This course focusses on the foundations of the Child and Youth Care profession, including the many settings in which Child and Youth Care Counsellors can practice. Learners explore, reflect, and critically analyze their own values and world views and how these align with effective, professional, and evidence-based Child and Youth Care practice. Learners examine how diverse populations are affected by systemic practices and how Child and Youth Care Counsellors can advocate for and bring about change.

Learners explore the skills required to communicate verbally and through written documentation, the needs of the child, youth, or families within a professional environment. Through the use of case studies and experiential learning, learners analyze and compose documents that align with the professional practices of the Child and Youth Care field.

Learners examine foundational theory and skills needed for counselling in the child and youth care field. Through consecutive experiential practice, learners demonstrate their counselling skills and their integration of those skills into a therapeutic milieu.

This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.

This course provides an introduction to the diverse Indigenous Nations of Canada, while looking at the effects of colonialism in both historical and contemporary times, and from multiple perspectives. This course will orient learners to the current goals and challenges of Indigenous communities in Canada today. Learners are encouraged to situate themselves in Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, especially as they relate to their chosen field of work.

In this course, learners explore how families are integrated within larger social systems; how patterns of social power and inequality shape Canadian families; as well as how and why the family is critical to the socialization process. The course culminates in the critical assessment of issues affecting families in Canada.

Learners explore youth mental health and substance use within a Canadian context. Through a trauma informed lens, learner examine the intersectionality of mental health and substance use issues affecting youth.

Learners explore the concepts of social justice, diversity, and oppression as they relate to the Child and Youth Care profession. Learners utilize critical theory to offer a wholistic approach to support children, youth, families, and communities.

Learners begin integrating theory and practice within a community placement. Focus is on professional practice, Child and Youth Care competencies, therapeutic communication, relationship development, and reflective practice. Weekly seminars provide learners the opportunity for discussion and reflection related to their practicum experiences.

Learners examine the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on individuals, their families, communities, and societal systems. As part of this examination, learners discuss the ethical issues surrounding prenatal alcohol exposure. They examine the pathways and process of a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Learners analyze the complex behaviours exhibited by individuals with FASD to assess their needs and to determine priorities to support those individuals and their families. They explore supports and services available to individuals who are living with FASD.

This course provides an overview of the typical physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive developmental changes occurring during middle childhood and adolescence. Learners explore major theoretical concepts and strategies of interaction with individuals in this age group. Course activity focuses on typical and atypical aspects of development; the contexts and social spheres that shape middle childhood and adolescence; as well as transitions from middle childhood to adolescence.

Learners explore a broad range of experiences of trauma in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. Learners examine the impact of trauma on the developing brain and the importance of using trauma-informed interventions and individualized supports.

Through experiential learning opportunities, learners examine the connection between Western approaches and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Learners explore how to put reconciliation into action in their Child and Youth Care practice.

Learners explore the concepts of family and family dynamics. Learners investigate relevant research and theories. Learners examine various strengths-based methods and interventions to empower diverse families.

Learners examine relevant legislation and policy as related to the child and youth care profession to support and advocate for children, youth, and families. Learners reflect on how their world-views can impact their practice.

Learners continue integrating theory and practice within a community placement. Focus is on application of theory within the context of a Child and Youth Care Counsellor. Professional practice, communication, self, theoretical knowledge, and assessment and intervention will be examined. Weekly seminars provide learners opportunity to integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences.

Through a trauma-informed lens, learners explore assessments to recommend intervention strategies used to support children, youth, and families. Learner exploration is in the form of case studies and scenarios.

Learners further integrate skills and theory of counselling through a culture and diversity lens. Learners explore approaches such as strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed care through a Child and Youth Care lens. Learners reflectively evaluate personal and peer practice to guide outcomes.

Learners advance their integration of theory and practice within a community placement. Throughout the term, learners apply critical theory to their practicum experience in preparation of the transition from student to practitioner. Weekly seminars provide learners opportunity to apply the Child and Youth Care competencies to their professional practice.

Learners develop practical assessment, evaluation, and research skills for the Child and Youth Care field. Learners analyze current and emerging methodologies that apply to working with children, youth, and families to critically address gaps in services that exist for potential service users. Learners craft and present a viable, evidence-based, and practical response to a systemic need within the scope of Child and Youth Care practice.