In the CYC program you get hands on learning in the classroom and out in the community. These experiences help you build your confidence and prepare for work as a Child and Youth Care professional.
Practicums
In CYC practicums, you spend 10–15 hours a week for 8 months in a community agency working alongside a Child and Youth Care practitioner. Practicums are an important part of your learning. Practicums give you experience working with children, youth, caregivers and communities.
Hands-on learning in the classroom
In the classroom you will practice approaches to CYC. For example, in your upper-level family classes you practice supporting families by developing projects in the community. In your art-themed courses, you create art and learn how it can be used to help people. And in activity-based classes you go outside and do the activities.
Community projects
Georgia Avenue Community Connections
Jane Dean used many of the skills she'd gained in the CYC program to plan a community event at Georgia Avenue Elementary School. She worked with community members, staff and other VIU students to put on the large outdoor event. Georgia Avenue Community Connections, which featured a barbecue and games, created an opportunity for the community to connect with the school and learn about community resources.
CYC student volunteers at free program
The fourth-year Child and Youth Care (CYC) student is a regular volunteer at Friday Night Lights, a free program for youth and their caregivers that operates out of Georgia Avenue Elementary School. This is a partnership between the City of Nanaimo's Parks, Recreation and Culture department, School District 68 and Vancouver Island University, providing a space for local children and their caregivers to play sports, do crafts and socialize together. Read Creating a safe place to play and learn to learn more.
Free Nanaimo dental clinic breaking down barriers at VIU
VIU's dental hygiene and child and youth care programs are teamed up to provide a free clinic for children aged 5 to 11. Read about the free Nanaimo dental clinic.
International experiences
VIU students can take part in exchanges with partner universities around the world. As a CYC student, you can attend the Norwegian School of Sport Science and the University of South East Norway. You get to spend about 50 days in the back country in Norway exploring the relationship between outdoor activities and health and well-being.
For a student perspective on this exciting opportunity, read CYS student Sarah Osborne's blog post, My semester in Norway.
More hands-on learning
Practicums can lead to jobs
I currently just finished my third-year practicum where I was placed with Kwumut Lelum. And what an amazing experience that was. I have now been offered a job where I will be working as a CYC worker at Kwumut Lelum. The experience I gain from this position will be something I will carry into my fourth year.
Darian Harris, traditional First Nations name, Xaniimastan