Child and Youth Worker 1205

Professional child and youth workers enhance the growth and development of children, youth and their families within a wide range of therapeutic contexts.

Students will learn the principles, philosophies and characteristics of relational child and youth work practice such as co-creating relationships, working developmentally and understanding professional boundaries.

Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
Students in this program will develop a portfolio documenting their engagement with the College's signature global citizenship and equity competencies.  For more information on Global Citizenship and Equity, the GC&E Portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit http://www.centennialcollege.ca/citizenshipandequity.

Program Highlights

• The program may be taken full or part time and, if you are currently working in the field, through a government-funded apprenticeship program
• Field placements in all three years vary between two and four days per week
• Supplemental training is provided in Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB)

Career Outlook

There is a high demand for child and youth workers in agencies serving troubled youth and their families. Centennial's graduates are very well recognized because of their clinical focus and job readiness.

Graduates possess a diverse skill set that permits movement across multiple roles and various contexts, including residential and day treatment programs, hospitals, young offender programs, crisis centres, community-based programs and shelters.

Organizations hiring graduates include:

• Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Services
• Children's Aid Society of Toronto
• East Metro Youth Services
• Frontenac Youth Services  
• Hincks - Dellcrest Child and Family Centre
• Kennedy House Youth Services
• Ontario Shores Mental Health Sciences
• Turning Point Youth Services 
• York Region District School Board

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates have demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships that promote growth and development
• Foster and utilize therapeutic environments that respect culture, promote overall well-being and facilitate positive change for children, youths and their families
• Design and implement strategies that promote client advocacy and community education to enhance psycho-social development in children, youths and their families
• Employ effective intervention strategies that meet the needs and goals of children, youths, their families and relevant others
• Form professional relationships that enhance the quality of service for children, youths and their families
• Perform ongoing self-assessment and self-care to promote awareness and enhance professional competence
• Identify and use professional development resources and activities that promote professional growth
• Communicate effectively in oral, written and nonverbal forms to enhance the quality of service

Distinctive Benefits for Centennial Students

• As a Centennial student, you will benefit from a highly supportive faculty group, which has extensive teaching and field experience and works closely with students to develop their full potential
• Centennial’s CYW Program features three supervised field placements
• Curriculum is reviewed and revised annually to ensure that courses and assignments are based on current research and best practices
• A specially-designed communications lab is used extensively for interactive learning activities, counselling simulations and small group observation and feedback

Educational Partners

• Qualified graduates of this program may apply to continue their education with Ryerson University’s Child and Youth Care direct-entry degree program or receive credit towards their university degree in related disciplines
• Graduates with a C+ average may apply to Vancouver Island University for direct entry into the third year of the Child & Youth Work degree program. A child protection specialization is also available for a limited number of students
• Students may apply for membership in the Ontario Association of Child & Youth Counsellors (OACYC)

The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body, not by Centennial College.  In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.

Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)

Academic Requirements

• English Grade 12 C or U (minimum grade required) or equivalent, or skills assessment.

Notes:

• This program is considered  "highly competitive" and fills early. To be considered for the program, you should apply prior to the Ontario Colleges equal consideration date of February 1and submit transcripts or complete skills assessments as early as possible.  
• For applicants who are currently attending high school in Ontario: please advise your school guidance department that you have applied to an Ontario College.  Your midterm and final grades will be transmitted automatically to the college.

• Attending a program admission session is highly recommended

After admission, prior to beginning each Field Placement, students are required to:

• Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
• Provide proof of immunization requirements
• Successfully complete a standard first aid and heart saver AED(C) certification
• Provide a medical certificate of health to ensure freedom of communicable disease

All of the above requirements must be ineffect for the entire duration of each placement.

Career Outlook

Graduates possess a diverse skill set that permits movement across multiple roles and various contexts, including:

• residential and day treatment programs
• hospitals
• young offender programs
• crisis centres
• community-based programs and
• shelters.