Programs and Courses - Child and Youth Worker

Child and Youth Worker (1055)

3 Years - 6 Semesters Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Overview

Professional Child and Youth Workers specialize in helping children, youth and families improve their lives. As a student, you will receive extensive training in areas such as counselling skills, group dynamics, recreation leadership, psychology and social issues. Your courses will place a strong emphasis on practice and application, including four levels of supervised field placement in a variety of settings. Unlike many other colleges, we will provide you with field placements that are scheduled alongside your academic courses so you can practice and process what you are learning. Theory and application will be woven together throughout your training so you will have many opportunities to gain experience and learn from the experiences of others.

The CYW program at Sault College has a long history of innovation and uniqueness within the Province. You will take courses and have experiences that are not available elsewhere and become well prepared to enter a field that is fulfilling, rewarding and meaningful. As a graduate you will be:

Qualified to work in a wide range of educational, residential, child protection, youth justice, community agency and treatment settings
Accredited by the Provincial Government as holder of an Advanced Diploma recognized throughout Canada
Eligible to apply for full professional membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC)
Able to complete a BA in Psychology from Algoma University in as little as one academic year depending on GPA

While most students complete the program in three academic years (6 semesters) you will also have the option of taking it over three to five years to accommodate personal or professional needs. If you already hold a University Degree or a College Diploma from a related program, you may be eligible for advanced standing (See Educational Paths). Whatever path you take, you will have the support and guidance of your teachers every step of the way.