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Child and Youth Care

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Program Code: CY311
Credential: Advanced Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 6 semesters
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Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back*. See details.

Program Overview

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.

Work-Integrated Learning  

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.


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


Advisory Committee

Our advisory committee is made up of people with extensive experience in the child and youth care profession, and represent a variety of settings in which child and youth care practitioners are employed. Many are also members of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care.


Recorded Information Sessions

Watch our recorded information sessions to learn more about the program and how it can boost your career.

Who is the program for?

Who is the Program for?

Learn more about the Child and Youth Care Advanced Diploma program and if it's right for you.

About the courses

About the Courses

Program co-ordinator Kelly Cassano discusses the courses and learning outcomes.

Work-integrated learning

Work-Integrated Learning

Experiential learning opportunities are a great way for students to practice their skills hands-on in the field.


Alumni Testimonials

Sophia Chan headshot

Sophia Chan

Since graduating, Sophia's career has been fulfilling and impactful, as she has had the privilege of working in various mental health and community settings. Read More
Erin Gilmer headshot

Erin Gilmer

Erin currently works as a Case Manager at Carpe Diem Foster Homes, the foster agency where she completed her 2nd semester placement during her time at Humber. Read More
Ryan Scarselletta headshot

Ryan Scarselletta

Graduating with an advanced diploma from Humber helped Ryan transition into a degree program and they now pursue a Masters in the field. Read More
Agnes Erazo headshot

Agnes Erazo

Agnes launched a fulfilling new career in her forties by enrolling at Humber. Read More
Anthony Petrini headshot

Anthony Petrini

Anthony has grown his career through a variety of roles after graduation and credits his success to the foundational skills he gained at Humber. Read More
Aric Hayes headshot

Aric Hayes

Aric was hired after graduation by one of his field placements and now also continues his education by pursuing a degree in Social Work. Read More
Ashell A Campbell headshot

Ashell A Campbell

Ashell attended both the diploma and degree CYC programs, and after graduating in 2020 she was hired full time by one of her field placement employers. Read More
Cin Lam headshot

Cin Lam

Cin now works on a school board as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYCP), and she also pursues a Master's degree. Read More
Coleen McDonald headshot

Coleen McDonald

Coleen felt like Humber was a home away from home as she navigated her post-secondary journey as an international student. Read More
Khemroy Daley headshot

Khemroy Daley

Khemroy chose to pursue CYC at Humber as a mature student and now works at The Dam, where he's a positive influence on youth in his community. Read More
Lauren Crosby headshot

Lauren Crosby

Lauren worked in various youth care roles after graduating from Humber, and her experiences in those positions inspired her to pursue a Master's. Read More
Rianne Angel Tumblod headshot

Rianne Angel Tumblod

Rianne was hired soon after graduation as a special needs worker for children in an after school program and finds her choice of career extremely rewarding. Read More
Sonny Luthra headshot

Sonny Luthra

Sonny has been in charge of multiple youth programs across Ontario since graduation, and used his diploma experience to transition to an honors program in psychology. Read More
Sukhjeet Sidhu headshot

Sukhjeet Sidhu

Sukhjeet successfully found a role in her field upon graduation from Humber and is now pursuing a Master's. Read More
Michelle Harris headshot

Michelle Harris

Michelle attended Humber as a mature student and has since found a full time position with their work placement employer. Read More
Matthew De Leon headshot

Matthew De Leon

Matthew was hired quickly after graduating from Humber and is now the director overseeing a program that supports adults with disabilities. Read More
Heather Perl headshot

Heather Perl

As a recent graduate, Heather has applied her skills and learning from Humber as a summer camp counsellor for disabled children. Read More
Sean Guptill headshot

Sean Guptill

Sean has found success after graduation, starting an adult day program called Got Your Back (GYB), and is also an active board member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC). Read More
Person holding graduation cap

Kassandra Moutinho

Since graduating, Kassandra has been able to see how our world as CYCPs is valued within different atmospheres. Read More

Study Abroad

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. 

Your Career

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

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

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.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
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Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
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Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
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Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
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Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

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 September 2024 start could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

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

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

News Feed

Child and Youth Care Gallery Walk

Child and Youth Care Gallery Walk

Program Highlights

The Child and Youth Care (CYC) program hosted a gallery walk featuring artwork by students in the Core Competencies in Child and Youth Care course.

Read More
Spotlight on Community Partners June 2024

Spotlight on Community Partners June 2024

Work-Integrated Learning & Community Partners

Learn about our community partners for the Social Services Worker, Child & Youth Care (degree & diploma), and Community and Justice Services programs.

Read More
Melanie Zuzarte Receives Child and Youth Care Practitioner Excellence Award

Melanie Zuzarte Receives Child and Youth Care Practitioner Excellence Award

Program Highlights

Congratulations to Melanie Zuzarte, who received a Child and Youth Care Practioner Excellence Award from the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care.

Read the Full Article

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic 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.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

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.

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.

Kelly Cassano, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
kelly.cassano@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 (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    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).

Placement Requirements

The following will be compulsory when applying to prospective placements during the program.

  • Valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Documentation will be requested during your program of study every semester prior to the assignment of student internships.
  • Medical Certificate of Health including immunization against Hepatitis B (prior to field placement component of the program); medical forms will be provided to students to complete one semester prior to the work placement.
  • Community partners who provide field placement opportunities will require students to undergo a vulnerable sector check for criminal offences. It is important for potential students to understand that this requirement is beyond the control of Humber. Students must meet the screening criteria of work placement agencies. A student with a record may not be approved to work by the agencies, and this may prevent students from completing the work placement component necessary to fulfill the requirements of the diploma. Applicants who have a criminal record are encouraged to apply for a pardon, if eligible, prior to or upon admission to the program.

Note: A vulnerable sector check will be requested during your program of study. In respect of the 90-day limit on validity of vulnerable sector checks, they are typically applied for a month prior to work placement. Faculty will support students to ensure they apply for the correct type of police documentation at the appropriate time.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $4,047.24
  • international: $17,651.38

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$300 to $400 – textbooks and supplies; $180 – crisis intervention training fees (over three years); $30 to $50 – police record check (as requested by community partners)

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 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 Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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