Child, Youth and Family Studies

The  Child, Youth and Family Studies Diploma is designed for students who wish to extend their knowledge and skills beyond certificate designation. Once in the workforce, certificate graduates may find they wish to enhance their knowledge and skills by exploring topics which impact the clients they work with. Others find themselves looking to expand their responsibilities and options within a broader field. Within the field of child, youth, and family studies, employment opportunities and remuneration are frequently enhanced by having a diploma.

In addition to career advancement and professional development, there are many course options in the diploma which transfer to degree programs.

Program Structure

This diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete all of the following:

1.  An acceptable certificate in a related field of study with a minimum of one 180 hour practicum; suitability of certificates are determined by the Registrar’s Office
2.  The prescribed diploma curriculum of six (6) courses
3.  A minimum of 60 credits completed

CYFS Diploma Requirements

View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.

Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.

View the pdf version of the official program outline.

Important notes:

• Second year Indigenous studies courses may have a first year Indigenous studies course prerequisite.
• Please check the College website’s Important Dates, as CYFS, HSWR, and ECED designated courses may have different semester dates than other courses listed, including Reading Week, start/end dates, and exam periods.

It is recommended that students speak with an Education Advisor to develop a course plan for this program.

Completion of, or enrollment in, a certificate program in Early Childhood Education, Education Assistant, Human Service Worker.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Tuition for this program varies. Cost depends on which first year program is completed: Early Childhood Education, Education Assistant, Human Service Worker certificate.

Fees for this program are currently unavailable. For more information please contact Enrolment Services.

Once you have earned your CYFS diploma, a few examples of career options include:

• Early Childhood Educators and Assistant *
• Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistant
• Social / Community Service Worker *

With further education and/or experience, additional opportunities may include:

• Social Worker *
• Manager in Social, Community, and Correctional Services *
• Elementary School / Kindergarten Teacher *

* High Opportunity Occupation