Human Services Child and Youth Care

The Human Services: Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for meaningful careers supporting children and adolescents in various community settings. This program emphasizes the development of practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and ethical understanding necessary to address the complex needs of youth facing diverse challenges. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field experiences, students gain a solid foundation in child development, counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and case management. The curriculum is tailored to foster a compassionate, culturally aware, and professionally competent workforce capable of making a positive impact in schools, youth shelters, social service agencies, and mental health facilities. Students will explore topics such as family dynamics, trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and youth advocacy, preparing them to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. The program also emphasizes the importance of professionalism, communication skills, and ongoing ethical considerations in human services work. With dedicated faculty experienced in the field, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve them throughout their careers. Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue entry-level roles in child and youth care or to continue their education toward advanced degrees in social work, counseling, or related fields. Rocky Mountain College’s Human Services: Child and Youth Care program is committed to nurturing socially responsible practitioners who are passionate about improving the lives of young people and their families.

The Bachelor of Human Services - Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College is designed to prepare students for impactful careers working with children and youth in various community settings. This comprehensive program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting the development, well-being, and safety of young individuals. Students will explore a broad range of topics including child development, youth counseling, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and family dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practices, cultural competence, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are equipped to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and professionalism.

Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on learning experiences through supervised practicums and internships, providing opportunities to apply classroom theories in real-world scenarios. These practical components are integral to developing problem-solving skills and gaining confidence in intervention strategies. The faculty, comprised of experienced professionals in the field, guide students through complex case studies and current issues facing children and youth today, such as mental health challenges, substance abuse, and social injustice.

The program also highlights the importance of collaboration with families, schools, and community organizations to develop comprehensive support plans for young people. Graduates of this degree are prepared for roles in residential treatment centers, youth outreach programs, child protective services, and community mental health agencies. Emphasis is placed on fostering resilience, promoting positive outcomes, and advocating for the rights of children and youth.

In addition to classroom instruction, students will develop critical skills in case management, conflict resolution, and program planning. The program encourages ongoing professional development and lifelong learning to keep pace with emerging practices and policies in human services. Upon completion, graduates will be well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of children and youth, supporting their growth into healthy, engaged members of society.

Program requirements for the Human Services Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College include the successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students must complete foundational courses in human development, ethics in human services, and intercultural competence. Core coursework encompasses child and youth development, counseling techniques, and behavioral intervention strategies. Additionally, students are required to participate in supervised practicum experiences, which amount to at least 400 hours, to gain practical skills in real-world settings. The program emphasizes the development of interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective engagement with children, youth, and families. Students must also complete coursework in social welfare policy, case management, and crisis intervention. To ensure comprehensive training, students are encouraged to engage in related electives such as mental health counseling and community outreach. The degree culminates in a capstone project where students demonstrate their ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical application. All prerequisites, including background checks and immunizations, must be completed prior to practicum placements. Continuous academic advising is available to assist students in course selection and career planning. Completion of the program qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in child and youth care agencies, social services, and community programs, and prepares them for further certification or licensure as required by state regulations.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Human Services Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College offers several financing options to support students in their educational journey. Prospective students can explore federal and state financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The college participates in federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which enables eligible students to access need-based assistance. Additionally, Rocky Mountain College may offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards aimed at recognizing academic achievement, leadership, or commitment to community service. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden and are typically awarded based on application assessments or academic records.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including private scholarships from civic organizations, foundations, and professional associations related to human services or child and youth care fields. Some students may also qualify for state-specific grants or programs designed to support students pursuing degrees in helping professions. Rocky Mountain College provides comprehensive financial aid counseling services, assisting students in understanding their options and navigating the application processes.

For students who prefer to fund their studies through employment, part-time jobs available on-campus or in local community settings can provide valuable income while gaining relevant experience. The college also offers flexible class scheduling to accommodate working students, which helps in managing employment and studies concurrently. In some cases, financing options such as payment plans or deferred tuition arrangements are available, allowing students to plan their finances and reduce upfront costs.

Overall, the program's financing structure aims to make education accessible and manageable for students from diverse economic backgrounds, fostering the development of skilled professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of child and youth care.

The Human Services Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the human services field, with a particular focus on supporting children and youth. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to work effectively in settings such as schools, community organizations, residential facilities, and healthcare agencies. Students learn about child development, psychology, counseling techniques, and intervention strategies, all tailored toward fostering positive outcomes for children and adolescents. The program emphasizes ethical practices, cultural competence, and the importance of collaborative teamwork in delivering quality care. Coursework includes topics such as family dynamics, trauma-informed care, behavioral management, and crisis intervention. Students may also have opportunities for internships or practicum placements, providing real-world experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. The program aims to develop compassionate, skilled practitioners who can advocate for vulnerable populations and contribute to community well-being. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers as child and youth workers, case managers, behavioral specialists, or to continue their education in related graduate programs. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current best practices and evolving trends in human services and youth care. Overall, the Human Services Child and Youth Care program at Rocky Mountain College offers a solid foundation for those committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people through dedicated service and evidence-based approaches.