Child and Youth Care
Support and inspire children, youth and families – helping tomorrow’s leaders grow as confident individuals.
Gain the skills and knowledge to help children and youth experiencing behavioural and emotional difficulties.
Child and youth care is a dynamic profession that takes advantage of your ability to build meaningful relationships with others. It is these relationships that help you support young people through their life challenges.
Through the Child and Youth Care program, you will build the foundational knowledge and practical experience you need to support children, youth, families and communities professionally.
In this program, you’ll build your expertise through skill-oriented courses and field practice, developing crucial skills and competencies driven by national standards. With the help of passionate instructors and mentors, you’ll develop trauma-informed, relational and anti-oppressive frameworks for helping community members grow as individuals and achieve self-motivated transformations. You’ll also build professional principles and learn to use evidence-based best practices to perform assessments and interventions that are developmentally considerate.
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Program TypeFull-time
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CredentialDiploma
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Program DeliveryProgram courses are delivered primarily in person, with some components delivered online. See locations to understand where the in-person components of this program take place.In-person hybrid
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In-person LocationNotre Dame Campus
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IntakeFall
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Program Length2 years
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Total Tuition / Fees for CoursesEstimated total tuition fees for all terms of this program for domestic students. Other fees not included in this total include textbooks, supplies, application fee, etc. Learn more ›$10,700 – $11,800
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How to EnrolThis program requires a formal application. Find out how to apply ›Application required
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Application TypeRRC Polytech programs have different types of applications. Learn more about application types ›Direct entry
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Work-Integrated LearningWork-integrated learning includes opportunities like co-op, field and clinical placements, internships and industry projects.Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
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International ProgramFind out about the services and supports available to international students. Learn more ›Open to students from around the globe
Experience a Polytechnic Education
Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term
In this program, you’ll build practical planning, communication and counselling skills and prepare for a career by exploring various topics, including relational youth care practice, child and adolescent development, impacts of trauma, family work, counselling skills and Indigenous experiences.
TERM 1
Explore foundational topics and diverse Indigenous experiences in child and youth care while building vital communication and interpersonal skills.
TERM 2
Grow your understanding of social issues and relational approaches while building meaningful therapeutic relationships with clients during practicum.
TERM 3
Develop a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice and explore the effects of mental health, addictions and the justice system on youth.
TERM 4
Immerse yourself in a community-based practicum experience, develop counselling skills and explore professional practice issues in preparation for a career.
Employment Potential
Prepare yourself for career success
Potential Grad CAREERS
- Youth care practitioner
- Crisis worker
- Family facilitator
- Youth drug stabilization worker
- Program support worker
- Independent living support worker
- Youth crime prevention facilitator
- Community corrections worker
- Youth activity worker
- Educational assistant behavioural support
- Youth outreach and street reach
- Managed care counsellor
- Youth drop-in program worker
- Juvenile corrections counsellor
- Family support worker
- Peer support worker
- Adolescent treatment worker
- Reunification support worker
- Family enhancement worker
- Home-based crisis intervention worker
Affiliations and Accreditations
What to Expect in This Program
Get Prepared for the Future of Work
Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.
Graduate Success
Child and Youth Care graduates are making a difference in the lives of youth, families and community members. As a grad, you’ll join a thriving network of alumni working in treatment homes, mental health and justice facilities, schools and community-based programs.
The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.
100% – RECOMMEND PROGRAM TO OTHERS
RRC Polytech programs are developed in consultation with industry leaders, organizations and employers to ensure the skills you learn are practical, up-to-date and fulfill community needs. As you develop your expertise, student services are ready to support your growth and help you reach your career goals.
100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION
RRC Polytech’s Child and Youth Care program combines in-depth classroom instruction with practical co-op opportunities that meet national standards. Through these applied-learning experiences, you’ll graduate with the confidence you need to start your career and continue your lifelong learning journey.
100% – NEW GRADS HIRED
Our graduates build rewarding careers working with critical community organizations and non-profit agencies. As an RRC Polytech student, you’ll have the knowledge, practical work experience and industry connections you need to lead, succeed and grow while making a difference in your community.
“Working with sexually exploited youth through the program taught me how to build relationships and listen. That’s the most important thing about community. When you learn to do that, you can do anything.”
Leilani Esteban
“I have no illusions that I’m going to save these kids or be their only positive influence. I’m just there to plant the seed — to help them make the changes they need and walk with them in their journey.”
Rebecca Begg
“I like that the kids are getting a second chance and can learn to deal with things differently. You feel really good when you leave and have made a change in someone’s life.”
Jessica Saunders
Who Should Enrol?
Turn your talents into academic success
As a Child and Youth Care student, you are highly motivated, insightful and self-aware. You understand the importance of cultural understanding and human diversity and are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth and families. As a successful professional, you want to develop your knowledge of applied human development, communication, relationships and support methods.
Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
- Adaptable
- Community-oriented
- Critical thinker
- Empathetic
- Ethical
SKILLS
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Listening
- Positive attitude
- Reliability
INTERESTS
- Youth
- Family support
- Counselling
- Behaviour management
- Community
- Trauma
- Diversity
- Addictions
- Mental health
- Youth criminal justice
All the Information You Need
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
LOCATION, DATES AND FEES
Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
DATES AND FEES
Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.
LIST OF COURSES
Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
Begin Your Journey
Get Started with RRC Polytech
Start Your Application
Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.
Funding Your Education
Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.
Future Student Events
Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.