Ryerson's Direct Entry program in Child and Youth Care was designed to meet the career and professional needs of experienced Child and Youth Care practitioners. The program builds on the Diploma in Child and Youth Work offered at most Ontario Colleges, and is intended for those who have work experience in the field. Graduates of the degree-completion program will be able to assume greater responsibilities in a variety of areas, including residential treatment centres, school boards, community programs, hospitals, and Children's Aid Societies.
The Direct Entry program in Child and Youth Care is designed to accomplish several related objectives, namely:
- to enhance the student's awareness of the broader intellectual and professional context of the provision of services for children and adolescents;
- to foster the development of critical capacities to understand the role of the educated professional in a social and cultural context;
- to build on the base of knowledge, expertise and practical experience obtained through Diploma studies and subsequent work, to enable the graduate to assume advanced levels of therapeutic and organizational responsibility;
- to develop the capacity to critically evaluate and to contribute to the emerging professional literature in the field;
- to enable interested graduates to qualify for admission to post-baccalaureate educational programs in Child and Youth Care or in related fields.
The curriculum builds upon a multi-disciplinary base to develop the student's understanding of issues facing children, youth, and their families in society today. With a solid multi-disciplinary foundation in sociological and psychological perspectives students are introduced to the theories and techniques of child and youth care. They will develop the ability to work with children, youth, and families with a focus on promoting the rights and participation of children and youth through inclusive practice and advocacy for the highest standards of ethical practice and optimal quality of care.
CAREER INFORMATION
Graduates from the Direct Entry program are already obtaining more responsible clinical and supervisory positions including child protection and family service positions in Children's Aid Societies and Children's Mental Health Centres. Graduates may go on to obtain further education as elementary and secondary school teachers and obtain graduate degrees to become private counsellors and educators within the college CYW system.
Curriculum Information
Part-time Direct Entry students need only follow the requisite structure of the program. Subject to pre-requisites and co-requisites being met, students may take courses from any semester.
Academic Standing Variation
An Academic Standing Variation exists for this program. See Academic Standing Variation for details.
Graduation Requirement Variation
A Graduation Requirement Variation exists for this program. See Graduation Requirement Variation for details.
Liberal
Studies - Direct
Entry
Students must take three upper level liberal studies courses. If an upper level liberal studies course requires a prerequisite, students DO NOT have to apply for transfer credit.
Minors
Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson with exceptions. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates
Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible restrictions. Please refer to the Curriculum Advising website at www.ryerson.ca/curriculumadvising for complete details.
FULL-TIME DEGREE PROGRAM
The School of Child and Youth Care also offers its curriculum on a Full-time basis.
