Practicum

CYC 211 is for students who have not previously completed a Human Services diploma. If you have questions regarding this, check with an advisor.

The 211 practicum is an introduction to observation and recording strategies and professional practice in the field of child and youth care. It is usually conducted in a developmental setting such as early childhood centres, after-school care settings and youth programs. Practicioners with a minimum of two to three years of relevant experience may be eligible to register in CYC 210A, a course that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge without additional field work. 

Check the UVic calendar (CYC 211) for prerequisites and the SCYC website to find out when the practicum courses are scheduled.

Consider volunteering

First and second year students are encouraged to do volunteer work during their school year. The experience will enhance the learning gained in the 100 and 200-level core CYC courses. A list of volunteer opportunities may be available at your local library or volunteer centre.

CYC 310 or CYC 311 are offered in the third year of the program and provide an opportunity for students to gain new skills.

These placements will help you apply a developmental and ecological perspective to your practice before moving into a more advanced or specialized area in 410 or 411.

Relevant Information about 310 or 311:

• 300 hours with clients, coworkers and consultation with supervisors.
• Year-long placements (CYC 310) start in September and end in April and are approximately 12 hours per week.
• Block placements (CYC 311) are offered only in May until August and students are in practicum for approximately 25 hours per week.
• Check the UVic calendar for prerequisites and when the practicum courses are scheduled.

Learn about Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) if you already have extensive child and youth care experience.

The fourth year practicum is offered online in two formats:

•  CYC 410, a year-long course from September to April

• CYC 411 an intensive Block course, where you complete the same number of hours as the year-long version within a single semester

Relevant Information about 410 and 411:

• 300 hours time with clients, coworkers and consultation with supervisors.
• Year-long placements (410) start in September and end in April and are approximately 12 hours per week.
• Block placements (411) are available each term and students are in practicum for approximately 25 hours per week.

Check the UVic calendar for prerequisites (CYC 410 / 411).

The School of Child and Youth Care does not offer course challenges. With permission of the department, student who can demonstrate appropriate work and/or volunteer experience may register in CYC 210A or CYC 310A, Practicum I or II by Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). These courses build upon prior experience to allow students to demonstrate core practicum competencies. Students wishing to complete CYC 210A should have two or more years of relevant practice experience. Students wishing to complete CYC 310A should have three or more years of relevant, full-time practice experience. CYC 410, Advanced Supervised Practicum, is not available in this format.

If you are interested in completing either CYC 210A or 310A and feel that you have adequate work experience to do so, please review the PLA information in the CYC Practicum Brightspace site and submit your application there. If you are a current student and do not have access to the CYC Practicum Brightspace site, please send an email to cycpract@uvic.ca. Remember that by taking a practicum by PLA you are giving up the opportunity to gain new experience in a practice site.