Early years specialization
An Early Years Specialization is one of the features that makes the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria truly unique! Early Years specialization courses recognize the critical importance of children’s early experiences on their life journey and the growing demand for early years CYC practitioners to work in a diverse range of settings that support the health and wellbeing of infants, young children, and their families. The courses, including one dedicated practicum, emphasize developing knowledge, skills and leadership in program development and evaluation, critical policy analysis, and advocacy in local and global contexts with an overarching commitment towards advancing social justice and equity for all families raising young children.
All Early Years specialization courses are offered online (distance) during third and fourth year of the Bachelor in Child and Youth Care (BCYC) program.
CYC students who enter the program in first year can apply to begin the Early Years specialization in their third year.
NOTE: The Early Years Specialization does NOT lead to Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification. Various ECE programs are available throughout BC and some may be available online.
Required Early Years courses include:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYC 382 | Early Years Program Approaches | 1.5 | CYC 382 is a prerequisite for CYC 482. |
| CYC 482 | Leadership, Advocacy and Program Planning in the Early Years | 1.5 | |
| CYC 410/CYC 411 | Advanced Supervised Practicum/Advanced Supervised Block Practicum | 4.5 | Must be completed in an agency or organization relevant to early years, depending on previous early years experience and education. |