Child and Youth Care Diploma

Enrolment in the Child and Youth Care Diploma program at VIU is limited. Students who wish to take individual courses without being admitted to the program may do so where space is available and when prerequisites have been completed. Students who take courses in Child and Youth Care without being formally admitted into the program are not guaranteed entry into the program. Students are encouraged to explore the program with a VIU Advisor advising@viu.ca before pursuing application.

• Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• To be eligible for admission at first year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed Grade 12 (or have mature student status), with a minimum of “C” in English 12 or equivalent.
• To be eligible for admission at second year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed 30 university credits including completion of the Degree English Requirement and 6 credits of Human Development (normally CYC 111/112), and the following Child and Youth Care Courses (or equivalent of) CYC 100, 101, 152, and 165 or students must have a completed a recognized Human Services Certificate program (granted 30 credits maximum) that includes the English and Human Development and CYC courses or equivalency requirements as stated above.
• The overall GPA of students will be a minimum of 2.33 (“C+”), calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed, and with a minimum “C+” in each of the individual courses previously identified for meeting admission requirements.

To apply to the program, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions/programs attended.
• Education/work résumé.
• A 300-word statement which focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and/or families.
• Two completed reference forms.

Notes on Admission

• Volunteer or employment experience with children, youth, and families/caregivers is preferred but not required for entry into the program.
• Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practica will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
• While in practicum students are required to maintain Standard First Aid with Infant/Child CPR certification for the duration of the academic year and/or period that they are enrolled in practicum.
• An interview may be scheduled following receipt of the above information (mid-April to end of May).
• Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Upon admission, students will be expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Child and Youth Care Association of British Columbia and the The Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations.

Below is a suggested schedule that is based on full-time attendance.

All courses may not be available in each academic year at each campus. Some courses may be taken prior to admission to the program where space is available and when prerequisites have been completed.

* To obtain second year standing in the program students must complete 24 of the required 30 credits from first year. Those 24 credits must include English 115.

* CYC 210 is completed over the Fall and Spring semesters.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Diploma in Child and Youth Care, students must have completed at least 60 credits, have completed all admission requirements and have completed all required Child and Youth Care courses. A minimum overall “C+” average on all credits and a minimum “C+” in each individual required course is necessary to progress in the program and to qualify for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the diploma are met. Students are encouraged to consult the Child and Youth Care program Advisor for information and guidance.

Graduates of the program are prepared for the general practice of child and youth care work in community and residential settings across Canada.