Experiential Learning Requirements
Experiential Learning “supports students in gaining hands-on learning that helps them transition to employment”[1]. Experiential Learning can take the form of co-operative education, degree work placement, clinical/field placement, fieldwork/simulation labs, capstone/applied research projects, and service learning.
The CYC field placement experiences prepare students for graduation and working with children, youth and their families. Each field placement is unique and varied and students are encouraged to try several aspects of the field. For each field placement experience, students will be given the specific field placement manual to guide them in meeting the expected course learning outcomes and to ensure they are competent in the CYC vocational learning outcomes. Field placement requires a “C” (60%) grade to be successful in the course. Field placements are opportunities to demonstrate theory into practice, as well begin to create professional relationships with CYCs and multi-disciplinary teams.
Field Placements are the following:
Semester Two: Two days a week in a classroom or after school program
Semester Four: Four days a week in a residential/Group Home setting, shift work required. (Shifts 2-10pm, 2-11pm, and possibly some weekends)
Semester Five and Six: Three days a week for the two semester is a special interest stetting. (Hospitals, schools, community outreach, CAS, crisis units, residential programs).
Prior to beginning each Field Placement, students are required to:
- Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening at an additional cost (students who are unable to obtain a clear vulnerable sector police check may not qualify to attend field placements necessary to obtain a diploma)
- Provide proof of immunization/vaccination requirements
- Successfully complete a standard first aid and heart saver AED(C) certification
- Provide a medical certificate of health to ensure freedom of communicable disease, including a TB test, all vaccinations are up to date. Note: Most partnering agencies and schools have a Covid-19 double vaccination requirement for students participating in field placements.
Please note that while the College does not require COVID-19 vaccination, students are required to follow the policies in place at work-term/placement sites. This means that you may be required to provide proof of vaccination to your employer/placement host in order to participate in and complete your work term/placement.
The Field Placement Coordinator (Mary Jo Bryant) is responsible for finding the appropriate placement for the student. Students do not find their own placements nor will they be guaranteed to get the placement of their choice. Every attempt to meet the needs of the student regarding their placement match will be made however, this may not always be possible, and students can expect to travel up to an hour to their placements.
Students will complete a field placement application form and submit this to the Field Placement Coordinator for every new field placement. Timelines and deadlines for all forms, documentation and applications must be adhered to in order to be matched with a placement. Failure to comply with timelines/deadlines may result in the student being ineligible for placement. Students will be required to obtain a new police check vulnerable sector clearance and a completed medical form. Students will be provided with specific instructions and forms when required.
Students who have not started their field placement by week three of the semester may find that they are not permitted to do so. Following timelines and completing paperwork will help to ensure field placement begins on time.
To be considered ready for first year placement, all full-time students are required to have successfully completed Foundations in CYC (CYCP-112) and Preparation for Professional Practice (CYCP-114) with a minimum C grade. Not passing one or both of these courses will result in the student not attending their first-year field placement. Students will attend placement in the winter semester two (2) days per week set out by the CYC program.
Second year students will either be attending placement during the fall semester or the winter semester of second year. Students will attend 4 days per week. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and possible weekends). To be eligible for second year placement the student must successfully complete all first year CYC courses with a minimum C grade, obtain a new police check vulnerable sector and medical form. During the second-year field placement students will be required to work shifts with the majority being 2-10pm, 3-11pm. On occasion students may work a shift 7am-3pm, as well as shifts on the weekend.
Third year students will, attend placements within settings that include hospitals, day treatments, school boards, residential treatment, family support, youth at risk settings, youth violence programs, CAS settings and outreach programs.
Students will attend third year placement for the entire academic year; 3 days per week. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). To be eligible for third year placement, the student must successfully complete all first and second year CYC courses with a minimum C grade, and obtain a new police check vulnerable sector and medical form.
For students who are in the Continuing Education(Part-Time) Program, field placement works a little differently. To be considered ready for first year placement, students must first complete all level 1 courses. For second year placement, students must have completed all level 1 & 2 courses. For third year placement, students must have completed all level 1, 2 & 3 courses. Please note that students who wish to take field placement through the Continuing Education Program (Part Time), must first meet with Colleen Kamps, Coordinator at least 2-3 months prior to going in the field.
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities. (2020). Graduate and Employer KPI Surveys 2020-2021 Cycle Operating Procedures. ↵
