This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use and Protection of Privacy Policy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
School of Child and Youth Care

Program Planning & Specializations

The Bachelor of Child & Youth Care is designed to be flexible. Use these tools and resources to plan your program effectively, especially if you're pursuing a specialization:

Note: Some undergraduate courses in CYC are only available online. This may affect student loan eligibility for international students and funding eligibility for some organizations. Please check your funding requirements carefully and consult with an academic advisor.

Tip: Retain your original admissions document – this is especially helpful for transfer students!

CYC 475: Seminar Course

All students in the Bachelor of Child & Youth Care must participate in CYC 475: Advanced Child and Youth Care Practice with Families and Groups. This is a 10-day seminar course that is only offered in one format per term, either entirely online synchronously with twice-weekly mandatory Zoom sessions throughout the entire term, or online/face-to-face, which includes a 10-day on-campus seminar.

Please visit the academic calendar to determine which format is CYC 475 is offered in the upcoming terms.

Early Years Specialization

This specialization focuses on the vital early years of development, preparing you to lead, advocate, and support children from birth to age eight across diverse settings. 

  • Fully online courses in third and fourth year
  • Dedicated early years practicum
  • Focus on leadership, advocacy, and critical policy analysis
  • Prepares you for roles supporting children (0–8) and their families
  • Apply to the specialization in third year (for students who start in first year)

Note: This stream does not lead to Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification

Required courses

Course code Course name Units Notes
CYC 382 Early Years Program Approaches (Fall) 1.5 Prerequisite for CYC 482
CYC 482 Leadership, Advocacy & Program Planning in the Early Years (Spring) 1.5 -
CYC 410 or 411 Advanced Practicum  4.5 300-hour practicum. Must be in an early years setting, depending on your previous experience

Child Protection Specialization

This stream focuses on policy, practice, and critical frameworks in child protection, with a particular emphasis on BC’s provincial legislation.

  • One required course plus a full-time 400-hour block practicum
  • Available only to BC-based students due to practicum placements
  • Practicum placements are with the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or Delegated Aboriginal Agencies (DAAs)
  • Minimum grade of 65% (C+) required in CYC 350
  • Practicum regions: Vancouver Island, Coastal Vancouver, South/East Fraser, North and South Interior, Northern Region 

Note: Practicum availability outside of BC is not guaranteed.

Required courses

Course code Course name Units Notes
CYC 250 Law, Indigenous Peoples and the TRC Calls to Action 1.5 Prerequisite for CYC 350
CYC 350 Applying CYC Practice in Child Welfare Contexts 1.5 -
CYC 411 Advanced Supervised Block Practicum  4.5 400-hour block practicum

Indigenous Specialization

This stream emphasizes Indigenous perspectives, cultural safety, and decolonizing practice. It is open to all students, with priority given to Indigenous students. You will develop knowledge in Indigenous research, relational practice, and applied cultural frameworks. 

  • Required practicum must be in an Indigenous setting
  • Core courses replace general program equivalents

Required courses

Course code Course name Units Notes
CYC 330 Applied Practice in Indigenous Contexts 1.5 Replaces CYC 370
CYC 355 Applying CYC Practice in Child Welfare Contexts 1.5 Replaces CYC 356
CYC 430 Research Practice in Indigenous Contexts 1.5 Replaces CYC 423
CYC 411

Advanced Supervised Block Practicum in an Indigenous Setting

  4.5

300-hour block practicum. All third and fourth-year courses, including CYC 475, must be completed before starting CYC 411. 

Additional electives (for Indigenous students only):

  • CYC 105 – Circle Course: ŚELEJSET XENEṈ OX̱ EṮ TŦE ŚW̱ ÍY, NOṈETs Sage
  • CYC 305 – Circle Course: ŚELEJSET XENEṈ OX̱ EṮ TŦE ŚW̱ ÍY, NOṈETs Cedar

FAQ

Yes, but you must meet the full requirements for each specialization stream.

No. However, you can explore ECE certification options via the Ministry of Education and Childcare.

You can complete the Early Years or Indigenous specialization streams fully online. The Child Protection steam is not guaranteed for students outside BC.