Frequently Asked Questions

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

• Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions/programs attended.
• Education/Work Resume
• Completed Personal Profile
• Two completed Reference Forms

At third year of the degree:

• Successful completion of a Human Services diploma (e.g., CYC Diploma, Social Services Diploma, ECEC diploma).
• English 115 and 125 or equivalents; 6 credits of  Human Development (lifespan). 
• Note:  Students who have completed a Human Service Diploma with a C+ average from a recognized post secondary institution will be granted up 60 credits toward their degree completion.  Students not meeting the content requirements (and/or a C+ in the specific course work) will be considered for second year admission within the CYC Degree so that pre-requisite content can be attained.  These students will be able to apply previously achieved credits toward second, third and fourth year elective requirements within the CYC Degree Program. 
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions/programs attended.
• Education/Work resume
• A 300-word statement that focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and families.
• Two completed reference forms (sent to applicant upon receipt of application).
• An interview, following receipt of above information may be required.

References should be current professionals in the field who can speak to this being an appropriate career choice for you. Include persons who have seen you interact with children and youth and have an understanding of the career field (CYC) that you are pursuing.

No, you can be admitted to the degree at first year.

There are a wide range of graduate programs available in a variety of fields. The masters programs typically focus in areas of counselling (with children, youth and/or families), community/service/program development, leadership skills or administration. 

Graduates of the CYC Diploma are prepared for general practice of child and youth care work in community, educational and residential settings across Canada. In addition to these settings, graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care are prepared for school based child and youth care work, child protection, youth probation, family support work and community outreach.

There is such a wide range depending on the employer. Remuneration is based on agency funding, location of the work, experience, etc. Conducting informational interviews with workers currently working in the field is suggested as an accurate source of knowledge on this topic.

Yes! Once admitted to the program a student may attend either part or fulltime. Meeting with a CYC advisor to assist with course planning is recommended. Students completing the Diploma have 5 years to complete; students completing the degree have 7 years to complete.

Yes, where there is space and pre-requisites are met, 200 level theory courses, as well as some select 3rd year courses are open to students who have not been admitted to a CYC program.

It is highly recommended that interested students take CYC 201 prior to applying to the CYC Degree program and extra seats are made available for this reason each year.

VIU's Child and Youth Care Programs offer exciting, relevant and interesting classes that will benefit your practice. Some examples of the courses we offer are:

• Working with and supporting families
• Expressive arts with children and youth
• Activity based programming for children and youth
• Child abuse and neglect
• Elders Teachings
• And many other interesting courses

We offer you small class sizes, interesting and creative practicum settings, and knowledgeable and supportive faculty and staff. CYC at VIU will provide you with a fun, challenging and once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure.

Relationships are foundational to life and:

• Individuals, families and communities develop continually and each is influenced by the others and by all the totality of individual, family and community experiences.
• Individuals, families and communities have within themselves capacities necessary to create an environment that furthers their development.
• The awareness of self and others is critical in the development of all relationships.
• Our subjective experiences, our idea of self and our connections to families and/or communities are unique for each of us providing us with ultimate points of reference.
• The professional caring relationship is unique in that the practitioner strives to understand, validate and be responsive to the subjective experience of each person, family and community.

Many of our graduates are employed in Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Communities in British Columbia, across Canada and internationally.

Both the CYC Diploma and the CYC First Nations Diploma completion can lead to work in:

• Group homes
• Recreation/social learning environments
• Education Assistance Work
• Youth Work/Life Skills Education and Support
• And a variety of other opportunities

CYC Degree completion can lead to work in:

• School Based Child and Youth Care
• Child Protection
• Youth Probation/corrections
• Family Support Work
• Child and Youth Mental Support Work
• Community-based Youth and Family Work
• Community Outreach
• And a variety of other opportunities

We are not currently accepting applications to the First Nations Child and Youth Care diploma.