Human Services Programs

Child and Youth Care

• 2-year Diploma Program
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

Note: VIU also offers a Child and Youth Care First Nations Diploma and a Bachelor Arts, Child and Youth Care Degree.

The Program

The two-year Child and Youth Care diploma program prepares students to be skilled in working with individuals, their families and small groups across a variety of practice settings. General practice in these settings calls for individuals who are willing and able to work cooperatively with other community professionals, and in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings (schools, community, corrections facilities, residential settings).

The program is offered on a full-time as well as a part-time basis to accommodate practitioners working in the child and youth care field. Students who successfully complete the two-year program, including 300 hours of practicum, will be eligible for VIU’s Diploma in Child and Youth Care.

VIU also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

A free information session is usually held in February for programs beginning the following September. Attendance is highly recommended. Check with the Advising Centre for dates and times, 250-740-6410, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for the general practice of child and youth care work in community and residential settings across Canada.

Admission Requirements

Enrolment in the Child and Youth Care Diploma program at VIU is limited. Students who wish to take individual courses without being admitted to the program may do so where space is available and when prerequisites have been completed. Students who take courses in Child and Youth Care without being formally admitted into the program are not guaranteed entry into the program. Students are encouraged to explore the program with an Advisor before pursuing application.

• To be eligible for admission at first year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed Grade 12 (or have mature student status), with a minimum of “C+” in English 12 or equivalent.
• To be eligible for admission at second year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed 30 first year university credits that include 6 credits of English (see Degree English Requirement, or equivalent) and 6 credits of Introductory Psychology (normally Psychology 111/112, or equivalent), or students must have completed a recognized Human Services Certificate program (granted 30 credits maximum) that includes the English and Psychology requirements as stated above.
• The overall GPA of students will be a minimum of “C+”, calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed, and with a minimum “C+” in each of the individual courses previously identified for meeting admission requirements.

To apply to the program, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions/programs attended.
• Education/work resume which documents approximately 150 hours of supervised paid or volunteer work with children, youth and/or families.
• A 300-word statement which focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and/or families.
• Two completed reference forms. Blank forms will be mailed to the applicant upon receipt of application.

Notes on Admission

• An interview may be scheduled following receipt of the above information (mid-April to end of May).
• Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Field work practicum will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement commencement.
• Upon admission, students will be expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Child and Youth Care Association of British Columbia – see www.cycabc.org/aboutus.htm.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications for September classes are accepted from November 15 to February 28.

University Degree

Completion of this diploma program meets the eligibility requirements to apply to the 3rd year of VIU’s B.A. in Child and Youth Care degree program, which may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Program Outline

Below is a suggested schedule that is based on full-time attendance, first year admittance, and includes all required core courses. The program outline is currently under review; please check the Calendar for up-to-date information.

All courses may not be available in each academic year at each campus. CYC 111, 112, 200A, 200B, 201, 252A, 252B, 260B and 265 may be taken prior to admission to the program where space is available and when prerequisites have been completed.

* If CYC 111/112 was not completed prior to entering second year, then PSYC 211/212 or CYC 111/112 is required, instead of the elective.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Diploma in Child and Youth Care, students must have completed at least 60 credits, have completed all admission requirements and have completed all required Child and Youth Care courses. A minimum overall “C+” average and a minimum “C+” in each individual required course is necessary to progress in the program and to qualify for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the diploma are met. Students are encouraged to consult the Child and Youth Care program Advisor for information and guidance.

Updated October 30, 2009