Human Services Programs

Child and Youth Care First Nations

• 2-year Diploma Program
• Offered at Cowichan campus only
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

Note: VIU also offers a Child and Youth Care Diploma and a Bachelor Arts, Child and Youth Care Degree.

The Program

The Child and Youth Care First Nations program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, their families and small groups across a variety of practice settings which provide support to First Nations children, youths and their families.

The program reflects the needs of First Nations peoples and is continually developing with involvement from the First Nations communities of the Cowichan area, as well as from the First Nations students who bring the teachings of their communities into the program.

The Child and Youth Care First Nations program is offered on a full-time, as well as a part-time basis, to meet the varied educational needs of students. The core courses must be taken concurrently and are offered over a two-year period.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program, including 300 hours of practicum, will be eligible for VIU’s Diploma in Child and Youth Care. This program is referred to as a “ladder” program. Students exiting the program with a CYC diploma may choose to apply their earned credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degree at Vancouver Island University, University of the Fraser Valley, University of Victoria or Douglas College.

A free information session is usually held in February. Attendance is highly recommended. Check with Student Services at the Cowichan campus 250-746-3509, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the program are prepared for the general practice of child and youth care work in community settings with both First Nations and non-First Nations children, youths and their families.

General practice in these settings calls for individuals who are willing and able to work cooperatively with other community professionals at tribal health centres, schools, friendship centres, community and social service agencies, hospitals and corrections facilities.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with min. “C+” grade or equivalent.
• Resume describing the applicant’s education and employment background.
• Two completed reference forms. Blank forms will be mailed to applicant upon receipt of application.
• Experience (volunteer or paid) with children/youths in a child/youth oriented setting, min. 150 hours.
• An interview, following receipt of the above items.

Notes on Admission

• Electives must be approved by the CYC First Nations Coordinator in consultation with the CYC department. Some of these university credit requirements can be met by the Arts One—First Nations program.
• Field work practicum may require a satisfactory completion of a criminal record check prior to placement commencement.
• All interested persons are encouraged to apply to this Diploma program; however eligible applicants of First Nations ancestry will be given priority for admission.
• 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 – see www.cycabc.org/aboutus.htm.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications received after February 28 are considered late and processed as space permits. Interviews will be scheduled between March 1 and June 15, for the September intake.

Program Outline

Following are the CYC First Nations core courses which are offered over a two-year cycle. Elective requirements (including English) may be completed prior to, concurrent with and/or following completion of the CYC core courses.

Updated October 30, 2009