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.
There are field placement opportunities in all three years of the CYC program.
First Year, Semester Two: This is completed within online modules, and participation in a Student Learning Project (SLP).
Second Year, Semester Four: IN-PERSON Three days a week (Wed., Thurs., Fri., 30 hours each week, 14 weeks) in a residential/Group Home setting, shift work required. (Shifts 2-10pm, 2-11pm, and possibly some weekends), school program, after-school program, community outreach
Third Year, Semester Five and Six: IN-PERSON Three days a week (Mon., Tues., Wed., 24 hours each week, 14 weeks 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 special police check called “Broad Record check” at an additional cost (students who are unable to obtain a clear Broad Record police check may not qualify to attend field placements necessary to obtain a diploma)
- Provide proof of immunization/vaccination requirements
- 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 have a Covid-19 3 dose vaccination requirement for students participating in field placements.
- Successfully complete a standard first aid and heart saver AED(C) certification
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. However, those students who live outside the GTA and the college catchment area will work with Mary Jo Bryant on finding appropriate field placement opportunities. Prior to all students beginning at a partnering field site, the college will have obtained an Affiliation Agreement for Student placements. Students will noy be permitted to begin placement without the agreement signed. 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 two hour to their placements. For students who live in rural areas, and a placement can not be found, further discussions will happen to discuss next steps.
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 Broad Record police check 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.
Students will need to successfully pass Foundations in CYC (CYCP-112) and Preparation for Professional Practice (CYCP-114) with a minimum C grade, in order to be eligible to participate in the online modules and SLP for first year field placement in semester 2. Both courses are prerequisites for semester 2.
Second year students will attending placement during semester 4 of second year. Students will attend 3 days per week (30 hours each week). (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 Broad Record police check and medical form. During the second-year field placement students may be required to work shifts (if placed in live-in treatment facilities) 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 Broad Record police check and medical form.
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities. (2020). Graduate and Employer KPI Surveys 2020-2021 Cycle Operating Procedures. ↵
