Support children and youth who experience social, emotional, and behavioural needs that may be associated with mental health challenges, trauma and abuse, cognitive and developmental issues, and involvement with the child welfare and justice systems. Child and Youth Care practitioners assist children, youth, and their families in various settings to build on strengths and facilitate positive change while navigating challenges. Students explore, practice, and demonstrate a variety of evidence-informed therapeutic prevention and intervention strategies based on an understanding of risk and resiliency, relationship development, equity and inclusion, human development, family systems, and exceptionalities. The program offers hands-on interactive learning, community service initiatives, social innovation, and changemaking opportunities.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Orillia
Fall 2026	Orillia

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Child and Youth Care program?

Child and Youth Care admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Applicants with previous postsecondary education such as a degree or diploma from an accredited university or college in the area of Human Services, Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Sciences, Psychology or Sociology can apply transfer credits to the program upon evaluation.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

Applicants may be asked to provide community agencies with proof of completion of Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification, Crisis Intervention certification, as well as an up-to-date immunization record with a two-step TB test in some circumstances to proceed with field placement. Students are required to review agency requirements provided by the field placement office. Proof of completion of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness training must also be provided before proceeding on field placement.

What career paths can I take in child and youth care?

Your Child and Youth Care diploma gives you many career opportunities

Child and Youth Care practitioners engage and work with children, youth and their families across a wide variety of settings including:

public and private schools
mental health and treatment centres
group care and child welfare
community programs
foster care agencies
day and live-in treatment programs
youth detention centres
community-based child and youth development programs
early intervention programs
recreational programs
advocacy programs
psychiatric centres
rehabilitation programs
mental health centres within hospitals
home-based care, respite and treatment
private practice

Experiential learning opportunities

Changemaking in Child and Youth Care

In this video, Child and Youth Care student Erin explains how learning in social entrepreneurship helps her gain experience tackling major social issues and creating positive influences in a child’s life.

Explore a future in Human Services today.

Accelerated delivery option

We also offer an accelerated delivery format for this program:

Complete the program in 16 consecutive months
Studies begin in September, with graduation projected for December of the following academic year
Apply if you have previous postsecondary education – such as a degree or diploma – from an accredited university or college in the areas of human services, education, interdisciplinary studies, social sciences, psychology or sociology

NOTE: Use the major CYAC when applying to the accelerated program through OCAS.

What courses are included in the Child and Youth Care diploma program?

Course overview

20 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
3 Field Placements
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Child and Youth Care program outline.