Child and Youth Care Diploma
Warman Campus, Canada
Child and Youth Care Diploma
Great Plains College
Child and Youth Care
Child and Youth Care Diploma at Great Plains College
The Child and Youth Care Diploma at Great Plains College prepares you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across your community. This two-year, full-time program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practicum placements and community-based learning to develop your professional competencies in youth care work.
Throughout the program, you will study abnormal psychology, agency administration and community development, conflict resolution, small group facilitation, cultural diversity, family systems, sexual victimization, and therapeutic intervention strategies. Graduates emerge fully prepared to work one-on-one with youth in diverse human service settings across Saskatchewan and beyond.
This diploma program is partnered and brokered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, ensuring you receive recognized credentials with strong transfer pathways. Graduates have the option of advancing to a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Regina or transferring to the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies at Lethbridge College in Alberta.
Program Highlights
- Extensive practicum placements in group homes, community agencies, community schools, and residential treatment facilities
- Partnered with Saskatchewan Polytechnic for recognized, transferable credentials
- Pathway to a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Regina upon graduation
- Small class sizes with personalized attention from experienced, industry-connected faculty
Curriculum and Course Modules
The Child and Youth Care Diploma curriculum spans two years, building from foundational certificate-level courses in Year 1 to advanced diploma-level studies in Year 2. The program integrates theoretical coursework with supervised practicum experiences to ensure you graduate with both knowledge and practical skills ready for the field.
These sequential courses develop your foundational and advanced skills in youth care practice, including therapeutic relationship-building, intervention strategies, and professional conduct in diverse youth care settings.
This course provides an in-depth study of psychological disorders commonly encountered in youth populations, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges in your practice.
You will develop practical skills in mediating and resolving conflicts within youth care settings, learning de-escalation techniques, negotiation strategies, and approaches to building constructive dialogue.
This course introduces the foundations and structure of group work, covering group dynamics, effective communication in group processes, and concepts of roles, norms, motivation, diversity, leadership, and power.
You will explore cultural competency and diversity awareness essential for working with youth from varied backgrounds, including Indigenous awareness and the impact of cultural factors on youth development.
Additional Diploma-Level Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Child and Youth Care Diploma at Great Plains College is based on meeting academic prerequisites and satisfying additional clearance requirements. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum EducationGrade 12 completion or equivalent
- Criminal Record CheckA Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search are required prior to coursework and practicum
- Security ClearanceA security clearance, personal interview, and/or medical may be required for practicum placements
- Practicum EligibilityPracticum placement access is subject to agency approval based on background check results
- Special AdmissionsIf you do not meet standard entrance requirements, special admissions options may be available — contact Uni4Edu for details
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.5
- TOEFLMinimum score of 81
- OtherContact Uni4Edu for accepted alternative English proficiency tests
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Great Plains College offers one of the most competitive scholarship programs among regional colleges in Saskatchewan, with nearly CAD 2.5 million distributed to students since 2009. Several funding opportunities are available to support your studies in the Child and Youth Care Diploma program.
Entrance Scholarship
CAD 500 - CAD 5,000You are automatically considered for a grade-based Entrance Scholarship when you apply to the full-time diploma program before the scholarship deadline. Awards are calculated based on academic performance in high school courses.
International Student Award
CAD 2,000Two awards of CAD 2,000 are granted annually to international students entering their second year of a diploma program at Great Plains College. Applications are scored on multiple core components.
External Awards and Bursaries
VariesAdditional financial aid is available through community organizations, government student loans, and the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship. Contact Uni4Edu for a comprehensive list of external funding opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Graduates
Graduates of the Child and Youth Care Diploma are prepared for rewarding careers supporting young people across a wide range of human service agencies. The program equips you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to enter a growing field with strong demand in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Great Plains College is a recognized regional college in Saskatchewan providing accessible, high-quality post-secondary education across western Saskatchewan. As a Designated Learning Institution approved by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education, the college is recognized for its strong scholarship programs and community-focused educational approach.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Child and Youth Care | Saskatchewan Polytechnic Partnership | Provincially Recognized Credential |
| Community Services Programs | Great Plains College | Multiple Certificate and Diploma Options |
| Student Support Services | Regional College Assessment | First in Saskatchewan for Student Health and Dental Plan |
| Transfer Pathways | University of Regina / Lethbridge College | Direct Entry to BSW or BA Justice Studies |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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