Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Child & Youth Worker - Full-Time Program FAQ
- Child & Youth Worker - Continuing Education FAQ
- Child & Youth Worker - Apprenticeship FAQ
- Child & Youth Worker - General Questions
Child and Youth Worker FAQ
I am interested in applying to the Child and Youth Worker program for this January. How do I go about doing that?
Go onto the OCAS site and apply for January Child and Youth. If you would like assistance please contact our registrar's office. The OCAS site is also linked from our web site, www.mohawkcollege.ca.
What type of high school grades do you need, to get into college to be a Child and Youth Worker?
We ask for a 70 % or higher in your last year of English (C level). More information refer to the Program Calendar
How will I be taught in the Child and Youth Worker Program?
CYW Professors offer a dynamic approach to learning in the classroom. This process often involves labs where students (usually in groups) are expected to run programs as the other students are expected to fully participate in the programs. We often make use of the full classroom, gym, outdoors, etc. Other classes are delivered in a lecture format with many examples of the professor’s experiences in the field to relate the theory to the field of Child and Youth Work. All core CYW classes will expect you to work in large and small groups. There is even a class where over half of the work is performed in the community!
When does field work begin?
Depending on what intake you are in (September or January), field placement always happens after 1 semester of in-school academics. For example, as a September intake student, you would be in classes from Sept. to Dec. and in placement from Jan. to Apr. For January intake students, academics would take place from Jan. to Apr. and field placement from Sept. to Dec. This will be the same for each of the three years of this program. If students are unsuccessful in one or more of their core CYW classes form the academic semester, than this process is out of order. Your academic coordinator will support you with scheduling if this is the case.
What is the difference between a January and September Intake. Will I get my summers off to work?
A January intake is the same as a September intake however the semester will be at different times (example, September intake first semester is Sept.-Dec., and January intake first semester is Jan.-Apr.).
You will not attend College between May to August. This is the same for September and January intakes. For example, you will be in first semester from January to April and will have the summer to be with family and/or work, and will be in second semester (first year) in September (until December). The rest of your years will follow accordingly. However, on occasion, students have difficulties in some classes, and need to repeat. This sometimes throws the students schedule off a little, depending on how many classes they are repeating.
Where are field placements located?
Placements for Mohawk CYW’s are generally in the areas of Hamilton, Halton, Peel, Guelph, Kitchener, and Niagara. We currently have some placements in Toronto and Owen Sound to accommodate some students and sometimes students want the experience of moving away for a placement opportunity. Our students will have to expect that two out of three placements will be out of town from the College (Hamilton). We also have some placements in England, NWT, Alberta and BC. We are always adding to our list of field placement agencies.
I am currently enrolled in General Arts and Science, and right now I am taking “Sociology 1”, “Intro to Psychology” and “Group Dynamics”. In January, I will be switching over to the Child and Youth Program. Does that mean those courses I already did have to be done again?
As long as the course codes are the same and with “Group Dynamics” we accept this as equivalent. You do not have to repeat the courses. Yes, you can "cross credit" into our program.
What would be the age group of children or youth that I would be working with when I get a job in the field?
The children and youth range in age from 5 to 21 and their families. The primary age range is 7 to 18 yr. olds.
Child and Youth Worker Continuing Education FAQ
I am very interested in this program and was curious if I would be able to do it from home, as I work full time. Is this program offered for distance studies? or online?
The Continuing Education (CE) CYW Program, which has the same content as the Day CYW Program, is probably closest to what you are looking for. The CE CYW Program offers students a blended delivery of most classes. Blended delivery means that some classes are offered via on line format, and others are offered in class. It is best to contact the coordinator of the CE CYW Program. Please refer to the Continuing Education Section on this web site for contact information.
Registration and Admission?
Only CE students who have been accepted into the CYW Program may register for courses and therefore online course registration is not available. Admission into the CE Child and Youth Worker Program occurs primarily in the Spring Semester for a Fall beginning to the Program. Occasionally learners begin their course work in alternate semesters. In order to do this an application form must be completed, prior to course registration.
To access the online application form.
Child and Youth Worker Apprenticeship FAQ
I am interested in working as a Child and Youth Worker and am interested in your program. I noticed that there is a possibility of an apprenticeship in this field.
The apprenticeship program is established for students coming from high school and is fully implemented at our college. KimAnn Laush, kim.laush@mohawkcollege.ca (905-575-1212, x4523) is our Apprenticeship Co-ordinator. It is best to contact the coordinator of the CYW Apprenticeship Program. Please refer to CYW Apprenticeship Section on this web site for contact information.
What are the registration requirements for the CYW Apprenticeship Program?
OSSD or equivalent, Grade 12 English (C or U equivalent) and students must have an identified sponsor to register (ex, Community Service Agency).
How do I register for the CYW Apprenticeship Program?
To register for the CYW Apprenticeship Program you will need to contact the ministry @ 1800-668-4479.
How do I find a sponsor?
Is the sponsorship paid or volunteer?
Sponsorship can be volunteer or paid, ideally paid sponsorship is the goal for students.
General Child and Youth Worker FAQ
I have rheumatoid arthritis and I have a lot of physical barriers such as bending and sitting for a long time. I can't lift more then 5 pounds. Is this a problem as a CYW?
There would be times that you would have to lift some things. The agencies most of our students work at are required to have training in the event that they have to physically restrain a child or youth. We could not guarantee that you would not have to do lifting or other more intense forms of physical actions. Another aspect of the work is therapeutic activities and games, including active indoor and outdoor activities/sports. Students are sometimes asked to get a Standard First Aid and Level C CPR training as well. I would be concerned about getting work in the field if you are restricted in your lifting and physical movement.
I have been working as a CYW for 8+ years and have extensive experience in several settings. My objective is to apply at Ryerson and complete my BA in Child and Youth Work. I was wondering if the PLAR would help me obtain my CYW diploma from Mohawk as I currently have a diploma in a related field. I want my CYW diploma so that I can transfer into the third year of the Ryerson CYW Degree Program. I have supporting documentation pertaining to work history and experience. It has always been a desire of mine to obtain my degree. I have had several positions /jobs presented to me but my education has held me back.
PLAR is process allows you to apply for official recognition of skills and knowledge acquired during on-the-job experience as a CYW, formal education and training programs. You can be granted credit through the demonstration of knowledge and skills which match individual course outcomes.
Go to PLAR website to find out about PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). It sounds like you have an extensive background and may well have some credits you can access to obtain your CYW Diploma.
I want to take the "Child and Youth Worker" course. It says there is a wait. Just how long of a wait are we talking about?
This may be referring to a wait list which means the class is full but if some people do not confirm then they will take students from the wait list. Please call registrars office to find out where you are on the wait list if this is the case.
What types of University links does this Program offer me? I am interested in teaching eventually. How can taking this CYW Program benefit me with the education I need to complete in order to reach this goal?
Many of our students start with the Mohawk CYW Program and, after completing three years here and achieving an advanced level diploma, finish two years at Ryerson University in the Child and Youth Work Degree Program. In approximately five years, they have now earned a diploma and degree. Students often choose Teachers College after this.
