Learn to work with children and youth who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioural challenges that may be associated with mental health, cognitive and neurodevelopmental issues, socioeconomic factors, trauma and abuse, and involvement with the justice system. Child and Youth Care practitioners engage with at-risk children, youth, and their families in a variety of settings as they navigate these challenges and build on strengths and capacities to facilitate positive changes. Students explore, practice, and implement a variety of evidence-informed therapeutic prevention and intervention strategies that are based on an understanding of risk and resiliency, the ecological perspective, relational practice, human development, family systems, equity and inclusion, and exceptionalities. We emphasize experiential interactive learning, community service and opportunities for social innovation, entrepreneurship, and changemaking.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Winter 2025	Orillia
Fall 2025	Orillia

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Child and Youth Care program?

Child and Youth Care admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Applicants with previous postsecondary education such as a degree or diploma from an accredited university or college in the area of Human Services, Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Sciences, Psychology or Sociology can apply to our accelerated delivery which can be completed in 16 consecutive months; studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year.

NOTE: Applicants applying to the accelerated program through http://www.ontariocolleges.ca use the major CYAC.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

Applicants may be asked to provide community agencies with proof of completion of Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification, Crisis Intervention certification, as well as an up-to-date immunization record with a two-step TB test in some circumstances to proceed with field placement. Students are required to review agency requirements provided by the field placement office. Proof of completion of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness training must also be provided before proceeding on field placement.

What career paths can I take in child and youth care?

Your Child and Youth Care diploma gives you many career opportunities

Child and Youth Care practitioners engage and work with children, youth and their families across a wide variety of settings including:

public and private schools
group homes
residential centres
foster care agencies
day and live-in treatment programs
youth detention centres
community-based child and youth development programs
early intervention programs
recreational programs
psychiatric centres
rehabilitation programs
pediatric health care centres within hospitals
home-based care, respite and treatment
private practice

Experiential learning opportunities

Changemaking in Child and Youth Care

In this video, Child and Youth Care student Erin explains how learning in social entrepreneurship helps her gain experience tackling major social issues and creating positive influences in a child’s life.

Explore a future in Human Services today.

Accelerated delivery option

We also offer an accelerated delivery format for this program:

Complete the program in 16 consecutive months
Studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year
Apply if you have previous postsecondary education – such as a degree or diploma – from an accredited university or college in the areas of human services, education, interdisciplinary studies, social sciences, psychology or sociology

NOTE: Use the major CYAC when applying to the accelerated program through OCAS.

What courses are included in the Child and Youth Care diploma program?

Course overview

27 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
4 Field Placements
5 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Child and Youth Care program outline.