MTI has small class sizes
Smaller class sizes means greater hands on opportunity for MTI students. Students are able to access the instructor more easily and receive more assistance when required.

Students complete 80 hours of clinical skills before going out on practicum
MTI students are well prepared in their skills before going to practicum giving them the confidence to deal effectively with clients on practicum

Instructors have worked in the field
Students benefit from their instructor’s theoretical knowledge as well as their practical experiences.

Extensive program content
Students gain knowledge in six important areas in child and youth and community support: Developmental Psychology, Counselling Strategies, Professional Practice, Support Modalities, Medical Support Skills, and Practical Experience, which are essential for success in the field.

Instructional methods
Learning occurs through reading, researching, discussions and debates, role plays, simulations, field trips, media presentations, interviewing people in the field and a combination of individual and group work. Students learning styles are accommodated through the variety of instructional methods.

Program Length
MTI’s Community Support & Youth Worker Program is an accelerated program that allows students to be out and working in the field much faster than other college programs.

Employment Opportunities
You will be able to find employment in a variety of settings including group homes, as one-to-one workers with clients with intellectual or physical disabilities, youth drop-in centres, alternate, mainstream, and after-school programs, alcohol and drug prevention programs, youth at-risk and outreach programs, teen pregnancy centres and special needs programs.

Program
The purpose of the Community Support & Youth Care Worker (CSYW) diploma program is to prepare graduates to work with youth in a variety of settings and to work with youth and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Multiculturalism
This course looks at the ethnically diverse culture of Canada and the effects of this diversity on the field of Child and Youth Care. Students will be exposed to various ethnic practices and beliefs as well as learning to identify and understand diverse cultures, learning the barriers to effective communication and practice personal cultural competencies.

Child & Adolescent Development
Students cover in depth the behaviour and development of children and teens. Major theories in the field of Child Growth and Development will be studied in relation to children’s physical, social, emotional, cultural and intellectual development. It includes the psychological theories and their relationship to child development, genetics and the environment in child growth, the role of prenatal development and the birth process in child development.

Special Needs
The causes and effects of various childhood and adolescent disorders are explored from an integrative perspective that acknowledges biological, psychological, and social influences and their interdependence. The course will also consider the impact and involvement of community, education, and health organizations.

Violence in Children
This course will allow the student to explore and examine the causes and factors leading to childhood violence and methods aimed at early intervention. It will allow the student the opportunity to explore the underlying factors contributing to violent behaviour and how early diagnosis leads to treatment.

Intervention with Children and Adolescents
Planning, organizing, and implementing interventions is the focus of this course as students examine different types of critical situations that call for immediate attention, support and resolution. Students learn to recognize groups in society who require timely support and will learn to identify situations that warrant immediate and proactive responses to prevent further harm.

Special Topics
This course provides an opportunity to examine selected current issues in the child and youth care profession. Topics will constantly change according to what the care workers are currently facing within the field. Some examples of topics include: addictions, dependencies, sexual exploitation, and rehabilitation models, advocacy, advanced crisis intervention strategies, abuse, therapy etc.

Activity Planning
This course provides the learner with an introduction to the theory, planning and implementation of recreational activities for children and youth. Students will develop a knowledge base of how to develop and implement recreational programs and activities that are appropriate for a broad population base, and how to develop programs and activities that are sensitive to a youths needs, including ability levels, chronological age and developmental stage.

Child, Family and Community Relations
Students will explore the roles of children, youth, families, caregivers, and community supports within the Child & Youth Care field. The focus in this course will be on attitudes, knowledge and skills related to interpersonal communication at the community level. Students will be encouraged to develop positive and respectful relationships with all types of children, youth, and families. Techniques for developing partnerships with family and community professionals/resources will also be explored.

Fundamentals of Professionalism
The fundamentals of counseling and the communication required to work productively with youth and other stakeholders and professionals are studied in this course. Students will explore the concept of relationships as the critical ingredient to effective care. Strategies for assisting clients will also be explored.

Guiding Children’s Social Development
This course is designed to cover a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for guiding social development. The course offers knowledge about broad principles regarding relationship building and behaviour management, and the ability to integrate these principles into a systematic, consistent plan of action.

Youth at Risk
The Youth at Risk Course is an intensive focus upon youth and some of the choices and behaviours that place them on the risk continuum. The term at risk is discussed from the perspective of the front line worker as we examine issues such as suicide, substance abuse, street involvement, teen pregnancy, offending and involvement in the Criminal Justice System.

Standards, Legislation & Ethics
This course introduces students to the laws that protect the rights of children in care. Students cover the ethics of dealing with children in care.

Health, Safety and Nutrition
Aspects of health and nutrition related to the children and youth are studied. Issues include safety, child abuse, hygiene, emergency procedures, recognition and management of childhood illness. Nutrition and its contribution to health are covered in this course. Students complete a one day first aid course.

Communication
The communication course introduces both the verbal and nonverbal communication process. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with clients and their families, be able to identify communication barriers associated with hearing and vision loss and know how to apply techniques for effective conflict resolution.

Common Diseases
This course will assist the student in understanding acute and chronic conditions of common diseases. Students will be able to apply their knowledge in providing effective care to their assigned caseloads. Topics for discussion will include congestive heart failure, hypertension, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases.

Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology covers the broad base for medical terminology, abbreviations and the systems of the body. Students will learn to build medical words using the key components which also include the correct pronunciation and spelling of each term. Students also gain the understanding of proper utilization of terms to describe medical conditions and disease states.

Mental Health
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of Mental Health Disorders and the effects on the patient, family and other caregivers. Students will be able to identify the signs and symptoms of the more common mental health disorders and provide appropriate care with respect and dignity to the individual.

Personal Care Skills
The practical skills-based outcomes will be taught with a hands-on approach where students will learn the importance of hand-washing, how to prevent the spread of infection, develop safe techniques for assisting with mobility and positioning, assist with personal hygiene/grooming, provide assistance with bowel and bladder elimination and accurately measure and record vital signs.

MS Word Level I
Students will learn the basic concepts of working with MS Word to create reports, letters and research projects.

MS Excel Level I
This course covers the basic skills of Excel, formatting and formulas.

Practicum
Students must successfully complete all required components in the CSYW program to be eligible for practicum placement. Students must complete two practicum opportunities at sites approved by the college. The college locates practicum host sites for students.

Career & Professional Development
This course focuses on preparing our future graduates in the job search and interview process. Students will develop a resume, a cover letter, and interview skills.