Child and youth care diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toChild & Youth Care Worker·Diploma
A two-year post-secondary diploma combining relational counseling, trauma-informed child development, and supervised community practicum.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- High school graduation with English 12 or English Studies 12 with minimum 60%
- English Studies 12. Requirement varies by school (Douglas College, Selkirk College). Strictest requirement: C.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Documented volunteer or paid work experience with children or youth (50 to 100 hours depending on institution)
- Two structured letters of reference assessing suitability for human service work
- Clear criminal record check under the BC Criminal Records Review Act
- Public college offering; no official regulator list exists in BC not yet verified
- Minimum 100 hours of documented volunteer or paid work experience with children or youth
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online through EducationPlannerBC to Douglas College (or VIU / Langara / UVic)
- Submit official secondary transcripts and human service reference letters
- Provide documented verification of volunteer or paid experience with youth
- Complete provincial criminal record screening clearance prior to first-term practicum
- Tuition: Not published
Step 5 of 8
Child and youth care diploma
⏱ 2 years- 2 years (4 academic semesters) of integrated coursework and community placements
- Child and adolescent developmental psychology, family systems, and trauma-informed interventions
- Relational child and youth care practice, mental health support, suicide prevention, and crisis de-escalation
- Indigenous perspectives, anti-oppressive frameworks, and child welfare legislation in BC
- Over 300 hours of supervised clinical practicum in school districts, youth shelters, group homes, and community agencies
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- Douglas College — 2 years (About $3,700 per year)
- Selkirk College — 2 years (About $4,400 per year)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- No provincial board exam; practice requires maintaining employer-mandated clear criminal record check and first aid
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Child & Youth Care Worker
- Explore Child & Youth Care Worker wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(2 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.