The two-year Child and Youth Care diploma program prepares students to be skilled in working with individuals, their families and small groups across a variety of practice settings. General practice in these settings calls for individuals who are willing and able to work cooperatively with other community professionals, and in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings (schools, community, corrections facilities, residential settings). Aboriginal ways of knowing and cultural competency skills are highlighted throughout the curriculum.

To be eligible for admission at first year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed Grade 12 (or have mature student status), with a minimum of “C” in English 12 or equivalent. To be eligible for admission at second year to the VIU Diploma program, students must have completed 30 university credits including completion of the Degree English Requirement and 6 credits of Human Development (normally CYC 111/112), and the following Child and Youth Care Courses (or equivalent of) CYC 100, 101, 152, and 165 or students must have a completed a recognized Human Services Certificate program (granted 30 credits maximum) that includes the English and Human Development and CYC courses or equivalency requirements as stated above. The overall GPA of students will be a minimum of 2.33 (“C+”), calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed, and with a minimum “C+” in each of the individual courses previously identified for meeting admission requirements. To apply to the program, applicants must submit the following documents: Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions/programs attended. Education/work résumé. A 300-word statement which focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and/or families. Two completed reference forms. The Duolingo English Test (only For Fall 2020 and Spring 2021) - 110