The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are emotionally strong and able to cope with stress, challenges, and crises
• Are committed to understanding, working with, and facilitating positive change in the lives of children, youth, families, and the community
• Prefer to work as a member of a team
• Have strong observation and analytical skills
• Have strong language (oral and written) skills
• Are open-minded, embrace the concept of diversity, respect and accept the uniqueness in others

Level 01

• ENL1813S Communications I
• FAM0001 Principles of Psychology
• FAM0074 Anti-Oppressive Practice in Child and Youth Care
• FAM1054 Introduction to Child and Youth Care
• FAM1066 Child Development
• FAM1255 Community Service Learning
• FAM1273 Mental Health 1

Level 02

• ENL1902F Professional Communication for Child and Youth Care Practitioners
• FAM0075 Adolescent Development
• FAM0076 Diversity
• FAM0077 Systems Navigation for Child and Youth Practitioners
• FAM0078 Mental Health 2
• FAM1058 Field Preparation
• GED0476 General Education Elective (Choose one)

Level 03

• FAM0079 Field Integration Seminar 1
• FAM1050 Therapeutic Activities
• FAM1064 Child and Youth Care Interventions
• FAM1070 Outdoor Activities 1: Fall Camping
• FAM1075 Field Practice 1
• FAM1082 Counselling Skills

Level 04

• FAM0064 Field Integration Seminar 2
• FAM0086 Life-Space Engagement
• FAM1060 Therapeutic Programming
• FAM1087 Trauma and Abuse
• FAM1275 Field Practice 2
• GED0476 General Education Elective (Choose one)

Level 05

• ENL2028 Research Writing for Evidence-Based Programming
• FAM0087 Field Integration Seminar 3
• FAM1081 Group Work
• FAM1269 Substance Abuse
• FAM1270 Assessment and Intervention Planning
• FAM1276 Field Practice 3

Level 06

• FAM0014 Group Program Design
• FAM0042 Field Practice 4
• FAM0088 Field Integration Seminar 4
• FAM1089 Professional Issues and Development
• FAM1096 Family Interventions
• FAM1100 Outdoor Activities 2: Winter Camping

Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Advocate for the right of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
• 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.
• 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.
• Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

If you are interested in furthering your education, this program is a good foundation for future studies in child and youth care, education, social work, psychology and sociology.

Graduates may find employment as child and youth care practitioners; youth workers; educational assistants; case coordinator; child advocate; child and youth counsellor; community, family, or housing support workers.

There is a wide variety of work opportunities for you after graduation. As a child and youth care practitioner, you may find employment in a variety of environments:

• Group homes
• Hospitals
• Mental health treatment centres shelters
• Schools
• Youth justice programs
• Community resource centers

If you are interested in furthering your education, this program is a good foundation for future studies in child and youth care, education, social work, psychology, and sociology.