College GalleryProgram Overview
The Child and Youth Care program at Northern Lakes College prepares students to work effectively with children, youth, families, and communities. It covers mental health, trauma-informed care, assessments, interventions, advocacy, and ethical practice.
The program combines theoretical learning, experiential activities, and practicum opportunities to address the complex needs of individuals affected by trauma and mental health challenges. It includes core Child and Youth Care courses and two university-level courses in English and Psychology, which can be completed at different times during the program.
Most of the theoretical content is delivered online via Microsoft Teams and Brightspace (LMS). The program also includes three full-time practicums, totaling 750 hours, which allow students to apply their learning in real-world settings under supervision.
Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in therapeutic care, schools, the justice system, and government organizations, providing trauma-informed care and advocacy for social justice.
Program Locations
Sep 03, 2024 - Jun 25, 2026 - NLC Anytime, Anywhere - Available Anywhere; Sep 02, 2025 - Jun 25, 2027 - NLC Anytime, Anywhere - Available AnywhereStudents must be at least 18 years of age at the time of practicum.
Reliable high speed internet connection are required.
Note: Information regarding any criminal record is required to facilitate field placements. Field placement agencies may require a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check. The inability to present clear checks may prevent a student from completing the program requirements. Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.
Note: Because of the nature of the program, students must not be abusing alcohol or drugs for at least 1 year prior to applying. In addition, students must not be abusing drugs or alcohol for the duration of the program.
Fluency in English. 60% in English 30-1 or 70% in English 30-2 or 60% in ENGL0190 or an assessed English equivalency.
All post-secondary transcripts must accompany the application.
If academic requirements are not met, you may complete an ACCUPLACER assessment.
Course can possibly transfer into the Bachelor of Child and Youth at McEwan University or Mount Royal University. Acceptance of courses will be determined by each institution, depending on compatibility of courses. It may be that students may be able to transfer up to two years of coursework into the third year of the BSW program.
Athabasca University offers a transfer of 60 credits toward the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services.
An Articulation Agreement with Thompson Rivers University allows for a transfer of a maximum of 60 credits into the Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of General Studies.
University credits (course by course) are transferable to a number of degree programs. The most current transfer information is available on-line at Transfer Alberta: https://transferalberta.alberta.ca/.