The Child and Youth Care Worker program prepares students for careers supporting at-risk youth and their families. Through courses in counselling, case management, child welfare, intervention, and program development, students learn to identify clients' needs and build supportive strategies. On-the-job training occurs in child and youth care facilities, educational settings, justice or mental health facilities, and addictions services. The two-year diploma is offered at the Prince of Wales Campus (Charlottetown Centre). Graduates may earn up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Prerequisites: Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level, Grade 12 academic English minimum of 65%, Applicants must be out of high school at least one year before applying, Two letters of reference (one personal, one from employer or teacher — not a family member), Minimum of 100 hours paid work or volunteer experience with youth ages 8–18 (babysitting not acceptable), Attendance at a Child and Youth Care Worker program information session, Standard First Aid and CPR Level C from a recognized provider (must be taken in person), Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Certificate, Résumé including work and volunteer experience with dates, memberships, awards, and other relevant information