Healthcare
Child And Youth Care Worker
Make a difference in the lives of youth and their families by supporting the different aspects of development and wellness.
About The Program
The Child and Youth Care Worker (CYCW) diploma program prepares students with the skillset they need to work with adolescents, children, and families with diverse needs: including social, emotional, behavioural and mental health concerns. This program is recognized and aligned with competencies as per Nova Scotia Department of Community Services and graduates are eligible to receive admission with advanced standing to the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Child and Youth Study Degree Program. CYCWs work with their clients and other stakeholders/institutions to ensure the best course of action is taken to promote the wellbeing of children, youth and their families.
Career Opportunities
The Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma program will qualify grads to pursue positions such as Family Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Child Life Worker, Direct Support Professional, Youth Wellness Counsellor, Residential Program Worker, Disability Worker, Family-School Liaison Worker, Case Worker or Corrections Worker.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
- Strongest Families Institute
- Chisholm House
- Akoma Family Centre
- Youth Society
- Family SOS
- Halifax Regional Centre for Education
Salary
Employment Rate
Average Wage/hr**
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 4212 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar and based on Nova Scotia data. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Program Details
Can you see yourself empowering young people and their families to overcome their daily challenges? If you said yes, the Child and Youth Care Worker diploma program at Eastern College can prepare you for a career in this rewarding field.
Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs) help to counsel and advocate for children, adolescents, and their families dealing with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health issues. CYCWs can work in conjunction with school boards, not for profit organizations, the government, court systems, and other community agencies. In this multidisciplinary program you will learn about the psychology behind human behaviour and develop strategies to foster resilience, preventative measures and healthy development in children and young adults.
Classes are held on-campus in Halifax and the program is uniquely designed where practical experience/opportunities are built throughout, culminating in a 6-week field placement. Students receive both theoretical and practical preparation to excel in the field as Child and Youth Care workers.
Students enrolled in this program receive:
- Field trips to multiple community agencies
- Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or Theme-Centered Interaction (TCI)
- First Aid/CPR
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Food Handler’s Certificate
- Fire and Life Safety training
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems Training (WHMIS)
Education Pathways through Mount Saint Vincent University
Graduates of the Eastern College NS Diploma in Child and Youth Care Worker are eligible to receive admission with advanced standing to the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Child and Youth Study Degree Program. Students must meet the requirements for admission for transfer students described in the MSVU calendar.
Course Listings: Nova Scotia 
Admission Requirements
- Student has Grade 12.
- Student must complete the Child and Youth Care Worker Personal Profile document.
- Student must provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
- Student must provide a clear Child Abuse Register Check.
- Student must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!