in life. In a world where inequities still exist, Humber’s Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program prepares you to promote the optimal development and care of children, youth and their families through a holistic lens. Students develop skills in assessing needs, advocacy, designing and implementing programs, and creating therapeutic environments. Students will also learn how to use daily life events and planned interventions to support and facilitate positive change and growth. In addition to three field experiences, the program provides foundational knowledge in infant, child and adolescent development; child and youth care relational practice principles; family dynamics; evidence-based or evidence-informed intervention strategies; group dynamics; mental health and wellness; interviewing and counselling; cultural humility; and therapeutic activities.

You will learn that an essential component of professional practice is self-awareness with many courses emphasizing self-reflection and the classroom being a professional practice environment. Your high energy level and emotional maturity will help you meet the demands of working with children and youth with complex needs.

Our program is accredited by the Child and Youth Care Education and Accreditation Board of Canada and is delivered by award-winning faculty renowned in their field with current, relevant experience and advanced degrees. A key feature of the program is our therapeutic play lab fostering experiential learning.

Field experiences with established partnerships are a critical component of this program, and there is an exciting variety of innovative and traditional field experiences available in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Field experiences are arranged with the help of a field advisor and are typically unpaid. Students will experience a range of opportunities to work with our community partners serving children, youth and families. 

In Semester 3, the field experience is two days a week for fourteen weeks. In Semesters 5 and 6, the field experience is four days per week over the term. Alongside this experiential work, students will also complete coursework and attend a seminar class.

Through our Global Summer School opportunity, students can earn a GNED (General Elective Course) by studying abroad. Students can also collaborate with their field advisor to create a field experience opportunity abroad. There are additional costs to engage in these activities. 

With our program, you can enjoy the rewards of a career where you make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth by:

• building on strengths and capacities
• working collaboratively with young people, their families and other professionals
• developing therapeutic relationships and using relational practice
• seeking out and connecting children, youth and their families with relevant, culturally specific and appropriate community resources
• understanding and learning about the complex challenges faced by children, youth and families
• utilizing daily life events as opportunities to promote and facilitate positive change
• working as part of an inter-professional team

Our graduates enter a field with opportunities in a variety of settings including:

• child protection agencies
• community-based child and youth development programs
• early intervention and prevention programs
• hospitals and clinical settings
• open custody group homes for youth involved in the criminal justice system
• parent education and family support
• residential and day treatment programs in children’s mental health centres
• school-based programs and school boards
• youth and women’s shelters

Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC)

This program is recognized by the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC) . Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care. 

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 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.