Program Description Humber’s Child and Youth Care – Accelerated diploma program prepares you to promote the optimal development of children, youth and their families. Students are required to develop skills in assessing needs, designing and implementing programs and planned environments, and using daily life events to support and facilitate positive change. The program provides foundational knowledge in infant, child and adolescent development, Child and Youth Care relational practice principles, psychology of the family, evidence- based or evidence-informed intervention strategies, group dynamics and therapeutic activities. The unique role of the CYC practitioner is emphasized.
Our accelerated program makes it possible for students with previous postsecondary education to fast-track through our program in 16 consecutive months without compromising the required work placement. Studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year. Faculty are highly motivated and dedicated, and employ a team approach to student education.
Work placements are a critical component of Humber’s CYC – accelerated diploma program. There is an exciting variety of innovative and traditional placements available in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Placements can also be arranged in your own community and all are unpaid. Humber has established partnerships with agencies, schools, etc., that have agreed to take Humber students, and there is no need for students to find their own potential placement. For the first placement, opportunities tend to be school-based and assigned. The second and third work placements are chosen by students from a list of potential placements then matched by the school. First and third placements are three days a week and four days a week through the summer. This provides students with more than 1,000 hours of practical CYC experience.
With our program, you can enjoy the rewards of a career where you make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth. Our graduates encounter a field with opportunities in a variety of settings including:
Child protection agencies Community-based child and youth development programs Parent education and family support School-based programs Youth and women's shelters Open custody group homes for young offenders Residential and day treatment programs in children's mental health centres Psychiatric hospitals Early intervention and prevention programs
