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School of Child and Youth Care
A woman in a green hoodie sits on a red bench, engaging with two young boys. One boy holds toy trucks while the woman examines a card. The scene is outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

Make a difference

Learn to support children and youth through meaningful practice

Bachelor of Child & Youth Care

Are you passionate about working with children, youth, families, and communities? Do you want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and create a more just and caring world? You've come to the right place.

This program will prepare you to be a future leader in a dynamic, growing field where skilled, compassionate practitioners are in high demand. Our graduates are advocates, educators, and change-makers—working locally and globally in mental health, education, early years programs, child protection, youth justice, and beyond.

Practicum
Streams
Distance learning
Academic calendar
Contact advising
How to apply

Flexible program delivery

Study full-time and finish in four years or take more time to complete your degree at a pace that fits your life.

Balance work, family, and other commitments while pursuing your studies from anywhere through our distance learning option.

Access online classrooms, connect with instructors and peers, and complete coursework on a schedule that works for you.

Career-focused learning

Gain hands-on experience through multiple supervised practicum placements that connect you directly with children, youth, families, and communities.

Learn from engaging instructors with real-world experience in child protection, mental health, community work, and youth justice.

Customize your career path with three optional specializations and flexible distance learning designed to fit your goals and life circumstances.

A woman in a gray beanie smiles at a young girl wearing a pink jacket and floral pants. They are outdoors in a forest setting, exuding joy.

Practicum

Apply what you’re learning in real-world settings through supervised practicum placements. Each practicum is an opportunity to develop your skills alongside experienced professionals.

Learn about practicum placements
A diverse group of children sits in a circle on green grass with an adult. They are smiling and clapping, conveying joy and friendship.

Specialization streams

Customize your learning experience by choosing from optional program specialization streams in Early Years, Child Protection, or Indigenous Child and Youth Care. 

Explore program streams
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Distance learning

Earn your degree from wherever you live through our flexible, interactive online learning format. Our distance courses connect you with instructors and peers in a dynamic virtual classroom.

Explore distance education options
As a passionate CYC student, I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn and grow in the CYCSS. It has changed my university experience for the better.
Zoey Richter, 4th year student

Courses

Explore the wide range of topics covered in this program—from child development and identity to social justice, law, and community practice. Our courses are designed to help you build strong, practical skills while deepening your understanding of the complex systems that shape the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. Visit the UVic academic calendar to see the full course listing for this program.

  • CYC 110 – Introduction to Child & Youth Care
  • CYC 120 – Lifespan Development
  • CYC 152 – Intro to Helping Skills in CYC Practice
  • CYC 206 – Applying Change Theory in CYC Practice
  • CYC 250 – Law, Indigenous People & the TRC Calls to Action
  • CYC 265 – Intro to Group Work in CYC Practice
  • CYC 320 – Critical Identity Development
  • CYC 321 – Advancing Social Justice Praxis in CYC
  • CYC 356 – Developing CYC Praxis with Diverse Families
  • CYC 370 – Applying Assessment & Case Planning in CYC Practice
  • CYC 423 – Research Literacy in CYC
  • CYC 464 – Disability Studies & CYC Praxis
  • CYC 470 – Mental Health & Addictions
  • CYC 475 – Advanced CYC Practice with Families & Groups

Estimated program costs

All tuition fees and any ancillary fees for this program are listed in the academic calendar. You can also the UVic Tuition Calculator to calculate a custom estimate of your program fees. 

Students in this program may be eligible for funding support such as scholarships, awards and financial aid through UVic, the Faculty of Education, and/or the School of Child & Youth Care. 

Ready to apply?

Visit the UVic admissions website to learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades. 

Applications to this program are due by January 31.

See program admission requirements How to apply

Learn more

Do you have questions about this program? Connect with the School of Child & Youth Care and speak with a member of our team:

cycadvising@uvic.ca 
250-721-7979

School of Child & Youth Care
HSD Room B102a

Regular office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.