Diploma in Child and Youth Care

Child and Youth Care is a two-year diploma that develops the knowledge and skills to support the well-being and development of children, youth, and families. Coursework covers child and youth development, family dynamics, and intervention approaches used across community, school, and residential care settings. The program includes 20 weeks of practicum experience delivered across three blocks. It is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus and is offered to both domestic and international students. Intakes run in September and January. Graduates are prepared for direct-support roles with children, youth, and families in settings such as group homes, schools, and family support agencies, working alongside social workers and other allied professionals, with some transfer pathways requiring a minimum GPA of 2.00 or higher.