Child and Youth Care - Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
Overview
(with diploma exit)
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Child and Youth Care
MacEwan.ca/CYC
Many children, youth, and their families experience trauma, often through abuse, neglect, or a significant loss. They may also have stressors such as mental health, education, poverty, communication, or family conflict. Child and youth care practitioners work relationally with individuals and families to help them gain new insights, supports, and strategies to navigate the complexities of their lives and an ever-changing world.
The child and youth care program provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to work effectively with children, youth, and families in a wide range of practice settings. Specialized child and youth care courses and courses in related disciplines prepare students to become well-rounded child and youth care professionals.
In years one and two, foundational courses prepare students to form helping relationships with youth and families in entry-level positions. Years three and four prepare students for advanced practice with children, youth, and families with multiple, complex challenges. Practicum courses in years one, two, and four provide the opportunity to integrate coursework within direct practice settings.
Students may choose the diploma exit option at the end of year two.
The child and youth care program is accredited through the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada.
Career Potential
Knowledgeable, caring child and youth care graduates are in demand across Canada. Rewarding careers are available in child and youth, family support, out-of-school care, case work, mental health, addictions, etc., in a wide range of settings. Diploma exit students (after successful completion of year two) are prepared for entry-level, direct-practice positions. Degree graduates (after successful completion of year four) are prepared for positions as advanced child and youth care practitioners and/or for supervisory positions.
Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree graduates from MacEwan University are eligible to apply to a wide array of graduate degrees, including child and youth care programs at the University of Victoria, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Strathclyde.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5229
E: cyc@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-414, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5158
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| CYCW 100 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| CYCW 101 | Helping Skills | 3 |
| CYCW 106 | The Child and Youth Care Profession | 3 |
| CYCW 107 | Child and Youth Care Practice | 3 |
| CYCW 109 | Introduction to Practicum | 3 |
| CYCW 115 | Introduction to Family | 3 |
| CYCW 124 | Therapeutic Activities | 3 |
| CYCW 125 | Practicum | 3 |
| CYCW 128 | Diversity and Difference in Child and Youth Care Practice | 3 |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| CYCW 200 | Child/Youth Care Methods I: Current Trends | 3 |
| CYCW 201 | Supporting Mental Health for Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| CYCW 204 | Group Work | 3 |
| CYCW 205 | Family Systems and Dynamics | 3 |
| CYCW 206 | Child/Youth Care Methods II: Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| CYCW 211 | Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CYCW 214 | Child and Youth Care Practice With Individuals | 3 |
| CYCW 215 | Practicum | 3 |
| CYCW 219 | Family Support & Intervention | 3 |
| CYCW 225 | Practicum | 3 |
| Year 3 | ||
| CYCW 303 | Global Perspectives | 3 |
| CYCW 323 | Child and Youth Care Research | 3 |
| CYCW 325 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CYCW 339 | Applying Developmental Theory to Practice | 3 |
| CYCW 340 | Social Justice with Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| CYCW 350 | Law and Social Services | 3 |
| CYCW 360 | Abuse and Neglect | 3 |
| University electives | 6 | |
| University-level English | 3 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| CYCW 403 | Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice: Linking Theory, Self, and Ethics | 3 |
| CYCW 411 | Practicum | 3 |
| CYCW 412 | Practicum | 3 |
| CYCW 461 | Addictions and Recovery | 3 |
| CYCW 465 | Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Community Groups | 3 |
| CYCW 466 | Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Families | 3 |
| CYCW 474 | Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| University electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program. The student plan may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CYCW 100 | 3 | CYCW 107 | 3 |
| CYCW 101 | 3 | CYCW 115 | 3 |
| CYCW 106 | 3 | CYCW 124 | 3 |
| CYCW 109 | 3 | CYCW 125 | 3 |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | CYCW 128 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CYCW 200 | 3 | CYCW 201 | 3 |
| CYCW 205 | 3 | CYCW 204 | 3 |
| CYCW 211 | 3 | CYCW 206 | 3 |
| CYCW 214 | 3 | CYCW 219 | 3 |
| CYCW 215 | 3 | CYCW 225 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CYCW 323 | 3 | CYCW 303 | 3 |
| CYCW 339 | 3 | CYCW 325 | 3 |
| CYCW 350 | 3 | CYCW 340 | 3 |
| CYCW 360 | 3 | University electives | 6 |
| University-level English | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CYCW 403 | 3 | CYCW 412 | 3 |
| CYCW 411 | 3 | CYCW 461 | 3 |
| CYCW 474 | 3 | CYCW 465 | 3 |
| University electives | 6 | CYCW 466 | 3 |
| University elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
- A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).
Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits or a complete certificate or diploma will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have the following:
- ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)
OR
- Six credits of university-level English with a minimum grade of C-
Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits or a complete certificate or diploma will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from a recognized institution:
- A Child and Youth Care Diploma
OR
- Other related certificates or diplomas
OR
- A minimum of 24 university-level credits
Note: Priority will be given to graduates from a Child and Youth Care diploma program.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission are required to submit the following:
- A clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
Equity Admission
The Department of Child and Youth Care at MacEwan University is committed to principles of equity and diversity. The Department supports equitable representation of groups underrepresented in child and youth professions and has reserved up to 10% of admission spaces as equity admission spaces for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous. MacEwan University defines Indigenous as First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in Canada.
In order to be considered for admission under the Equity Admission criteria, candidates must still meet the minimum admission criteria for the program.
Program Regulations
Academic Residency - Exemption
A student entering year three of the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree with a diploma from an external institution must complete at least 35 per cent of courses through MacEwan University for degree completion. Challenge examinations, transfer credit and other special assessments (for example, prior learning and recognition) are not included in the 35 per cent.
Elective Requirements
Elective requirements may be 100, 200, 300 or 400 level university courses.
English Requirement
The English course requirement may be a 100, 200, 300 or 400 level baccalaureate course from the Department of English.
Progression of Studies
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite requirements as noted on program courses.
Diploma Exit
Students are eligible for a diploma after the successful completion of Year 2 of the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care. Students who have obtained the diploma, or are eligible to do so, are not required to exit the degree program. However, any student who discontinues registration in degree courses for twelve months will be required to re-apply for admission.
Regulations Governing Practicum/Field Placement Courses
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all fieldwork courses in accordance with the course criteria and outcomes. Community partners and MacEwan faculty work collaboratively to offer supervision and support of students and each practicum is accompanied by an integration seminar that provides opportunities to connect course learning and field experience. Students complete field placements during years one, two and four of the program. In year one, practicum courses emphasize self-awareness while learning about and integrating the foundations of child and youth care practice. In year two, practicum courses emphasize the importance of working relationally and creatively with people where they live their lives. Students are encouraged to integrate learning from the classroom, the practice setting and their own experiences. In fourth year, practicum courses are typically tailored to meet the individual student's learning needs and goals as well as emphasize critical and reflective integration of theory and practice, while also enhancing skills around intervention, leadership and advocacy.
Required practicum hours are outlined within student manuals and align with the standards of the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada. Across all levels of practicum, hours may include days and evenings. Students arrange their own transportation for required program activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. MacEwan University child and youth care students can only attend practicum at times and locations authorized by the program and/or the instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled.
Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding practicum as well as other applicable policies and regulations of the university and the host agency. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency pre-placement requirements prior to the start of any practicum course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the university reserves the right, at any point during the practicum course, to remove a student from the practicum for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places the client(s) and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases, the Chair, in consultation with the Dean, will assign a grade of F in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning Policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, practicum, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student’s performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student’s program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Police Information Check
Students must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) requirement as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program. Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC at intervals specified by the practicum agencies or the program, and making these available, upon request, to their practicum agency representative. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student’s ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied a required practicum and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Intervention Record Check
Students may also be required to obtain an Intervention Record Check for some practicum courses. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
First Aid – Standard
Students may require Standard First Aid and CPR requirements for practicum courses. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student. Failure to meet the requirements for practicum courses may result in a student being denied an approved practicum and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Engage in professional conduct across contexts.
- Make decisions ethically.
- Engage in self-reflection to appraise one's own attitudes, skills, and knowledge.
- Develop and articulate a child and youth care professional identity.
- Critique, integrate, and apply theoretical frameworks.
- Utilize effective communication across contexts.
- Employ verbal, non-verbal, and written communication in professional contexts.
- Employ therapeutic communication skills with children, youth, and families.
- Plan, facilitate, and evaluate therapeutic interventions with children, youth, families, and communities.
- Use relational and developmental approaches.
- Engage purposefully within the lifespace.
- Intentionally employ activity-based interventions.
- Assess and respond to contexts that shape professional practice, such as but not limited to law, legislation and regulations, addictions, mental health, abuse and neglect, and sustainability.
- Evaluate research from child and youth care and other related disciplines.
- Employ foundational research skills.
- Integrate research into professional practice.
- Contribute to emerging child and youth care scholarship.
- Engage in professional practice that preserves, promotes, and advocates for social and economic justice.
- Respond critically to forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.
- Examine self in an intersectional framework.