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Program

Child and Youth Education

Program Type

Diploma

Duration

2 Years

Mode of Study

Full-time

Total Credits

60 Credits

Join the Program

Make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Enroll today to gain the skills and experience needed for a rewarding career in education and support services!

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Program Overview

Explore the details

Sierra College’s Child and Youth Education Diploma Program prepares students for a meaningful career in supporting children and youth facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.Our in-class courses and hands-on training equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in schools, community centers, treatment facilities, and social services.

Year 1

Semester 1

Introduction to Child Development (3 Credits)
  • Stages of child development (physical, cognitive, emotional, social)
  • Theories of child development (Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson)
  • Factors affecting development (family, environment, culture)
  • Observation techniques for child behavior
  • Introduction to developmental milestones
Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 Credits)
  • Historical perspectives on early childhood education
  • Core principles of early learning
  • The role of play in learning
  • Learning environments and classroom organization
  • Parent and community involvement in education
Health, Nutrition, and Safety for Children (3 Credits)
  • Basic child health and hygiene
  • Nutrition guidelines for children
  • Common childhood illnesses and their management
  • Ensuring safety in the learning environment
  • First aid for children
Introduction to Child and Youth Care (3 Credits)
  • Understanding the role of child and youth educators
  • Ethical practices in child and youth care
  • Professional communication with children, parents, and colleagues
  • Basic child and youth rights
Effective Communication with Children (2 Credits)
  • Communication techniques for different age groups
  • Listening and responding to children’s needs
  • The impact of verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Building trust and rapport with children

Semester 2

Curriculum Development for Young Learners (3 Credits)
  • Components of Early Childhood Curriculum
  • Planning lessons for cognitive and social development
  • Integrating play into the curriculum
  • Adapting lessons for different learning styles and needs
Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs (3 Credits)
  • Understanding different types of disabilities
  • Legal framework for inclusive education
  • Adapting curriculum for special needs
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Classroom management for inclusive settings
Child Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Critical psychological theories of childhood (Freud, Bowlby)
  • Attachment theory and its influence on behavior
  • Behavioral and cognitive psychology in education
  • Addressing common emotional and behavioral challenges
Learning Through Play (2 Credits)
  • Importance of play in child development
  • Types of play: structured vs unstructured
  • Role of the educator in facilitating play
  • Designing playful learning activities
Introduction to Youth Development (3 Credits)
  • Stages of youth development
  • Identity formation and self-concept
  • Peer influence and socialization
  • Education and career planning for youth

year 2

Semester 3

Educational Psychology (3 Credits)
  • The psychology of learning
  • Motivation in children and youth
  • Cognitive development and learning styles
  • Classroom management techniques
Assessment and Evaluation in Child Education (3 Credits)
  • Types of assessments: formative and summative
  • Techniques for observing and recording child progress
  • Creating effective assessment tools
  • Using assessment data to improve teaching strategies
Child Rights and Protection (3 Credits)
  • Understanding children’s rights under international law
  • Child protection policies and procedures
  • Identifying signs of abuse and neglect
  • Working with authorities and safeguarding children
Youth Counseling and Guidance (3 Credits)
  • Basics of counseling for young people
  • Techniques for engaging with youth
  • Addressing common youth challenges (peer pressure, identity, career decisions)
  • Role of schools and families in supporting youth
Practicum I (Field Work) (4 Credits)
  • Supervised fieldwork in schools or child development centers
  • Practical experience in applying theoretical knowledge
  • Observation, teaching assistance, and report writing

Semester 4

Advanced Curriculum Development for Youth (3 Credits)
  • Designing curriculum for secondary education and youth programs
  • Integrating life skills and career guidance
  • Project-based and experiential learning models
  • Strategies for engaging adolescent learners
Leadership in Youth Education (3 Credits)
  • Leadership roles for youth educators
  • Team building and classroom management strategies
  • Working with community and stakeholders
  • Professional ethics and advocacy in child and youth education
Parent and Family Engagement (2 Credits)
  • Importance of family involvement in child education
  • Strategies for effective parent-teacher communication
  • Building strong home-school partnerships
  • Cultural sensitivity in working with families
Youth Empowerment and Advocacy (3 Credits)
  • The role of educators in empowering youth
  • Advocacy for youth rights and education
  • Engaging youth in social action
  • Understanding the dynamics of youth leadership
Practicum II (Field Work) (4 Credits)
  • Advanced supervised fieldwork
  • Hands-on experience in a youth education or development setting
  • Project planning and implementation
  • Final report on practical experience

Prospective Employment or Career Opportunities following the completion of the Child & Youth Education program at Sierra College

Upon graduation, students can pursue employment opportunities in a range of settings such as mental health treatment facilities, Day Care, schools, community centers, and hospitals. They may work one-on-one with young people or in group settings, providing counseling, case management, behavior management, and crisis intervention services.

Other potential career paths for Child and Youth Worker Program graduates include working in social services, child welfare agencies, and community-based organizations. Some graduates may also choose to pursue further education in related fields, such as social work or psychology in universities.