Not all children and youth receive the same opportunities and resources to succeed in life. In a world where inequities still exist, Humber’s Child and Youth Care – Accelerated advanced diploma program prepares you to promote the optimal development of children, youth and their families through a holistic lens. Students develop skills in advocacy, assessing needs, developing and implementing programs, and creating safer spaces through the application of an equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging lens. Students will also learn how to use therapeutic activities and planned intervention to support and facilitate positive change and growth. The program provides knowledge in infant, child and adolescent development; child and youth care relational practice principles; family dynamics; evidence-based or evidence-informed intervention strategies; group dynamics; mental health and wellness; cultural humility; relevant ethical and legislative practices, trauma-informed care, interviewing and counselling; and therapeutic activities.

You will learn that an essential component of professional practice is self-awareness with many courses emphasizing self-reflection and the classroom being a professional practice environment for skill development. Your desire to help and emotional maturity will help you meet the demands of working with children and youth with complex needs.