Child Studies at University of Guelph at Main

The focus of the Child, Youth and Family (CYF) major is the examination of psychological, social and physical conditions which influence the growth and development of children and adolescents. While the focal point of the major is on children and youth, the family is regarded as a primary context of development and as the key to successful interventions for children with developmental, behavioural, or socio-emotional difficulties. Through the effective use of elective courses, the core requirements in the major can be supplemented to create a program of study which will prepare graduates for a variety of careers in child and youth services.

The CYF major places a child’s physical and social development in the context of the family and the community. It prepares students for future careers in a variety of social services geared toward young people. The CYF major combines the rigors of the biological and social sciences, enabling students to look at the child from infancy to adolescence in a variety of family and community settings. Courses in human/child development, physiology, and couple and family dynamics are taught by recognized leaders in their fields and complemented by practicum courses to provide theoretical and first-hand experience with children and youth.

The academic program in the CYF major provides a combination of traditional lectures and seminars with the application of theory in practicum courses. These practicum courses enable students to apply the social and biological components of human development in various family, community and educational settings. Students work directly with young children in the Child Care and Learning Centre or with youth in the community for one semester during their 3rd year; and an optional practicum, FRHD*4340 in 4th year working with youth or FRHD*4330 working with children up to age 12 for one semester. Also, a lab exercise is conducted at the Child Care and Learning Centre for the FRHD*3180, Observation and Assessment Laboratory course. This variety of experiences affords students greater opportunity to apply the theory obtained in class to real-world issues.

CYF is a unique and well-rounded program that is made up of a core of child and family development courses, complemented by courses as diverse as program design for children and youth, physiology, and human sexuality. Graduates from the University of Guelph CYF major are said to be some of the best-rounded and prepared young professionals in their chosen fields. 

The University of Guelph’s CYF program prepares its graduates well for the competitive field of working with children, youth, and their families. Its blend of practical and classroom components is unsurpassed by similar programs. Graduates are pursuing child and youth-related careers in a variety of settings including child and youth treatment facilities, elementary schools, pediatric wards in hospitals, family and community service agencies, and child care centres. Further academic preparation may be required for certain careers. Many graduates go on to pursue graduate education in fields such as family studies, human development, psychology, counselling psychology, social work, speech pathology, and occupational therapy.