Overview
Do you love making a difference in your community? The Child and Youth Care program (CYC) is your gateway into supporting the lives of children, youth and families. Through this innovative program, you will receive training in areas such as counselling, addiction, sexuality, mental health and special needs.
Apply your learning and your passion to get a head start on your future. This three-year advanced diploma program offers four levels of field placements in the community, small class sizes and a cooperative learning environment designed to prepare you to excel in your career helping others
Meet the unique needs of all communities.
The CYC program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e is one of the only Child and Youth Care programs in Ontario to offer a formalized course in working with gender and sexuality and minority children, youth and their families. We want to help you make the biggest impact!
Earn a university degree in as little as 8 months! Introducing our Two Plus Two Pathway to Degree option with Algoma University. Students can join us for two years and will only need two more with our partnering University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
If making a
difference is your passion, you will find it here.
Courses
CYC251 - 3 Group Dynamics II |
CYC252 - 3 Youth In Conflict with the Law |
CYC253 - 3 Counselling Skills II |
CYC254 - 3 Abuse and Family Violence |
CYC255 - 3 Child and Adolescent Mental Health I |
GEN110 - 3 Student Selected General Education |
Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses () prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status. Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.
Educational Paths
If you want to pursue a University Degree after graduation, or if you already hold a related University Degree or College Diploma, the following options will be of interest:
Get a Degree; CYC Diploma for University Graduates; CYC Diploma for ECE Graduates; CYC Diploma for SSW/SSWN Graduates
If you have finalized all academic requirements for a CYC advanced diploma from another Ontario college, but wish to complete your placement requirements through a unique northern experience, information about a September to April placement pathway can be found under the following heading:
Placement Completion Option for CYC Transfer Students
1. Get a Degree
For students who choose to continue their education after graduation, the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Child and Youth Care Program and Algoma University here in Sault Ste. Marie have one of the best College-to-University Credit Transfer Agreements in the Province, allowing our graduates to complete a Bachelor`s Degree in Psychology at Algoma in just one academic year, dependent on GPA. Additional information on the process to transfer credit is available on the Algoma University website. Similar opportunities for advanced standing exist at other Universities and Colleges including Windsor, Ryerson, Athabasca, Griffith University and Humber College.
2. CYC Diploma for University Graduates
If you have a degree in Psychology, but lack specialized field experience, our Degree Plus Diploma option may be for you.
In one academic year, you can achieve a three year Diploma that is accredited by the Provincial Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and recognized throughout Canada. You will acquire practical skills and meaningful field experience under the supervision of well-qualified mentors. In addition, you will become eligible to apply for full professional membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC).
A Child and Youth Care Diploma will complement your theoretical knowledge and enhance your employability by providing you the specialized skills and credentials to work with children, adolescents and families in a broad range of settings.
Entrance Requirements
- BA in Psychology from an Accredited University
- Overall B average in area of concentration
- Current Resume (including volunteerism, workshops, PD activity)
- Placement Eligibility (as per College/Program requirements)
- Academic advisement interview with CYC Program Coordinator or Designate.
* Course of Study
Semester A (Fall)
- CYC210-2 Integrated Seminar II
- CYC206-3 Child Care Methods III
- CYC308-7 Community Practicum III
- CYC202-3 Counselling Skills I
- GEN100-3 Global Citizenship
- CYC203-3 Group Dynamics I
- CYC207-2 Legislation and Social Issues
Semester B (Winter)
- CYC251-3 Group Dynamics II
- CYC252-3 Youth in Conflict with the Law
- CYC253-3 Counselling Skills II
- CYC254-3 Abuse & Family Violence
- CYC255-3 Child and Adolescent Mental Health 1
- CYC358-7 Community Practicum IV
- CYC360-2 Integrated Seminar IV
In order to maximize learning opportunities for University graduates, CYC210 and CYC308 will be considered co-requisites in the fall semester, for these applicants only.
* Individual maps may vary somewhat based on prior experience and/or the particular course content of specific degrees, but will comprise no less than 52 required credits overall. These determinations will be made in consultation with the Program Coordinator at the time of application.
Registration Notes
Following the academic advisement interview you will apply to CYC through the OCAS process. Once accepted, you will then be manually streamed to the correct semester and enrolled in your required courses. Further information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid office.
This opportunity is specific to persons with a BA in Psychology but applicants with related degrees will be considered on an individual basis. In these circumstances, block transfers of credit may be reduced. For applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, the credit transfer process may be limited to a course to course basis. All program offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. Published information is subject to change without notice.
3. CYC Diploma for ECE Graduates
As a graduate of an Early Childhood Education Diploma program, you have acquired extensive experience and knowledge in supervised child-centered practicum settings and you have a strong understanding of creative expression, teaching methods, professionalism, program planning and child development. In acknowledgement of your prior learning, and in recognition of the broad foundational and philosophical commonalities between our programs, ECE graduates will receive advanced standing equivalent to one full year of study in the three year Child and Youth Care program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e.
*Individual maps may vary somewhat based on the course content and sequencing of specific diploma programs. These determinations will be made in consultation with the Program Coordinator at the time of application.
A Child and Youth Care Diploma will complement your ECE training by providing you the necessary skills and credentials to work effectively with older children, adolescents and families in a variety of circumstances. You will be trained in the specific applications of counselling, group dynamics and case management skills that are central to Child and Youth Care. As a dual Diploma graduate, you will be more diverse in your skill sets and better qualified to seek employment in a broad range of settings.
Entrance Requirements
- Early Childhood Education Diploma from an Accredited College
- CPIC and Health Documentation (as per College/Program requirements)
- Academic advisement interview with CYC Program Coordinator or Designate
Program Duration for ECE Diploma Graduates
The duration of the advanced standing option for ECE graduates is four semesters with a September start.
Registration Notes
Following the academic advisement interview you can apply to Semester One through the OCAS process. Once accepted, you will be manually enrolled in your required courses. Further information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid office.
This opportunity is specific to persons with an ECE Diploma. Applicants who wish to transfer from ECE to CYC prior to completion will continue to access and transfer credit according to the established format. All program offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. Published information is subject to change without notice.
4. CYC Diploma for SSW/SSWN Graduates
As a graduate of a Social Service Worker Diploma program, you have acquired extensive experience and knowledge of ethical practice, professionalism and social understanding from a generalist perspective. In acknowledgement of your prior learning, and in recognition of the broad foundational and philosophical commonalities between our programs, SSW graduates will receive advanced standing equivalent to one full year of study in the three year Child and Youth Care program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e.
*Individual maps may vary somewhat based on the course content and sequencing of specific diploma programs. These determinations will be made in consultation with the Program Coordinator at the time of application.
A Child and Youth Care Diploma will complement your SSW training by providing you the specialized skills and credentials to work effectively with children, adolescents and families in a variety of circumstances. You will be trained in youth and family oriented applications of counselling, group dynamics and developmental processes that are central to Child and Youth Care. As a dual Diploma graduate you will be more diverse in your skill sets and better qualified to seek employment in a broad range of settings.
Entrance Requirements
- SSW Diploma from an Accredited College
- CPIC and Health Documentation (as per College/Program requirements)
- Academic advisement interview with CYC Program Coordinator or Designate
Program Duration for SSW/SSWN Diploma Graduates
The duration of the advanced standing option for SSW graduates is four semesters with a September start.
Registration Notes
Following the academic advisement interview you can apply to Semester One through the OCAS process. Once accepted, you will be manually enrolled in your required courses. Further information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid office.
This opportunity is specific to persons with an SSW or SSWN diploma. Applicants who wish to transfer from SSW/SSWN to CYC prior to completion will continue to access and transfer credit according to the established format. All program offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. Published information is subject to change without notice.
5. Placement Completion Option For CYC Transfer Students
If you have finalized all academic requirements for a CYC advanced diploma from another Ontario college, but wish to complete your placement requirements through a unique northern experience, we offer a September to April option that is equivalent to four levels of community practicum. Once you have successfully completed your two block placement experiences and their accompanying seminar courses, you will be eligible to graduate with a CYC Diploma from ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e. Most significantly, your professional qualifications will be enriched and supported by a real experience of relational practice in a northern context.
The courses required for this option are as follows:
Fall
CYC306-21 Community Practicum V: Block 1 - and - CYC301-3 Seminar 111
Winter
CYC355-22 Community Practicum V1: Block 11 - and - CYC351-3 Seminar 1V
Registration Notes
Following the academic advisement interview with the program coordinator or designate, you will apply to the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e CYC through OCAS. Once accepted, you will then be manually streamed to the correct semester and enrolled in your required courses. Further information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and/or the program Coordinator.
This opportunity is specific to persons who have successfully completed all academic requirements for graduation from a three year CYC Diploma program at another Ontario College, with the exception of their field placement requirements. If you do not meet the stated criteria, the credit transfer process may be limited to a course to course basis. This stream of study is subject to sufficient enrolment and departmental approval. Published information is subject to change without notice.
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
Placement Eligibility Requirements:
All students are required to submit documentation of completion of placement eligibility procedures prior to entering field placement. If the appropriate documentation is not received by the CYC program deadline of mid-December in the first semester, you will not be eligible for fieldwork in the following semester. To be eligible for fieldwork and in accordance with the requirements of our community partners who facilitate your learning opportunities, all students must complete the following (all costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student):
(I) A current Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Check. This is required by students as you will be participating in a placement during which you may have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information about the Vulnerable Sector Check requirement or if you are a person with a police record or charge, please refer to the .
(II) Immunization & Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements:
a) Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella.
b) Current tetanus-diphtheria.
We strongly recommend that students, for their own personal safety, have the Hepatitis B vaccine. Students are also encouraged to have a current influenza immunization as this may be a requirement of some fieldwork settings.
(III) Current Certification in Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.
(IV) Completion of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015), and additional health and safety certificates, all free of charge, and offered through the College once a student is registered.
(V) You will need to have a G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher in the semester prior to field placement in order to eligible for placement.
(VI) You must sign a CYC Program Statement of Confidentiality Form prior to field placement.
Career Path
Child and Youth Care practitioners work in treatment centres, group homes, schools, social agencies, hospitals, children`s aid societies, youth programs, recreational programs, youth justice facilities, and community development. Some choose self-employment. ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Child and Youth Care graduates are well-trained in their profession and have the skills needed to get hired (e.g. interview skills, resume-writing skills, job-search skills). They enter a competitive market and succeed.
Please note that many workplaces will require a driver`s licence for their job postings. Consider starting the process of acquiring your licence early on in your program, so that you may have a greater opportunity for employment upon graduation.
Fees & Costs
Domestic | International | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
$2,648.20 | $1,150.00 | $15,120.30 | $1,800.00 |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Important links
Contact
Program Coordinator: Melanie Jones, (705) 759.2554 ext 2548, melanie.jones@saultcollege.ca