Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
The Child and Youth Care First Nations Diploma Program
We are not currently accepting applications for the CYC-FN Diploma program. You are encouraged to apply to the regular CYC Diploma or Degree programs. Some individual courses are also available at Cowichan Campus. Visit the VIU Child and Youth Care Programs website for more information
The Child and Youth Care First Nations program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, their families and small groups across a variety of practice settings which provide support to First Nations children, youths and their families.
The program reflects the needs of First Nations peoples and is continually developing with involvement from the First Nations communities of the Cowichan area, as well as from the First Nations students who bring the teachings of their communities into the program.
The Child and Youth Care First Nations program is offered on a full-time basis. The core courses must be taken concurrently and are offered over a two-year period.
Students who successfully complete the two-year program, including 300 hours of practicum, will be eligible for VIU’s Diploma in Child and Youth Care. This program is referred to as a “ladder” program. Students exiting the program with a CYC diploma may choose to apply their earned credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degree at Vancouver Island University, University of the Fraser Valley, University of Victoria or Douglas College.
Following are the CYC First Nations core courses which are offered over a two-year cycle. Elective requirements (including English) may be completed prior to, concurrent with and/or following completion of the CYC core courses.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CYCL 111 - (Child Development I) | 3 |
| CYCL 112 - (Child Development II) | 3 |
| CYCL 131 - (Practicum I: Preparation & Intro to CYC Professional Practice) | 4.5 |
| CYCL 132 - (Practicum II: Introduction to Professional CYC Practice) | 4.5 |
| CYCL 252 - (Fundamentals of Change) | 6 |
| CYCL 263 - (Elder Teachings in Child and Youth Care) | 3 |
| Degree English Requirement | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CYCL 152 - (Communicating with Children) | 3 |
| CYCL 234 - (Practicum III & Professional Foundations for Child and Youth Care) | 4.5 |
| CYCL 235 - (Practicum IV & Professional Foundations for Child and Youth Care) | 4.5 |
| CYCL 261 - (Introduction to Family Development and Support) | 3 |
| CYCL 262 - (Adolescence and Adolescent Issues) | 3 |
| CYCL 264 - (Elder Teachings in Child and Youth Care II) | 3 |
| CYCL 362 - (Abuse in the Family from a First Nations Practice Perspective) | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for a Diploma in Child and Youth Care First Nations, students must have completed at least 60 credits, have completed all admission requirements and have completed all required Child and Youth Care First Nations courses. A minimum overall “C+” average and a minimum “C+” in each individual required course is necessary to progress in the program and to qualify for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the diploma are met. Students are encouraged to consult the Child and Youth Care First Nations Instructors for information and guidance.
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade or equivalent.
- Resume describing the applicant’s education and employment background.
- Two completed reference forms. Blank forms will be mailed to applicant upon receipt of application.
- An interview, following receipt of the above items.
Notes on Admission
- Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
- Electives must be approved by the CYC First Nations Coordinator in consultation with the CYC department. Some of these university credit requirements can be met by the Arts One-First Nations program.
- All interested persons are encouraged to apply to this Diploma program; however eligible applicants of First Nations ancestry will be given priority for admission.
- Upon admission, students will be expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Child and Youth Care Association of British Columbia and the The Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations.
Graduates from the program are prepared for the general practice of child and youth care work in community settings with both First Nations and non-First Nations children, youths and their families.
General practice in these settings calls for individuals who are willing and able to work cooperatively with other community professionals at tribal health centres, schools, friendship centres, community and social service agencies, hospitals and corrections facilities.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 1,570.00 |
| Total | 7,403.96 |
CYC 212 has an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) | 1,100.00 |
| Total | 25,935.06 |
CYC 212 has an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Get more information on The Child and Youth Care First Nations Diploma Program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.