Child and Youth Care

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements

This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.

Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:

• Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
• Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
• Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)

An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.

Security Clearance

Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.

WIL Agreements

Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)

In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement.  Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.

Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.

Placement Locations and Scheduling

Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.

Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.

Employment and Professional Regulation

Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.

Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.

Fitness to Practice

Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.

Program Practicum Overview

Students will complete three practicums during their program which allows them to apply concepts taught in the classroom in CYC practice settings. Each practicum is a block practicum where the student works full time in the practicum site for the duration of the practicum. CYC-1178 is six weeks, CYC-2255 is seven weeks and CYC-2285 is seven weeks. Students must complete at least one practicum outside of the Lethbridge area (100 km away from Lethbridge). Students will be required to work a variety of shifts in their practicum sites. 

Any questions about practicum can be directed to the Practicum Co-ordinator: Kathleen Vink  kathleen.vink@lethpolytech.ca 

The Child and Youth Care program is available through the following delivery methods

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.