Child and Youth Worker

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years - 6 Semesters) (1055)

About the Program

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: 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.


Program of Study

 
Semester 1
CMM110 - 3College Communication Skills  
CYW104 - 4Child Care Methods I: Introduction to CYW  
CYW105 - 3Introduction to Human Relations  
GEN100 - 3Global Citizenship College Mandatory General Education 
HSC204 - 3Introduction to Addictions  
PSY102 - 3Introduction to Psychology  
 
Semester 2
CMM225 - 3Human Services Communication  
CYW100 - 3Integrated Seminar I  
CYW101 - 7Community Practicum I  
CYW131 - 3Recreation Leadership  
CYW132 - 3Child and Adolescent Development Part I  
CYW133 - 3Abuse and Family Violence  
CYW134 - 3Addictions: Children, Youth and Families  
 
Semester 3
CYW200 - 3Integrated Seminar II  
CYW201 - 3Child Care Methods II: Case Management  
CYW202 - 9Community Practicum II  
CYW203 - 3Counselling Skills I  
CYW204 - 3Group Dynamics I  
CYW205 - 3Child and Adolescent Development Part II  
CYW206 - 3Introduction to Family  
 
Semester 4
CYW210 - 3Psychopathology - Childhood & Adolescence 1A  
CYW230 - 3Group Dynamics II  
CYW232 - 3Youth in Conflict with the Law  
CYW233 - 3Behaviour Management - Applied  
CYW234 - 3Counselling Skills II  
 
Semester 5
CYW301 - 3Child Care Methods III: Therapies  
CYW302 - 3Family Dynamics  
CYW304 - 3Integrated Seminar III  
CYW307 - 9Community Practicum III  
CYW320 - 3Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1B  
CYW322 - 3Working with Diverse Populations  
GAS103 - 3What in the World is Going On? Student Selected General Education 
GAS109 - 3Music and Pop Culture Student Selected General Education 
GAS116 - 3Your Two Cents Student Selected General Education 
GEN110 - 3Student Selected General Education Student Selected General Education 
HDG122 - 3Personal and Academic Success Strategies Student Selected General Education 
SSC102 - 3Introduction to Aboriginal Peoples of Canada Student Selected General Education 
Note: Students must choose one of the identified Student Selected General Education Courses
 
Semester 6
CYW306 - 3Human Sexuality  
CYW325 - 3Integrated Seminar IV  
CYW327 - 3Working with LGBTTTIQ Children & Youth  
CYW328 - 9Community Practicum IV  
CYW329 - 4Community Development  
GAS101 - 3Rituals, Idols and Controversies in Sport Program Mandatory General Education 

Career Paths

Child and Youth Workers 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. Sault College Child & Youth Worker 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.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.

Academic Recommendations

Child and Youth Work is a relationship-based profession that requires the ability to understand and engage with others in meaningful ways. The work can be deeply rewarding and satisfying but it does require both physical and emotional stamina. You will need to recognize and respond to the physical, psychological and behavioural needs of children, youth and families, and be able to work effectively as a member of a professional team. You are best suited to this profession if you are enthusiastic, non-judgemental and sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

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 CYW program deadline of mid-November 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: A current (within one year) Police Records Search is required by students as they will be enrolled in a program during which they will have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process, please refer to the `Police Records Search Procedure`. All costs associated to these requirements are the responsibility of the student. Immunization & Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements: - Two-step TB test - Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella - Current tetanus-diphtheria The student must sign a Statement of Confidentiality Form. Current Certification in CPR (Level C) and First Aid, and WHIMS We strongly recommend that applicants, for their own personal safety, receive the Hepatitis B vaccine and maintain a current influenza immunization. However, these are not requirements for entry into the program.

Educational Paths & Articulation Agreements

If you want to pursue a University Degree after graduation, or if you already hold a related University Degree or College Diploma, the following information will be of  interest! Get a Degree For students who choose to continue their education after graduation, the Sault College Child & Youth Worker 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 including Ryerson, Lake Superior State, Athabasca and Griffith University.   CYW 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 Child and Youth Worker Diploma that is recognized by the Provincial government and accepted throughout Canada. You will acquire practical skills and clinical experience in supervised settings and will become eligible to apply for full professional membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC). A Child & Youth Worker 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 Course of Study Semester A (Fall) Semester B (Winter) Registration Notes Following the academic advisement interview you can register for Semester 3 through the OCAS process. Further information can be attained through the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid office. Although this opportunity is specific to persons with a BA in Psychology, applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements will be considered for admission on an individual basis. Transfer of credit may be limited to a course to course basis. Individuals with credentials from related Community College Programs 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.   CYW Diploma for ECE Graduates As a graduate of an Early Childhood Education Diploma program, you have acquired extensive experience and knowledge in supervised child-centred 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, an educational map has been developed that provides ECE graduates with one year of advanced standing in the three year Child & Youth Worker program at Sault College. A Child & Youth Worker 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 & Youth Work. 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 Program Duration for ECE Diploma Graduates The duration of the advanced standing map for ECE graduates is four semesters with a September start. Course of Study Fall Semester 3 Winter Semester 4 Semester 5 (Fall) and Semester 6 (Winter) Your final two semesters of study will follow the regular CYW curriculum as outlined on the main CYW web-page under Program of Study . Registration Notes Following the academic advisement interview you may apply to Semester 3 of the CYW program through the OCAS process. Further information can be attained 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 CYW 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.   CYW 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, an educational map has been developed that provides SSW graduates with one year of advanced standing in the three year Child & Youth Worker program at Sault College. A Child & Youth Worker 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 & Youth Work. 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 Program Duration for SSW Diploma Graduates The duration of the program is four semesters with a September start. Course of Study Fall Semester 3 Winter Semester 4 Semester 5 (Fall) and Semester 6 (Winter) Your final two semesters of study will follow the regular CYW curriculum as outlined on the main CYW web-page under Program of Study . Registration Notes Following the academic advisement interview you will apply to Semester 3 of the CYW Program through the OCAS process. Issues pertinent to this application process will be discussed at the interview. Further information can be attained through the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid office. This opportunity is specific to persons with an SSW diploma. Applicants who wish to transfer from SSW to CYW 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.

Other Information

For more information contact Program Coordinator Sandy MacDonald at 705.759.2554, ext 2439 or email sandy.macdonald@saultcollege.ca

Course Descriptions

Semester 1

College Communication Skills (CMM110) (3 credits)

The focus of this course is essay writing.  Students will produce effective, college-level expository essays by developing analytical skills to select and properly integrate electronic and other research materials.  Writing components such as rhetorical modes, grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development, editing, and referencing sources are included.

 

Child Care Methods I: Introduction to CYW (CYW104) (4 credits)
Child Care Methods I serves as an introductory course to the field of Child & Youth work. It examines the unique history, skills, knowledge and attitutdes that characterize the profession.

Introduction to Human Relations (CYW105) (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the foundational principles and practices of effective human relations with a particular focus on Child & Youth Worker applications. Students will have opportunities to integrate theory and skill development through a variety of classroom activities and experiential exercises. Self-awareness, communication and problem resolution are among the special topics covered

Global Citizenship (GEN100) (3 credits)
The world is shrinking. The ice caps are melting. A sneeze, thousands of kilometres away, starts a health pandemic and technology enables us to intimately view earthquakes, tsunamis and human rights violations around the world. This reality calls for an understanding of diversity, social justice and sustainability. A global citizen is aware of the wider world, respects and values diversity, is outraged by injustice, participates in community from the local to the global level, and feels compelled to act to make the world a more sustainable place. Global citizenship will help students gain personal meaning of themselves as citizens of the world and apply it in their own lives.

Introduction to Addictions (HSC204) (3 credits)
In this course, the student will be introduced to the study of addictions. The class will explore general information about substances, their effects and the development of dependency. The impact of addiction on individuals, families and society will be examined. Prevention, assessment, intervention and treatment approaches and resources will be discussed.

Introduction to Psychology (PSY102) (3 credits)
A study of the science of psychology; its methods, concepts and theories, including the following topic areas: (1) biological bases of behaviour and perceptual processes; (2) intelligence, learning and memory; (3) motivation and emotion, and (4) states of awareness. Psychological concepts will be studied with a view towards how they can be applied to enhance the student's understanding of psychological adaptation and the cases and consequences of human behaviour.

Semester 2

Human Services Communication (CMM225) (3 credits)
This course prepares students for employment in the human service professions. Emphasis is placed on career exploration and the production of a variety of written and oral communications suited for the various purposes and audiences relevant to this profession. In this course, the principles of writing are taught through the writing process.

Integrated Seminar I (CYW100) (3 credits)
The Child and Youth Worker students on practicum will meet as a group to discuss their experiences in the field. Observation methodology, reporting and recording techniques will be discussed and practiced. These seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty.

Community Practicum I (CYW101) (7 credits)
This course provides students with their initial practical training in the Child and Youth field. Students are generally placed in an elementary classroom setting. Students achieve the specific learning outcomes of the placement in approximately 150 hours of supervised placement experience.

Recreation Leadership (CYW131) (3 credits)
This course focuses on teaching techniques for involving clients in activities and the use of recreation as a means of achieving goals and encouraging values related to healthy development. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic use of programming and activity planning.

Child and Adolescent Development Part I (CYW132) (3 credits)
The growth and development of the person from conception to early childhood will be the focus of this course. Norms of development will be studied, addressing the interactive effects of maturation, experience and life context as they affect the individual.

Abuse and Family Violence (CYW133) (3 credits)
Students will examine the complex factors and conditions which contribute to various forms of abusive situations within the family. The cyclical and trans-active nature of violence within partner relationships and the resulting impact on the child will be addressed. Also to be studied are the various professional roles with respect to prevention and intervention, current community response initiatives, methods of developing conflict resolution skills, and strategies for replacing dysfunctional patterns.

Addictions: Children, Youth and Families (CYW134) (3 credits)
This course addresses the role of the Child & Youth Worker in supporting children, youth and families impacted by addictions. The emphasis will be on “intervention strategies in the areas of therapeutic programming, individual counselling and group work which comply with treatment aims for the client.”

Semester 3

Integrated Seminar II (CYW200) (3 credits)
The Child & Youth Worker students on practicum will meet as a group once a week to discuss their experiences in the field. These integrated seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty. Issues pertinent to the adolescent in the group setting will be explored.

Child Care Methods II: Case Management (CYW201) (3 credits)
This course will examine the psycho-dynamics of youth in need of help, including identification, etiology, and the basics of program design. Emphasis is on techniques of child behaviour management, goal setting, case management and evaluation. Identifying problems amenable to change and applying process of `talking`, `teaching` and `modelling` are featured in experiential format.

Community Practicum II (CYW202) (9 credits)
This course involves a student being placed in a supervised setting where learning outcomes within the program requirements can be fulfilled. Field placement involves approximately 200 hours over a 15 week semester.

Counselling Skills I (CYW203) (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the techniques of the helping interview. Emphasis will be on various types of interviews and variables in an interview. Supervised practical experiences in conducting interviews will take place.

Group Dynamics I (CYW204) (3 credits)
This course provides the opportunity for the student to examine and understand the theory of group process. Emphasis is on therapeutic approaches designed to lead to intra-personal and interpersonal understanding among group members. Research regarding behaviour changes resulting from these techniques will be included.

Child and Adolescent Development Part II (CYW205) (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of CYW132. It will provide an intensive study of human development from middle childhood to the end of adolescence. A holistic view of human development and functioning will be utilized. Emphasis will be on the integration and application of knowledge of developmental patterns and occurrences.

Introduction to Family (CYW206) (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with an introduction to working with children and their families from a Child and Youth Worker perspective focusing on daily living skills. Students will review the most recent literature from the CYW field and gain a deeper understanding of community-based family intervention and support programs for young people and their families. Students will examine the behavioural, developmental and psycho-social strengths and needs of children, youth and their families in relation to current family environments. Practical application of strategies and interventions appropriate to working with families will be introduced.

Semester 4

Psychopathology - Childhood & Adolescence 1A (CYW210) (3 credits)
The various psychopathologies related to intellectual, social, emotional and physical sensory functioning will be examined. Each psychopathology will be explored in respect to symptoms, causes and treatment approaches. Application of the formulation and assessment model will be utilized in a case study approach.

Group Dynamics II (CYW230) (3 credits)
This course provides opportunity for the student to gain experience in the application of group techniques in personal and professional situations. The focus is on group behaviour in therapy settings and the use of various techniques, methods and approaches within the group process with children, adolescents and adults.

Youth in Conflict with the Law (CYW232) (3 credits)
This course will focus on issues pertinent to dealing with children and youth in conflict with the law. Legislation and the management of primary, secondary and tertiary treatment issues will be examined.

Behaviour Management - Applied (CYW233) (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to a wide variety of behavioural management techniques. The course will focus on the practical application of these techniques to a diverse client group.

Counselling Skills II (CYW234) (3 credits)
This course will expose the student to direction-setting and influencing skills in the helping situation. Various types of counselling situations will be explored. Role play and videotape will be utilized.

Semester 5

Child Care Methods III: Therapies (CYW301) (3 credits)
This course will focus on modes of treatment and skill development in therapeutic techniques. Emphasis will be on treatment planning and application of various methodologies to specific areas of concern for children, youth and their families.

Family Dynamics (CYW302) (3 credits)
This course is a study of the structure and function of family systems and various social influences on the family process. Exploration of sociological problems of the family such as mobility, divorce, marital adjustments, and changing roles will be included. There is an emphasis on teaching parenting skills in the family context.

Integrated Seminar III (CYW304) (3 credits)
The Child & Youth Worker students on field placement will meet as a group once a week to discuss their experiences in the field. These integrated seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty.

Community Practicum III (CYW307) (9 credits)
This is the first of two senior levels of community practicum in the Child & Youth Worker Program. It is designed to further the student's practical CYW training.

Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1B (CYW320) (3 credits)
A continuation of Psychopathology - Child and Adolescence 1A. Various treatment methodologies will be examined and evaluated as they apply to the various pathologies.

Working with Diverse Populations (CYW322) (3 credits)
This course will provide an in-depth examination of the impact of diversity on education, family support, community development, public policy and advocacy. There will be an emphasis on the application of ethical and professional standards in working with diverse populations.

What in the World is Going On? (GAS103) (3 credits)
This course will give students the opportunity to build a strong awareness of current global issues. Students will explore various media such as radio, TV, internet, newspaper, and magazines. Through discussions, debates, and presentations, students will focus on the main international headlines. Students will discover and develop a view and understanding of the impact of events related to music, entertainment, fashion, sports, politics, economics, world issues, and human-interest stories.

Music and Pop Culture (GAS109) (3 credits)
This course will give students the opportunity to think creatively and critically about the influence of popular music. Students will explore different music genres (rock, metal, hip hop and rap), their development and social significance. Students may explore music in film, commercials, war and protest, social and civil rights movements, and the contributions of specific artists to contemporary culture. The ways in which popular music has contributed to the current culture and, in turn, how culture has shaped popular music will be examined.

Your Two Cents (GAS116) (3 credits)
No matter one’s lifestyle, income or background, each person has experienced and developed practices to how we relate to money. This course explores our relationship and personal understanding with money, and its place and value in our culture and individual lives.

Student Selected General Education (GEN110) (3 credits)
For Transfer Credit Purposes only.

Personal and Academic Success Strategies (HDG122) (3 credits)
This course will prepare the student for the rigors of academic life and enable the student to develop a personal profile for college and career success. The main focus of this course will include accepting personal responsibility, discovering self-motivation, mastering self-management, employing interdependence, gaining self-awareness, adopting lifelong learning and developing emotional intelligence. In addition, the student will develop and produce a 'Personal Profile' that will identify his/her personal learning style, communication style, and personality style to enable the student to achieve success in learning about, understanding, and choosing the courses and careers that will lead to personal and professional satisfaction.

Introduction to Aboriginal Peoples of Canada (SSC102) (3 credits)
This course will provide the participants with an introduction to the history and cultural survival of Canada's Aboriginal people. Aboriginal worldview will be identified and discussed in both historical and modern perspectives. Students will review colonization, government policies and legislation, which will provide a foundation for understanding modern Aboriginal life in Canada.

Semester 6

Human Sexuality (CYW306) (3 credits)
This course will provide an overview of development and attitude in society in the area of human sexuality. An understanding of sexuality and associated typical and atypical behaviour in young people will be explored. The implications of this in working with disturbed or troubled youth will be a major area of focus.

Integrated Seminar IV (CYW325) (3 credits)
Students will be afforded the opportunity to make the appropriate contacts to operationalize the community development project on an ongoing basis. Significant student involvement and initiative is required. Documentation of the process is essential.

Working with LGBTTTIQ Children & Youth (CYW327) (3 credits)
Working with LGBTTTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered, two-spirited, intersex and questioning) Children and Youth. This course prepares students to work effectively with LGBTTTIQ children, youth and their families, in a variety of settings and circumstances. The focus will be on the developmental issues, use of sensitive and direct questioning techniques, strategies for engagement, support and creating safe spaces. Students will become familiar with best practice models in assessing specific needs of LGBTTTIQ clients, engaging in positive treatment planning, making appropriate referrals and advocacy. Some areas of emphasis will be on history, diversity issues, peer support, self-esteem building among clients, education both within the LBGTTTIQ population and the community at large, and the media.

Community Practicum IV (CYW328) (9 credits)
This is the second of two senior leves of community practicum in the Child & Youth Worker program. It is designed to further the student's practical CYW training.

Community Development (CYW329) (4 credits)
This course provides a theoretical exploration of Community Development practices and principles. A key component of the course is the planning and implementation of major community development experiential project.

Rituals, Idols and Controversies in Sport (GAS101) (3 credits)
This course gives students the opportunity to examine the many rituals, idols, and controversies surrounding the world of sports. Students will debate, discuss, and present a variety of popular topics in sports such as athlete salaries, performance-enhancing drugs and athlete product endorsement. This course will explore the impact these issues have on social and cultural aspects of human behaviour.


Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology 705.759.2554      1.800.461.2260
443 Northern Ave. 
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada  P6A 5L3 www.saultcollege.ca