Human Services

Child and Youth Care Counsellor Courses

Location

Vermilion

Credential

Diploma

Program Length

2 years

If you are looking to take individual courses, and aren't registered in our program, please go to our human services continuing education page.

Below is the list of the required year 1 and year 2 courses. Face-to-face courses are delivered over 2 semesters.

To find the academic schedules and more information on application and registration dates, go to the important dates page.

Year 1 required courses

CO 118 Communication Skills - 3 credits

This communications course focuses on the development of academic and practical Human Services related writing skills. Students develop critical thinking skills and strategies for integrating their own ideas with those of other authors following APA guidelines for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Students also develop skills in resume and cover letter writing, and in crafting other written documents used in the human services related workplace. Pre/co-requisites: None

HS 114 Lifespan Studies I - 3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the developing child from birth to five years. It traces the changes that occur physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually during this period in an individual's life. Pre/co-requisites: None

HS 115 Foundations of Inclusion - 3 credits

This course introduces students to inclusive attitudes and approaches in the context of disability studies. Students develop an awareness of the nature of disability, neurodiversity, and developmental diversity, and explore the bias, stigma and systemic challenges which often create barriers to inclusion and support. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for person-centered, inclusive practices. Pre/corequisites: None

HS 155 Positive Behaviour Supports - 3 credits

The course includes an examination of attitudes, values, and skills within a holistic approach to support social and emotional development in terms of positive behaviours. Opportunities for examining the dynamics of behaviour are provided. This course also discusses various strategies to support the development of social and emotional skills and prosocial behaviour. Pre/co-requisites: None

HS 202 Community Advocacy and Partnerships - 3 credits

This course explores the link between the developmental needs of children and youth and community programming. Students research and analyze community needs and resources through the lens of social advocacy for children, youth and families. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ understanding of community programs, leadership and group management skills while designing opportunities for children/youth and families in a community. Pre/corequisites: none.

HS 214 Lifespan Studies II - 3 credits

This course assists students in understanding the changes--physical, cognitive, social, and personality--that take place from middle childhood through to adulthood. Theoretical perspectives of human development are examined, providing a comparison of various assumptions and principles about growth and behaviour. Prerequisite: HS 114. Co-requisites: None

HS 240 Family Studies - 3 credits

This course is an introduction to the Family. The focus of this course includes various ways of viewing family, diversity, economics, and social influences that determine the family's ability to thrive in society. Students have the opportunity to explore different theoretical ways of viewing the family. The course also explores issues of marriage, variations in families, parenting, crises, separation, divorce, and remarriage as well as provides practical suggestions in working with families as they face many challenges. Pre/co-requisites: None

HS 242 Intercultural Competencies - 3 credits

This course is designed to develop interpersonal and intercultural awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Students explore their own worldviews and assumptions with the goal of reducing bias, fostering awareness and inclusivity, and promoting advocacy. The course offers students an opportunity to examine different ways of knowing, communicating, and navigating conflicts while building interpersonal and intercultural relationship skills. Pre/corequisites: None

YC 100 Child & Youth Care Profession - 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the history and scope of the Child and Youth Care field while examining the core practices within the professional of Child and Youth Care Counsellors. Students are challenged to explore their values, beliefs, attitudes, and gain self-awareness when working with children, youth, and families in a variety of Child and Youth Care settings. Pre/corequisites: None

YC 102 Building Resiliency - 3 credits

This course provides an introduction to developing specific knowledge, attitudes and skills about interacting with children and youth at risk and supporting the development of resiliency. Prerequisite: TA 140 or YC 100. Co-requisites: None

YC 125 CYCC Field Placement I - 5 credits

This course is an introductory field placement where students have the opportunity to experience a variety of residential and community programs available to children, youth, and their families. P/F. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 4 courses including YC 100 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.

YC 225 CYCC Field Placement II - 5 credits

On this second practicum, another opportunity given to experience variety of placements and programs available to children and youth at-risk. P/F. Prerequisites: YC 125. Corequisites: students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 8 courses including HS 155 and YC 102 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.

Year 2 required courses

HS 225 Supporting Diverse Needs - 3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to supporting diversity and promoting positive outcomes for those with disabilities. Discussions, activities and case studies provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in critical inquiry about minimizing barriers to access, supporting diverse needs and engaging in advocacy. Prerequisite: HS 115. Corequisites: None

HS 230 Sensory Development - 3 credits

This course examines brain development and sensory processing as it relates to planning activities for children. Special emphasis is placed on sensory processing differences. This course explores strategies in relation to designing and adapting environments to meet the needs of children.

Pre/co-requisites: None

YC 200 Ethics and Law - 3 credits

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to historical background, moral development, ethics and law, critical thinking, client rights, and the ethical decision-making process and tools. Students engage in self-reflection as they examine their personal and professional values. Students are given the opportunity to utilize the course information by working through case studies. In addition, the professional Code of Ethics is examined. Prerequisites: YC 225. Corequisites: none.

YC 202 Trauma Informed Practices - 3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the nature, dynamics, and trauma-related effects of different forms of adversity, including abuse, violence and neglect. Students examine evidence-based practices for working with children and youth who have experienced trauma using a contextual and relational lens. Concepts discussed in this course are applied to a variety of settings and relationships and include an overview of secondary or vicarious trauma and self-care. Prerequisites: CC 170 or ED 110 or YC 225. Corequisites: None.

YC 203 Foundational Skills in Interviewing - 3 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the helping profession through the use of lectures, readings, class discussions and experiential activities. The focus is on developing and enhancing the necessary skills to interview individuals on a one-to-one basis. The course also focuses on the helping process, stages of helping, basic interviewing skills, counselling theories, practical application of theory, ethical issues, values, caregiver stress, burnout, and self-care. Students explore their own values and beliefs and how these impact the helping relationship. Prerequisites: HS 242 & YC 102. Corequisites: None

YC 205 Group Processing & Counselling Theory - 3 credits

This course emphasizes the acquisition of skills necessary to work with individuals in group situations and to lead groups effectively. The developmental stages a group goes through, basic facilitations skills, working with specific populations and dealing with problem situations are explored. Students get the opportunity to facilitate a group activity and apply the concepts learned. Prerequisites: HS 242 & YC 203. Co-requisites: None

YC 211 Family Support & Engagement - 3 credits

This course emphasizes the dynamics, functions, and elements of family systems. The course is taught using lectures, class discussion, a hands-on assignment and guest speakers. Students are given the opportunity to apply what they are learning and to examine their own family of origin and its impact on the Child and Youth Care Counsellor and Community Support Practitioner professional. Prerequisite: HS 240 & YC 236. Corequisites: none.

YC 215 - Mental Health & Substance Abuse - 3 credits

This course provides a trauma-informed overview of the relationship between mental health and addictions. Students examine models and theories of addiction, attitudes and values toward substance use, and the complex relationship between mental health and addictions. In doing so, students develop an understanding of the role of a professional in the assessment, treatment and prevention of addiction, and the promotion of mental wellness in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. Pre/corequisites: None

YC 236 Assessment and Intervention - 3 credits

This course is designed to combine knowledge related to intervention and case management procedures in human services. Students are provided with a variety of intervention strategies. The students develop their skills relating to case management for children, youth and families who face adversity. Pre/corequisites: None

YC 325 CYCC Field Placement III - 5 credits

This is a work integrated learning program for Child and Youth Care Counsellor students. Emphasis is placed on students working directly with clients. Students have the opportunity to observe, plan, and implement and evaluate programming for children, youth and families. P/F. Prerequisite: YC 225. Co-requisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing YC 203 and YC 236 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.

YC 425 CYCC Field Placement IV - 5 credits

This is the final work integrated learning experience for Child and Youth Care Counsellor students. Emphasis is placed on students working directly with vulnerable children, youth and/or families. Students have the opportunity to observe, plan, and implement and evaluate programming for facilitating change and supporting children/youth or families. P/F. Prerequisite: YC 325 and a minimum of 12 successfully completed courses in the Child and Youth Care Counsellor program with a GPA of 2.0 overall or greater.

Electives (choose one)

ASL 101 American Sign Language I Part A - 3 credits

In this course, students are introduced to American Sign Language (ASL), its culture, and to the community of Deaf persons who use this language. Students learn how to have basic conversations as well as use appropriate behaviours within the Deaf Community. Pre/co-requisites: None

ED 120 Observation & Play - 3 credits

This course is an overview of the significance of play in the development of the child. It includes the nature and development of play in the environment. The course explores how early childhood educators co-construct meaningful play experiences with the children. Special consideration is given to observing, designing responsive environments, and focusing on children's natural disposition to learn in both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Pre/corequisites: None

HS 183 Personal Assistance Awareness - 3 credits

This course provides the human services worker with a basic understanding of personal assistance practices for supporting individuals with physical limitations and disabilities. Students are introduced to personal care skills and medical procedures, focusing on activities for daily living (ADL), which are essential to supporting children, youth, and adults with physical limitations and disabilities across different settings. Pre/co-requisites: None

YC 218 Animal Assisted Interventions - 3 credits

Animal Assisted Interventions is a unique and growing field in working with Children, youth, and families. This course explores why/how qualified practitioners partnering with animals can be such an effective helping modality. An overview of the different ways animals can partner with practitioners to help people is provided. Students should take this course to gain a better understanding of the human - animal bond and the potential benefits of partnering with animals in practice. Pre/co-requisites: None

About practicums

You need a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) to be eligible for your practicum/field placement.

You must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing:

4 courses including YC 100 to be eligible to register for YC 125 CYCC Field Placement I
8 courses including YC 102 to register for YC 225 CYCC Field Placement II
12 courses including YC 203 and YC 236 to be eligible to register for YC 325 CYCC Field Placement III
18 courses to register for YC 425 CYCC Field Placement IV

Withdrawal and refund policy:

You can find this information on the important dates page. Please note: Lakeland College reserves the right to cancel programs and courses due to insufficient enrolment.

Statement of accreditation

Lakeland College’s Child and Youth Care Diploma program has earned accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada as a provider of quality post-secondary education in the field of Child and Youth Care, effective February 17, 2021 to February 16, 2028.