The only Child and Youth Study program in Atlantic Canada
What is Child and Youth Study? A professional program that provides in-depth studiy of children and youth in a variety of contexts such as early intervention, mental health, child life, administration, and special needs.
Program Highlights
- There are four supervised practicum placements required which allow students to transfer theoretical concepts to practice.
- The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
- There is an on-site model child care training facility.
- Faculty have diverse research and educational backgrounds related to child and youth.
- There are opportunities to engage in research and apply research data and information to a variety of situations.
What skills will I learn during my studies in the Child and Youth Study program?
- Oral and written communication skills.
- The ability to transfer theoretical frameworks to practice in a variety of early childhood and youth settings.
- Group dynamics and leadership skills.
- The expansion of critical thinking and problem solving skills related to children and youth.
- Specialized knowledge and skills in a variety of subject matters related to child and youth.
What is an Honours Degree?
Students who are interested in engaging in an in-depth study of a particular subject or discipline will undertake original research in a specific field and complete an Honours Thesis. An honours degree is usually pursued by students who wish to continue their studies at a graduate level.
What educational options may be available upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts Child and Youth Study program?
Students who are using the Bachelor of Arts Child and Youth Study degree as a platform for other career directions such as Education, Speech and Language, Occupational therapy, and related graduate degrees are encouraged to examine the entrance requirements for their chosen field of study.
Where do Child and Youth Study graduates work?
Graduates from the program find careers in child care centres, parent –child settings, school, early intervention programs, street-youth programs, community based treatment centres, residential care settings, and recreational settings.
Our graduates also find careers in specialized programs such as Child Life, addiction services, child welfare community services, licensing, and developmental government departments, such as in policy development. Graduates of the Child and Youth Study program may work in front line, team leader or supervisory roles.
Are there employment opportunities within the program for students?
Students may be employed with faculty in research assistant positions.
Resources for students
Academic advisors are available for students to assist in course selection, fulfilling requirements for graduation and explaining areas of academic concern. Advising checklists help students monitor their program requirements. Use the checklist that corresponds with the year you declared your major or began your professional program. Checklists are available here:
2010/2011
2011/2012
The Curriculum Resource Centre is a specialized education resource library serving the Faculty of Education and the Child & Youth Study Department. The centre provides educators, from preschool to high school, the resources they need to plan instructional programs for today's learners.
The Child and Youth Study Society provides opportunities for students to participate in a variety of activities that support children and families, while developing leadership skills and volunteer experiences. The executive is voted in by the student body.
Practicum placements are in a variety of community-based programs and services for children, youth and families in the greater Halifax region. Placements provide experience in working with young children, children and youth with special needs and youth and adolescents. Practicum placements are supervised by qualified full and part-time faculty from the Child and Youth Study program.
Funding Opportunites
The Government of Nova Scotia is supporting two new programs to encourage people to train for positions in the child care field.
For those who wish to obtain a degree in the child care field, a debt reduction program is available to allow completion of a degree in Child & Youth Study. Further details about this program can be found at: Funding for Initial ECE Training.
For those currently working in the field, you can obtain financial support to continue your professional development. Further details about this program can be found at: Continuing Education Funding.