Documentation is IMPORTANT!

Please ensure that all Practicum Documentation is in place prior to our MANDATORY MEETING,

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) and Anti-Harassment & Discrimination Resources

Supporting CYS Students at their Practicum Placements
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) are at the heart of the Department of Child & Youth Study practicum program. With the support of various MSVU departments and committees, along with the efforts of external partners, the Department of Child & Youth Study strives to cultivate an environment where diversity is celebrated and valued in all practicum placements. We also remain focused on taking the necessary steps to ensure the health, safety, and security of all members of the MSVU community.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Upcoming Practicum – Summer Session 1 (2026)

Dates: May 4 – June 1, 2026
Schedule: Monday–Friday (20 days / 140 hours)
Make‑Up Days: June 2–3, 2026 (if required)

A mandatory practicum meeting will be held April 29, 2026, at 12 NOON via Teams.
Students may complete their practicum where they currently reside. Halifax‑area students may be placed at approved local sites.

Placements are assigned based on location, availability, practicum level, experience, and preferences. Some placements may require up to a 1‑hour commute and may start as early as 7:00 a.m.

Watch your email regularly for placement details and respond promptly to confirm.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Miller at jennifer.miller8@msvu.ca.

Practicum Coordinator: Ms. Jennifer Miller

While completing the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) program, you will have the opportunity to apply knowledge you’ve acquired in the classroom into practice with over 500 hours of practical, hands-on experience in such settings as schools, hospitals, residential youth programs, community-based services, and early intervention programs. This four-year degree program is a great foundation for further study in education, speech-language pathology, social work, counselling, or graduate school in child and youth study.

Contact: Jennifer.Miller8@msvu.ca

Placements are completed on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fall and Winter terms. Placements are completed daily (Monday to Friday in a four week block) during Summer Sessions I and II.

CHYS 2251
Practicum: Early Childhood 1 – 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHYS 1140, CHYS 2208 or 2209 (either may be taken concurrently with CHYS 2251) and admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
Field experience in early childhood settings in conjunction with seminars which examine these experiences in relation to theories and methods of working with young children. The specific days for practica are outlined in the CYS Program Requirements/Practicum section of the University calendar. Note: Students may not enrol in any other daytime courses on the days they are registered for practicum.

CHYS 3351
Practicum Inclusive Focus – 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 10.0 units of university credit including CHYS 2201, 2208, 2209 (2209 may be taken concurrently with CHYS 3351), one of CHYS 2251/3352/3353/4451 and admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
Field experience in settings for children and youth with diverse needs in conjunction with seminars which relate the experiences to theories and methods of working with children and youth with diverse needs. The specific days for practica are outlined in the CYS Program Requirements/Practicum section of the University calendar. Note: Students may not enrol in any other daytime courses on the days they are registered for practicum. Students who have received credit for CHYS 2252 may not take this course for credit.

CHYS 3352
Practicum Child/Youth/Family/Community 1 – 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 10.0 units of university credit including CHYS 2201, 2208, 2209, two of CHYS 2251/3351/4451 and admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study). Placements in youth/adolescent settings require CHYS 3320; some placements in administration require CHYS 4407. CHYS 3320 and 4407 may be taken concurrently with practicum.
Field experience in a wide range of programs for children, youth and families in conjunction with seminars which examine relevant issues and the relationship between theory and practice. The specific days for practica are outlined in the CYS Program Requirements/Practicum section of the University calendar. Note: Students may not enrol in any other daytime courses on the days they are registered for practicum.

CHYS 3353
Practicum: Early Childhood 2 – 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHYS 1140, 2140, 2208, 2209, 2251 (may be taken concurrently with CHYS 3353 and admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study))
Field experience in early childhood settings in conjunction with seminars which build on previous practica learning and examine these experiences in relation to theories and methods of working with young children. The specific days for practica are outlined in the CYS Program Requirements/Practicum section of the University calendar. Note: Students may not enrol in any other daytime courses on the days they are registered for practicum.

CHYS 4451
Practicum Child/Youth/Family/Community 2 – 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 15.0 units of university credit including PSYC 2222 and CHYS 3352 and all specific prerequisites for placements as noted for CHYS 3352 and admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
This practicum provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in a wide range of services for children, youth and families related to their interests and future goals. Requirements of each placement are developed individually with the placement and supervisor. The specific days for practica are outlined in the CYS Program Requirements/Practicum section of the University calendar. Note: Students may not enrol in any other daytime courses on the days they are registered for practicum.

Students who have requisite work and/or education experience can undertake a practica challenge for credit. As of Fall 2015 Students who have received 11 units of transfer credit are ineligible to challenge for further credits as per university regulations. A maximum of 2 Practicum credits [1.0 unit] can be received through Challenge for Credit – this includes credits received by PLAR at another institution.

Prior to any practicum challenge, all students MUST successfully complete at least one CHYS practicum under the Department’s supervision. Additional details can be found below:

Questions? Contact via email: jennifer.miller8@msvu.ca