Full-time Programs
CYWP - Child and Youth Worker
CYWA - Child and Youth Worker - Advanced Standing
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Lorne Thompson | thompson@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
This three-year program prepares graduates to work successfully with children and youth experiencing social, interpersonal, behavioural and/or emotional difficulties. Through non-judgmental support, advocacy, the formation of therapeutic relationships and the use of therapeutic interventions, Child and Youth Counsellors empower children, youth and their families to make positive changes in their lives. Child and Youth Work is an established profession within the human services field and graduates are eligible for certification with the professional association – the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates are prepared to work in an ever increasing range of settings that promote optimal development of children, youth and their families. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, Child and Youth Counsellors work front-line with children, youth and their families in a variety of settings, including:
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Specialized classrooms
- Alternative educational settings
- Child welfare and protection
- Group homes and residential treatment settings
- Children’s mental health programs
- Community based settings
- Youth outreach centres
- Hospital based services
- Juvenile justice programs
Program Description
Students in year one study Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Behavioural Disorders, Sociological factors affecting children, youth and their families, and become acquainted with the role of the Child and Youth Counsellor. The curriculum facilitates a process of self-discovery and exploration of personal values, beliefs and attitudes as they relate to the helping field. Applied skills such as critical thinking, communication skills and personal counselling styles are incorporated into various courses.
Years two and three examine Child Welfare Legislation, Therapeutic Techniques and Activities, Advanced Individual and Group Counselling Skills, Clinical Documentation and Case Management Processes. The impact of substance abuse, poverty, family violence and crises are explored. Students will have opportunities through placement courses to practice behaviour management skills and to design individualized programs for children and youth. During the four placements, faculty provide guidance and support for students. The final placement is a 400-hour preceptored experience through which students progress toward independent practice.
Advanced Standing
Direct entry into Year Two of Child and Youth Worker is available through an advanced standing option which is open to applicants with a human studies diploma (SSW, DSW, ECE, GAS with a social studies focus, or Justice Studies), or a relevant university degree. A minimum 70% overall average is required – with no marks below 60%. Applicants with other post-secondary credentials will be assessed on an individual basis.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,096 (two semesters)
Books and Supplies: $1,200
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the
general or advanced, (C), (U), (C/U) or (O) level, with Grade 12 English (C) or (U)
OR
(b) Health: A formal confidential health history is required as part of the registration process. All applicants must provide proof of the basic health requirements in order to participate in field placements. Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with faculty prior to admission.
(c) Criminal Record Check: Evidence that a clean criminal record check has been completed through their local police service is required of all students in order to participate in field placements.
(d) First Aid: Students are required to produce evidence that they have successfully completed a Standard First Aid Certification as well as Basic “B” Level CPR qualifications approved by the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2009:
- Algoma University College
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details and minimum requirements. Graduates may contact the university of their choice to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
CADW 1003 Introduction to Child & Adolescent Development
This course introduces the learner to the foundation information of growth and development patterns, from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral forms of development are examined. Norms and deviances to development will be studied.
COMM 1029 Communication Skills for Child & Youth Workers
This course introduces the learner to college level writing skills such as researching, referencing, and essay writing. Students will also examine various field related practices required to fulfill the role of a child and youth worker such as professional oral presentations, email etiquette, reflective writing/journaling and report writing.
COUN 1011 Interpersonal & Group Dyn-CYW
This course provides students with the concepts for the understanding of interpersonal and group processes. Students will explore issues such as social skills in the college environment, understanding who they are and how they learn, academic skills development, communicating effectively, dealing with stress and personal health and wellness.
CYWP 1001 Introduction to Child and Youth Work
This course is an introduction to the field of Child and Youth Counselling. Students will explore the historical roots of the Child and Youth Work profession, the professional role of the Child and Youth Counsellor and the students’ own professional identity. Current theoretical views and approaches in the field will be examined including the practice of establishing and managing therapeutic relationships with children and youth.
PSYC 1011 Introduction to Psychology -CYW
This course introduces the learner to the science of psychology including methods, concepts and theories. The biological bases of behavior, the theory of how we learn and how we behave, perceptual processes, motivation and emotion will be examined. A particular emphasis is placed on how the field of psychology relates to Children and Youth.
SOCI 1013 Introduction to Sociology - CYW
This course introduces learners to the sociological orientation of the family. Sociological factors including environment, social change theory, social structure, stratification, culture and society and other issues that affect families in Canadian contemporary society will be presented. Specific topics in the course are focused at least in part on the impact on Children and Youth.
First Year - Semester Two
CYWP 1003 Abnormal Child Psychology
This course, building on child development and introduction to psychology, introduces some of the more common problem behavioural disorders and mental health issues of children and youth. Course content also deals with research, observation and assessments, psychological perspectives and impacts on the family.
CYWP 1004 Intro to Counselling Skills
This course addresses the inter-relationship between theory and practice in counseling. Through analyzing counseling skills, learners will begin the process of clarifying and developing their own style of counseling practice. Professional and ethical issues in counseling are explored.
CYWP 2001 Preventing and Managing Aggressive Behaviour
This course builds on the student’s knowledge of the field of Child and Youth Work by focusing on understanding behaviour and implementing behaviour management techniques. Specialized training in the prevention and management of disruptive and aggressive behaviour will be provided.
PLAC 1015 Field Placement Seminar 102
This course provides the learner with an introduction to the role of CYW in field placement. Policies, procedures, professional behaviors, and evaluation methods for successful placements will be examined.
PLAC 1016 Field Placement 102
This placement introduces the learner to the types of roles, responsibilities, and strategies Child and Youth Workers require when working with children, families, agencies, and interdisciplinary teams.
SOCI 1014 Sociology and the Family
This course introduces learners to the sociological orientation of the family. Sociological factors including environment, social change theory, social structure, stratification, culture and society and other issues that affect families in Canadian contemporary society will be presented.
Second Year - Semester Three
CYWP 2003 Child Welfare Legislation
This course introduces the legislation that governs the lives of children, youth and their families. The roles and responsibilities of Child & Youth Workers in settings governed by Child Welfare Legislation will be examined.
CYWP 2004 Advanced Counselling Skills
This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Counselling course. Fundamental interviewing and counselling skills developed in the previous course will be practiced and further expanded for use in individual and group interventions with children and adolescents. This course incorporates extensive use of the counselling lab, videotaping, and in-class feedback sessions to develop, practice and improve the use of counselling skills.
HLTH 2001 Therapeutic Rec Strategies
This course provides the learner with basic skills in understanding the relationship of recreational programs to health and wellness and in achieving goals. Learners will gain skills in planning recreational experiences based on the developmental levels and psychological needs of children and youth.
PLAC 2025 Field Placement Seminar 201
This course provides discussion, coaching, and opportunities for exploration of issues, counselling strategies and intervention methodologies conducive to the needs of individual children or youth in specialized settings.
PLAC 2026 Field Placement 201
This placement provides the learner with the opportunity, under supervision, to plan and implement counselling and specialized programming conducive to the needs of individual children or youth and the specialized setting.
CYWP 2006 Adolescent Psychopathology
This course is designed as a continuation of Abnormal Child Psychology. The content focuses on the psychopathology of adolescence and young adulthood. Students will recognize patterns of abnormal development and clinical syndromes, and gain insight into the etiology and treatment of these. Areas of focus include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse and others. Understanding stigma, the Child and Youth Worker role, community supports and the assessment process will be common threads throughout the course.
Second Year - Semester Four
CYWP 2002 Clinical Recording and Case Management Skills
This course will examine the case management skills, including written and verbal communication skills, required in the Child and Youth Work field. Learners develop specific reporting skills relating to the field, including documentation and skills relating to each phase of the treatment plan: intake; plan of care; progress reports; note taking and discharge plans. An overview of the case management and documentation process in residential, school-based and mental health settings will be included.
CYWP 2005 Child Abuse, Neglect & Family Violence
Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to deal with issues of violence, abuse, and neglect. The focus of the course will be on identification, prevention, crisis intervention and treatment of violence within the family and in the community.
PLAC 2027 Field Placement Seminar 202
This seminar provides advanced discussion and leads learners to employ a variety of critical thinking skills necessary to integrate theory with practice. Examination of potential strategies and actual intervention methodologies will be examined.
PLAC 2028 Field Placement 202
This placement supports the learner, under supervision, to integrate theory with practice. The course has an emphasis on working with children, youth and their families in specialized settings.
SOCI 2011 Contemporary Family issues
This area of study introduces the learner to current issues facing families in Canadian society and specifically how these dynamics impact on child or adolescent development. Assessment of family strengths and challenges is addressed along with strategies for intervention. In addition, students will become familiar with community resources they will access while supporting families as a child and youth worker.
Third Year - Semester Five
SOCI 3002 Cultural Issues and Diversity
This course is designed to expand the learners’ understanding of cultural issues and diversity in Canadian society. Focus will be put on increasing understanding of one’s own and other cultural backgrounds and in developing cultural competency in Child and Youth Work.
SOCI 3003 Professional Issues and Development
This course guides the learner in examining personal strengths, interests, limitations, and recognition of the impact personal styles have on others. Values, beliefs and lifestyle origin will be examined. Strategies for developing support networks and personal reflection, with the goal of engaging in advanced self-exploration and understanding, will be examined.
PSYC 3001 Trauma and Loss in Childhood and Adolescence
The course examines the specialized skills required for crisis intervention with children, adolescents and their families. Learners will examine a myriad of issues relating to trauma and loss including suicide prevention and intervention; responding to tragic events in schools and agencies; and, supporting children and teens through their grief experiences.
PHAR 3000 Pharmacology for Child and Youth Work
Students will gain knowledge of basic medication preparation and administration. An overview of the classification of drugs will be provided, with an emphasis on medications commonly encountered by the Child and Youth Worker.
HLTH 3000 Therapeutic Interventions
This course is designed to explore the diversity of theoretical and practical approaches to the assessment and treatment of children and youth. Theories and intervention techniques from developmental, family systems, psychodynamic, child-centered play, humanistic, behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, and solution-focused perspectives will be covered. This course focuses on developing a “Toolbox” of intervention strategies that are practical, relevant, and easy-to-use with children and youth in a variety of settings.
COUN 3001 Group Counselling
This course builds on fundamental counselling skills developed in Introduction to Counselling Skills and Advance Counselling Skills courses. The focus of the course is on utilizing these skills to understand, develop and facilitate group counselling sessions with children and youth. Group counselling skills will be developed through theoretical discussions and practical lab applications in role play scenarios.
Third Year - Semester Six
PLAC 3013 Field Placement Seminar 301
The final field placement seminar course is offered by distance. Students will utilize Blackboard and Second Life to communicate with each other and their professor. Course content will focus on an individual culminating project for each student.
PLAC 3014 Field Placement 301
This placement focuses on learners conducting assessments, creating a case plan, providing supportive counselling, designing programs reflective of a case plan, monitoring the client's progress, and participating in casework conferences.
