Child And Youth Care Worker
Eastern College

Program Description

The Child and Youth Care Worker (CYCW) diploma program prepares students with the skillset they need to work with adolescents, children, and families with diverse needs: including social, emotional, behavioural and mental health concerns. This program is recognized and aligned with competencies as per Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. CYCWs work with their clients and other stakeholders/institutions to ensure the best course of action is taken to promote the wellbeing of children, youth and their families.

Career Opportunities
The Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma program will qualify grads to pursue positions such as Family Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Child Life Worker, Direct Support Professional, Youth Wellness Counsellor, Residential Program Worker, Disability Worker, Family-School Liaison Worker, Case Worker, Corrections Worker or Counselor.

Can you see yourself empowering young people and their families to overcome their daily challenges? If you said yes, the Child and Youth Care Worker diploma program at Eastern College can prepare you for a career in this rewarding field.

Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs) help to counsel and advocate for children, adolescents, and their families dealing with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health issues. CYCWs can work in conjunction with school boards, not for profit organizations, the government, court systems, and other community agencies. In this multidisciplinary program you will learn about the psychology behind human behaviour and develop strategies to foster resilience, preventative measures and healthy development in children and young adults. This program is uniquely designed where practical experience/opportunities are built throughout the program, culminating in a 6-week field placement. Students receive both theoretical and practical preparation to excel in the field as Child and Youth Care workers.

Students enrolled in this program receive:

• Field trips to multiple community agencies

• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or Theme-Centered Interaction (TCI)

• First Aid/CPR

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

• Food Handler’s Certificate

• Fire and Life Safety training

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems Training (WHMIS) 

Education Pathways through Mount Saint Vincent University
Graduates of the Eastern College NS Diploma in Child and Youth Care Worker are eligible to receive admission with advanced standing to Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Child and Youth Study Degree Program. Students must meet the requirements for admission for transfer students described in the MSVU calendar.

Child And Youth Care Worker Course Details