This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
This three-year advanced diploma program equips you with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with children, youth and families who face various challenges that affect emotional, social and/or mental health.
Child and youth care practitioners specialize in facilitating change and collaborate with other professionals dedicated to implementing prevention, intervention and treatment strategies. They foster positive development and serve as valuable resources.
Throughout the program, you will gain exposure to various treatments, counselling and therapeutic theories, while building on your foundational understanding of human behaviour and development. You will study a broad range of topics such as strength-based approaches, attachment theory and exceptionalities, including the autism spectrum.
Please note that due to the nature of this program and profession, some course work and field placements are held in person to adequately form interpersonal communication skills. For courses offered online, preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis during enrolment.
Graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to pursue many different educational pathways including Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction (BMHA) program.
Throughout the course of this advanced diploma program you will develop skills in:
If you meet all the academic requirements, you will complete approximately 1,000 hours over three years within three distinct field placement opportunities. Field placement occurs in semesters three, four, five and six. Field practicum is unpaid. Options include but are not limited to professional settings such as public schools, hospitals, government agencies, treatment centers and residential facilities.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of employers waiting for you:
Seneca’s Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program has earned accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada as a provider of quality postsecondary education in the field of child and youth care, effective through June 15, 2030.
Upon completing your diploma, you may qualify to apply to become a member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care. Graduates with experience may apply to be certified by the Child and Youth Care Cerification Board, North America.
Throughout this program, you will earn the following training and certification:
“Classroom learning is completely relevant to the field of child and youth care, and experienced professors encourage intelligent discussions which are fostered by small class sizes. The faculty is just as passionate in helping children as you are which provides motivation to accomplish, and even surpass, your personal goals. After accepting a pre-graduation job offer, I have been working full time for the York Region District School Board. I have worked with and made strong connections with a large number of children and couldn’t be happier.”
Emma Bannister
Child and Youth Care Graduate
