Skip to main content
Programs

Child and Youth Care

CYCPSchool of Community Services

Apply today
A group of students sitting and talking in a dimly lit indoor setting.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Duration

6 Semesters / 3 Years

Program Contacts

Robert Montgomery

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6297
International Admissions
Send email
School of Community Services
Send email

Program Overview

Two individuals sit at a desk, analyzing video footage on a computer screen in a dimly lit room.

Guide at-risk youth and their families with real-world training

Through this nationally accredited program, you will gain the knowledge and placement experiences you need to launch a career working with at-risk youth and their families experiencing complex emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues. 
 
You will learn to navigate correctional facilities, mental health, educational, and child welfare agencies and services. Through theory, lab courses, and hands-on fieldwork, you will develop the skills to facilitate positive change for children, adolescents, and their families. Please note: You must follow the shift work schedules and routines of your fieldwork placements, which could include nights and weekends.

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Accelerated program so you can earn a three-year advanced diploma in two years (study 10 months per year)
  • First Canadian program to receive national accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB) 
  • Two placements give you real-world experience
  • Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

Before commencing placement (Semesters 3 and 6 only), all students must have current:

  • First Aid Certificate
  • Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check 

Recommendations

  • Computer competency in relevant software
Student in a green polo shirt holds a folder in a modern office setting. Two others sit in the background.

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Spring 2026
  • Semester 4: Fall 2026
  • Semester 5: Winter 2027
  • Semester 6: Spring 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CCW 1110Fundamentals of Child & Youth Care3
CCW 1040Group Process & Pers. Devel.3
CCW 1250Behaviour Management Skills3
CCW 1121Child and Adolescent Development4
ENG 1002College Communications3
PSY 1050Introduction To Psychology I3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits22
Semester 2
CCW 1013Field Placement Seminar I1
CCW 2431Neglect & Abuse3
CCW 1221Intro to Mental Health and Diversity 3
PSY 1003Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions3
CCW 1000Therapeutic Play4
CCW 1240Counselling and Interviewing I3
 Credits17
Semester 3
CCW 1011Field Placement I15
 Credits15
Semester 4
CCW 1006Behaviour Programming3
CCW 1225Child Law and Legislation3
CCW 3520Family Intervention3
CCW 1009Field Placement Seminar II1
ENG 1242Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I3
Two General Education courses. 16
 Credits19
Semester 5
CCW 1012Field Placement II15
 Credits15
Semester 6
CCW 1007CYC In The Education Sector3
CCW 1010Rights and Advocacy3
CCW 3040Counselling and Interviewing II3
CCW 3500Trauma and Trends in CYC4
CCW 1191Supporting Special Populations in CYC4
 Credits17
 Total Credits105
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$5,921.33Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$26,729.76Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Community agencies
  • Schools
  • Youth detention facilities
  • Children’s Aid Societies
  • Mental health services (community and hospital)
  • Out of home placement organizations and treatment settings
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

* Required field
Back to Programs

Related Programs

A healthcare student in scrubs uses a stethoscope on a medical training mannequin lying on a hospital bed.

Practical Nursing

Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Nursing
Three students sit at a table in a classroom, engaged in conversation. One student is smiling broadly while others listen.

Community and Health Services Navigation

Ontario College Graduate Certificate
3 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Community Services