CYCW 100
Adolescent Development
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students begin to examine developmental theory and patterns typical of late childhood and adolescence. Psychosocial development, cognition, spirituality and moral judgment, cultural and gender influences, and physiology, including sexuality are explored. Environmental influences and typical patterns of adolescent behaviour are also considered. Students develop insight into their own style of relating to youth as influenced by their experiences as a young person. Students also acquire frameworks for helping families support youth with normal developmental tasks and fostering resilience in their young people.

CYCW 101
Helping Skills
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students are introduced to the skills of effective, therapeutic relationship building with youth and families. The scope of practice of a Child and Youth Care counsellor and the importance of exploring diversity and spirituality in the helping process is also introduced. Students practice and demonstrate effective, foundational individual counselling skills, from a developmental model of counselling.

CYCW 102
Integration Seminar
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Students discuss field placement experiences and apply theory and skills from program course work. Professional and ethical conduct in relation to field experience is a focus. Students practice the skills of group work, communication, and leadership at a basic level.

Co-requisites: CYCW 103.

CYCW 103
Field Placement
2 Credits          Total (0-0-120)

Students are introduced to the roles and responsibilities of a child and youth care practitioner through field placement. Students participate in therapeutic routines and activities in a work integrated learning environment. This workplace experience fosters the student’s ability to develop an ethical helping relationship and to work on a team of child and youth care professionals in a school, residential, or community program.

Co-requisites: CYCW 102.

CYCW 104
Activity Programming
2 Credits          Weekly (1-2-0)

This experiential course is designed to equip students with the attitudes, conceptual frameworks and skills to develop, lead and evaluate therapeutic activities for children, youth and families.

CYCW 106
The Child and Youth Care Profession
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students are introduced to the field of Child and Youth Care and explore the ethics of becoming a professional practitioner. A historical orientation to the field provides context to the work that has and continues to be done in support of children, youth, and families. An overview and introduction of services provided, practice orientation, and governing bodies provides students with a foundation to their field practice.

CYCW 107
Child and Youth Care Practice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides an overview of the core theoretical domains and philosophical orientations that underpin relational-centred Child and Youth Care (CYC) practice. Students are also introduced to the concept of praxis as a critical learning framework to foster risk-taking, creativity, and unconventionality. This type of learning environment requires active and respectful participation of all students.

CYCW 108
Diversity and Difference in Child and Youth Care Practice
2 Credits          Weekly (2-0-0)

In this course, students critically engage in diversity and difference to increase their awareness of cultural complexities in diverse social environments. Students gain an understanding of the multi-dimensionality of identities and experiences and how they are linked to issues of social justice. Topic areas address the impact of social circumstances upon the lives of children, youth, families and communities from both current and historical perspectives.

CYCW 109
Introduction to Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-60)

This course is an introduction to child and youth care practice focusing on preparation for field experiences. Students begin to explore their understanding of the role of the the child and youth care professional by engaging in individual reflective and group process and apply child and youth care concepts to simulated field scenarios. Areas of focus include attitudes and self-awareness, professionalism, helping relationships, supervision, and methodologies. Students are provided the opportunity to develop the skills involved in group work, communication, and co-leadership.

CYCW 110
Integration Seminar
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Students discuss field placement experiences and apply theory and skills from program course work to practice. Professional and ethical conduct in relation to field experience is a focus. Students practice the skills of group work, communication, and leadership at an intermediate level.

Prerequisites: CYCW 102.

Co-requisites: CYCW 111.

CYCW 111
Field Placement
2 Credits          Total (0-0-120)

Through continuing participation and co-leadership in routines and activities, this second placement further develops the core skills of a competent child and youth care practitioner. Students advance their skill and knowledge by focusing on relationship as a therapeutic tool. Students are expected to demonstrate creativity in planning activities, to be more independent problem solvers, and to show initiative.

Prerequisites: CYCW 102 and CYCW 103.

Co-requisites: CYCW 110.

CYCW 112
Family Dynamics
2 Credits          Weekly (2-0-0)

Students examine the family as a system within a broader ecological systems context. Students begin with an overview of basic family systems theory and then focus on the application of this core knowledge to their own family of origin. Through this self-study approach, students recognize and explore issues that may affect their ability to work with at-risk youth and families.

CYCW 114
Individual Counselling
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students continue to study the developmental model of individual counselling. Specific skills are taught that allow students to assist youth and adult clients in fully exploring and clarifying problem situations and missed opportunities in their lives; and to challenge their limited perspectives and access personal strengths, competencies and capabilities. Students are introduced to the solution-focused approach to helping, life space counselling, and spirituality in the helping process.

Prerequisites: CYCW 101.

CYCW 115
Introduction to Family
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Various systems theories are used to illustrate how families operate as systems. Students apply foundational concepts from systems theories to their own family of origin to explore how their own family identity might influence how they work with children, youth and families.

CYCW 124
Therapeutic Activities
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This experiential course is designed to equip students with the attitudes, conceptual frameworks and skills to develop, lead and evaluate therapeutic activities for children, youth and families.

CYCW 125
Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-150)

Students examine linkages between child and youth care course work through participation in weekly seminars to experience ongoing group development and discuss field experiences. As a professional in training, students have the opportunity to build intentional helping relationships with young people and participate in and facilitate the activities of the child and youth care field setting alongside other professionals. There is a continued focus on developing skills involved in group work, communication, and co-leadership in an applied context. Students identify strategies for balancing the demands of course work outside of a classroom setting.

Prerequisites: CYCW 109.

CYCW 128
Diversity and Difference in Child and Youth Care Practice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students critically engage in diversity and difference to increase their awareness of cultural complexities in diverse social environments. Students gain an understanding of the multi-dimensionality of identities and experiences and how they are linked to issues of social justice. Topic areas address the impact of social circumstances upon the lives of children, youth, families and communities from both current and historical perspectives.

CYCW 200
Child/Youth Care Methods I: Current Trends
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore current trends in the child and youth care field and broader communities that impact their practice. Students consider continually changing societal conditions and explore emerging areas relevant to child and youth care practice such as social policy, human rights, poverty, social inequity, and addiction. Students gain an understanding of specific approaches that increase their capacity to effectively support children, youth and families in diverse social environments and circumstances.

CYCW 201
Supporting Mental Health for Children, Youth, and Families
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore a range of childhood, adolescent, and family mental health experiences and challenges. The causes and responses of commonly diagnosed physical/organic, social, emotional, and behavioral disorders are considered. Students examine a range of challenges from a strength-based and family perspective, in regards to awareness, understanding, and supporting people experiencing mental health concerns. The role of the child and youth care practitioner in settings providing mental health services is examined. Through self-exploration and research, students gain practical techniques and skills to support growth from mental illness to mental wellness.

CYCW 202
Integration Seminar
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Students discuss field placement experiences and apply theories, knowledge and skills from second year course work to their Child and Youth Care field placement practice. Students practice group work skills in seminar sessions. Students explore the notion of "caring for the caregiver," designing and applying self-care strategies to themselves as helping professionals.

Prerequisites: CYCW 110 and CYCW 111.

Co-requisites: CYCW 203.

CYCW 203
Field Placement
4 Credits          Total (0-0-240)

Students work in challenging child and youth care settings, with a focus on supporting youth and families to make effective change in their lives. In group care, family-based, or specialized community programs, students demonstrate individual counseling, life-space teaching, activity programming, and crisis intervention, along with the core competencies of relationship building, behaviour management, report writing and team work.

Prerequisites: CYCW 110 and CYCW 111.

Co-requisites: CYCW 202.

CYCW 204
Group Work
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore the role of therapeutic groups for children, youth, and families in child and youth care contexts. Students begin to integrate foundational counselling skills into their group work practice in child and youth care settings. Students apply group facilitation skills in the classroom.

Prerequisites: CYCW 214.

CYCW 205
Family Systems and Dynamics
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students are introduced to conceptual frameworks to assess family systems and understand contemporary issues facing today's families. The perspective of family resilience is integrated with family developmental theory as a conceptual map to guide family intervention. Theoretical models of support programs and services available to families are also analyzed. Critical thinking is emphasized in relation to entry-level competencies in child and youth care.

Prerequisites: CYCW 115.

CYCW 206
Child/Youth Care Methods II: Therapeutic Interventions
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This is an applied therapeutic intervention practice course in which theoretical content is combined with experiential learning. Students explore the process of altering the story about "self" which is held by the child, youth, and his/her family through the application of expressive therapies, which includes arts-based creative journaling, cinema and biblio-therapy, poetry therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, body-movement therapy, and arts-based cognitive behavioural therapy. Students are also encouraged and challenged to explore the usage of art-based therapies from a multicultural perspective to foster inclusiveness and respect differences.

CYCW 207
Integration Seminar
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Students discuss field placement experiences and apply information and skills from course work completed. In this fourth seminar, students practice advanced group work skills and also engage in essential job search activities.

Prerequisites: CYCW 202 and CYCW 203.

Co-requisites: CYCW 208.

CYCW 208
Field Placement
4 Credits          Total (0-0-240)

Students practice required entry-level competencies of a child and youth care worker. In group care, family-based or specialized community programs for youth and their families, the student demonstrates the competencies of service planning, implementation and evaluation within a service team.

Prerequisites: CYCW 202 and CYCW 203.

Co-requisites: CYCW 207.

CYCW 209
Family Support and Intervention
2 Credits          Weekly (2-1-0)

Students learn about and critique a child and youth care approach to family support work in the life space of children, youth and families. Students build on prior knowledge of development, family dynamics, and professional helping to practice, demonstrate and evaluate family assessment and intervention skills necessary to support and facilitate meaningful change. Specific skills including activity and strength-based interventions are applied to a family context.

CYCW 211
Development Across the Lifespan
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students examine major developmental milestones and challenges across the lifespan, beginning at conception and ending with death and dying. Students explore various theoretical perspectives and relevant research at all developmental stages. Students describe and apply the lifespan perspective to child and youth care practice with children, youth and families.

Prerequisites: CYCW 100.

CYCW 214
Child and Youth Care Practice With Individuals
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students continue to study the developmental model of foundational individual counselling and narrative approaches and principles. Specific skills are taught to assist youth and adults in fully exploring, validating, and responding to the individual’s lived, emotional experiences. Students are introduced to the solution-focused, applied behavioral analysis, and motivational interviewing approaches to working with youth and adults. Students continue to explore the scope of practice, ethics, diversity, and spirituality in the therapeutic process of child and youth care work.

Prerequisite: CYCW 101.

CYCW 215
Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-210)

Students participate in weekly seminars to discuss field experiences and identify opportunities to apply child and youth care theoretical frameworks, knowledge and skills from coursework to their interactions in a practicum setting. As developing professionals, students also explore the notion of "caring for the caregiver", designing and applying self-care strategies to themselves. In a supervised setting, students apply skills in counseling, life-space teaching, purposeful use of therapeutic activities, and crisis intervention, along with competencies of relationship building, developmental practice methods, and team work. Students learn about the purpose and ethical requirements of professional documentation and report writing.

Prerequisite: CYCW 125.

CYCW 219
Family Support & Intervention
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students learn about and critique a child and youth care approach to family support work in the life space of children, youth, and families. Students build on prior knowledge of development, family dynamics, and professional helping to practice, demonstrate and evaluate family assessment and intervention skills necessary to support and facilitate meaningful change. Specific skills including the use of activity and strength-based interventions are applied in a family context.

Prerequisite: CYCW 205.

CYCW 225
Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-210)

Students discuss practicum experiences and apply child and youth care theoretical frameworks and skills from course work. In this seminar, students practice intermediate group work skills and also engage in essential job search preparation. In a supervised practicum setting, students demonstrate the competencies of assessment, service planning, implementation, and evaluation within service teams. Child and youth care methods are explored, including: recognizing opportunities for connection in the context of the life space, managing conflict and boundary setting, developing alternative strength-based stories, and fostering competence and confidence in children, youth, and families. Students engage in opportunities to provide input to and practice professional documentation and report writing.

Prerequisites: CYCW 215.

CYCW 302
Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice I: Linking Theory, Self and Ethics
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This in-depth course examines professional child and youth care practice and integration of theory, self, and ethical practice by focusing on the major theoretical change frameworks and their associated philosophies, goals, strategies and techniques. Students are challenged to identify their unique life-position lenses, that is, how based on early life experiences, they position themselves in relation to others and see the world and their place in it. Their life-position lenses are considered in relation to various theoretical change models, and students explore, develop and integrate their own theoretical orientations and perspectives on change. Emphasis is placed on developing one's on-going self awareness, critical thinking abilities, and purposeful ethical Child and Youth Care practice.

CYCW 303
Global Perspectives
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore child and youth care practices from a global perspective. Global policies, migration patterns, cross-cultural practices and therapies, holistic care, and the role of child and youth care practitioners in various contexts are considered. Students appraise the strengths and challenges of working in diverse contexts, across borders, and enhance their cultural understanding. Students reflect on their individual privileges, resources, and contributions to the field while examining and deconstructing the complexities of child and youth care practice within Canada and beyond.

CYCW 323
Child and Youth Care Research
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students are introduced to the principles of the scientific method of inquiry and the skills necessary to design and implement a course-based research project. Within an applied research context, students are introduced to the major research paradigms (positivism, interpretivism, and critical) and strategies of inquiry (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method). Students select a topic of interest, frame a researchable question, map-out a literature review plan, design a sample strategy, collect and analyze data and showcase their projects in a poster session.

CYCW 325
Quantitative Analysis
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students examine statistics as a set of tools and techniques used to organize, describe and interpret information. The strengths and weaknesses of statistical analysis as one component of the research methodology are appraised. Statistical techniques discussed include measures of central tendency, correlation coefficients, normal distributions, t-tests and analysis of variance. Introduction to quantitative research design includes, but is not be limited to, concepts such as statistical significance, sample size, reliability, variance and research design. The relevance of this approach to child and youth care practice and research is explored.

CYCW 339
Applying Developmental Theory to Practice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students consider the implications of contemporary perspectives on traditional developmental theory and research for advanced child and youth care practice. Emphasis is placed on the development of self and relationships in the contexts of the family, school, community, and therapeutic intervention. The themes of resilience and diversity and their effects on development are explored. Students apply developmental perspectives to their own life experiences as these relate to their work with children, youth, and families.

CYCW 340
Social Justice with Children, Youth, and Families
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This in-depth course introduces students to contemporary social justice theories and research within current and historical sociopolitical climates. Emphasis is placed on the intersections of 'difference' in relation to social justice issues in global, national and local contexts including professional helping environments. Students apply theoretical perspectives to their own personal life experiences and professional work with children, youth, and families.

CYCW 350
Law and Social Services
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides students with a basic introduction to law and legal issues in the child welfare system. The child and youth care role requires increasing knowledge of the law and awareness of ethical and legal obligations for the professional child and youth care practitioner. Throughout the course, consideration is given to the function of law as an institution and the role of law as an expression of social policy, including the system in racism in the legal system. The course instills an awareness of legal principles and the rights of children, youth and families, and the responsibility of social services staff to uphold these rights. The course provides a knowledge base in family and child protection law, civil liberties, court procedures and hearings, and evidence-giving skills.

CYCW 360
Abuse and Neglect
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore their own values and attitudes toward abuse and neglect and critically examine theory and research relating to child and family abuse and neglect. Definitions of abuse and neglect are explored across different historical, systemic and cultural contexts. Students learn the causes, indicators, dynamics, and consequences of abuse and neglect for individuals, families and communities. Students prepare to recognize, assess, respond, and intervene competently in situations of abuse and neglect as they arise with children, youth and families.

CYCW 361
Substance Abuse
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students analyze and compare theories, principles, systems, issues, and the interventions in the field of alcohol and substance abuse as they pertain to Child and Youth Care practice with children, youth, families, and communities. Students explore their personal beliefs, values, and ethics regarding both substance abuse and how change occurs. They consider how these beliefs, values and ethics may impact their work with clients.

CYCW 403
Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice: Linking Theory, Self, and Ethics
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This in-depth course examines professional child and youth care practice and integration of theory, self, and ethical practice by focusing on the major theoretical change frameworks and their associated philosophies, goals, strategies and techniques. Students are challenged to identify their unique life-position lenses, that is, how based on early life experiences, they position themselves in relation to others and see the world and their place in it. Their life-position lenses are considered in relation to various theoretical change models, and students explore, develop and integrate their own theoretical orientations and perspectives on change. Emphasis is placed on developing one's on-going self awareness, critical thinking abilities, and purposeful ethical child and youth care practice.

CYCW 411
Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-120)

This supervised practicum consists of an experiential learning component as well as a weekly seminar. Students focus on a specific area of practice and on locating their practicum in terms of its social context. Relevant legislation and social policy are examined and the impact of these on policy and applied practice is explored. Students examine their practicum with consideration to applicable factors such as agency or community mission, structure, professional roles, service delivery model or objective of their practicum, and evaluate how these elements relate to the needs of the individuals and families being served. Students consider social justice issues, intersectionality, diversity and critically assess their professional ethics in child and youth care practice. Students must complete all third year child and youth care classes before registering in CYC 411.

CYCW 412
Practicum
3 Credits          Total (0-30-120)

This supervised practicum consists of an experiential learning component as well as a weekly seminar. Students deepen their understanding and applied skills in areas of service planning, assessment, change strategies, evaluation, and/or project planning and delivery at an advanced level. Students integrate current child and youth care theoretical frameworks and research into their practice. Students strengthen their ability to articulate methods of applied professional values and ethics in relation to their practicum. Students are challenged to develop and express their own professional identity through ongoing engagement and understanding of the expertise of other professionals and function as contributing partners in the community and service team.

Prerequisite: CYCW 411.

CYCW 423
Child and Youth Care Research
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students are introduced to the principles of the scientific method of inquiry and the skills necessary to design and implement a course-based research project. Within an applied research context, students are introduced to the major research paradigms (positivism, interpretivism, and critical science) and strategies of inquiry (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method). Students select a topic of interest, frame a researchable question, map-out a literature review plan, design a sample strategy, collect and analyze data, and showcase their projects in a poster session.

CYCW 425
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students examine statistics as a set of tools and techniques used to organize, describe and interpret information. The strengths and weaknesses of statistical analysis as one component of the research methodology are appraised. Statistical techniques discussed include measures of central tendency, correlation coefficients, normal distributions, t-tests and analysis of variance. Introduction to quantitative research design includes but is not be limited to concepts such as statistical significance, sample size, reliability, variance and research design. Collection and analysis of qualitative research data is also introduced, and the relevance of this approach to child and youth care practice and research is explored.

CYCW 461
Addictions and Recovery
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students analyze and compare theories, principles, systems, issues, and the interventions in the field of alcohol and substance abuse as they pertain to child and youth care practice with children, youth, families, and communities. Students explore their personal beliefs, values, and ethics regarding both substance abuse and how change occurs. They consider how these beliefs, values and ethics may impact their work with clients.

CYCW 465
Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Community Groups
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Child and youth care operates in an increasingly complex work environment, impacted by rapidly changing social, legislative, and economic conditions. This course begins with examining the charitable sector in Canada and the provincial and federal laws that set the parameters for operations. The impact of an ever-changing environment on the operations of community-based organizations are assessed. Community leaders from the charitable sector share learnings from their years of practice to assist students to integrate the broader system into their daily practice. The concept of advocacy for the children, youth and families served continues to be important while social policy is addressed as a starting point for systemic change. Students assess the role of child and youth care practice in the broader community context.

CYCW 466
Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Families
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students learn about current theories, frameworks, and models for understanding family dynamics and guardianship practices. Family assessment methodologies and interventions which are appropriate to child and youth care settings are explored. This course builds on existing theories of family dynamics and intervention strategies to create a holistic child and youth care approach to working with families in life spaces.

CYCW 474
Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Individuals
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students focus on advanced skills and theories for child and youth care counselling with individuals. Using a relational perspective, students integrate and apply a range of counselling psychology theories for counselling individual children, youth, and family members including: humanistic, behavioural, socio-cultural and developmental models of counselling. Spirituality and cross-cultural topics are considered as they relate to the therapeutic relationship. Students examine counselling psychology literature and research relevant to the child and youth care counsellor’s scope of practice, ethics, diversity and spirituality in the therapeutic process.