Child and Youth Care Humber Polytechnic

Overview

The Child and Youth Care degree programme from Humber Polytechnic combines relationship-based practice, research, and applied learning to prepare you for meaningful work in community, education, health, justice, and social service settings. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum informed by psychology, sociology, disability studies, community development, political science, and education, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to complex individual, family, and community needs.

Key facts

• The curriculum focuses on relational practice, a core approach within child and youth care that recognizes the power of relationships in supporting positive change. You will develop professional competencies in communication, counselling, interviewing, advocacy, critical thinking, assessment, and evidence-informed decision-making. Learning is guided by strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist principles that prepare you to work effectively with diverse individuals, families, and communities.
• Applied learning is embedded throughout the program. Faculty-supervised interview labs and a therapeutic play lab provide opportunities to develop and refine professional intervention skills in realistic practice environments. Through simulations, case studies, community projects, reflective practice, and collaborative learning experiences, you will connect theory to practice while building confidence in your ability to support children, youth, and families.
• Work-integrated learning experiences are embedded throughout the degree, allowing you to apply classroom learning in professional environments that support children, youth, and families. Through field experiences and community-based learning opportunities, you will develop practical skills, build professional confidence, and gain exposure to diverse areas of practice. These experiences help you explore career interests, strengthen your professional network, and understand the realities of working within community, education, health, justice, and social service settings. The program's integrated approach to experiential learning supports the development of a strong professional identity while preparing you for employment or further study upon graduation.