Child & Youth Care at Lambton College

This advanced diploma program prepares students to work in a variety of agencies and organizations concerned with the complex challenges of children, youth and their families. Child and Youth Care Practitioners utilize a relational approach, while working with children, youth and their families, building on strengths to facilitate positive change, promoting resiliency, independence and self-advocacy. The ability to manage stress, present in a professional and dependable manner, and work closely with others is key to succeeding in this field. This program is ideally suited for emotionally mature individuals with a strong desire to help children and adolescents in a time of crisis. Lambton College will prepare students for a rewarding and challenging career as Child and Youth Care Practitioner. 

Lambton College gives students a superior experience by providing three unique placement opportunities that can lead to future employment. Students enjoy small class sizes and personal attention, especially through experiential learning opportunities where academic subjects are put into practice in concurrent supervised field placements. Field placements require a police record check including a vulnerable sectors check.

Graduates leave the program with approximately 1,500 hours of field placement, a unique capstone experience and are eligible for full membership and certification with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), the Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations (CCCYCA), as well as international certification with the Child and Youth Care Certification Board (CYCCB). Graduates also possess the knowledge and skills required to serve children, youth and families in school, residential, youth justice, hospitals, community, and mental health environments.

Lambton College's graduates have an esteemed reputation, are well respected by their employers, and are sought after in communities beyond Sarnia-Lambton.  

Employment Opportunities

Our graduates have found rewarding work opportunities including:

• Community-based child and youth development programs
• Parent education and family support
• School-based programs
• Open and closed custody group homes 
• In-patient and out-patient treatment programs 
• Youth shelters
• Central point of access programs 
• Youth justice
• Early intervention and prevention programs
• Child protection agencies