Behaviour Intervention Certificate
This part-time entry-level certificate prepares students to work in a family setting or centre with young children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It will equip the behavioural interventionist to competently implement the behavioural support plans developed by a Behaviour Consultant based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This certificate provides the student with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be an effective front-line practitioner and team member.
The Behaviour Intervention (BI) Certificate is a credential offered through the Classroom and Community Support Department (Overview).
Beginning Fall 2011, the Behaviour Intervention Certificate will be available to interested students across the province of BC via a BCcampus initiative. Partner institutions across BC offer shared components of the certificate while Douglas College offer the specialty course work online.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the BI Program website.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
There is considerable demand for qualified behavioural interventionists in British Columbia, especially given the provincial funding available to families of persons diagnosed with ASD. Graduates of this certificate are prepared to work one-to-one with children with ASD in family homes or specialized centres under the direction of a behavior consultant.
Graduates of the BI certificate receive 15 credits of academic transfer credit into the Classroom and Community Support (CCS) Diploma Program. The CCS credential qualifies students to work in a wider variety of school and community settings. For example, CCS graduates are qualified to work as Special Education Assistants in schools as well as practitioners in vocational, residential, recreational and educational settings supporting persons with disabilities. Students with a Behaviour Intervention Certificate and a CCS Certificate/Diploma, or students who take the Behaviour Intervention specialty within the CCS Diploma, are prepared to work in a broader range of settings and capacities.
Location
CCS Courses are offered hybrid at the New Westminster Campus. BI specific courses are offered via distance (online).
In September 2012, most CFCS programs are moving to the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Please check with your program for more details.
Application Deadline/Intake Dates
**Application deadlines may be extended.
Thirty (30) students are admitted each September. Applications must be submitted by April 1 of each year. Early application is recommended.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BI certificate is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Additionally, applicants to the program will be invited for a pre-selection interview. Following this review applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, problem solving, personal suitability, and motivation to enter the program.
NOTE: Applicants are advised to meet all admission criteria as early as possible to demonstrate preparedness and motivation for obtaining a seat in the program.
In addition to Douglas College General Admission Requirements, applicants must:
- Meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS). Please note that current MCFD autism funding requires behavioural interventionists to be 19 years of age. This policy is under review.
- Provide evidence of completion of at least 60 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in a department-related setting.
- A verification volunteer/work experience form( ) to be completed by your direct supervisor, will be mailed to you once you have applied to the program. Applicants are also requested to submit an additional reference that supports their application and suitability to the program.
- Complete a declaration of medical suitability.
EARLY ADMISSION
Please note, although application and document deadlines are identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who do may be formally offered admission before the application deadline.
Exit Requirements
A current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate (minimum of eight hours) is required at graduation.
The "Flexible Options" - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit
Our Department prides itself on its ability to recognize the skills and qualifications of experienced practitioners. If you:- have at least two years of full-time equivalent experience working with children or adults with an intellectual disability (primarily in a behavioural interventionist capacity), and/or
- are an experienced practitioner in a related field, and/or
- have applicable public post-secondary credits
then Flexible Options (our transfer credit and prior learning assessment process) may be for you.
Experienced practitioners may earn up to 75 percent of a credential based on assessment of their previous work/life learning. Transfer credit from approved university transfer and non-university transfer courses can also be used towards this credential.
Individuals interested in the Flexible Options should contact 604-527-5589 to inquire about the date and time of the next PLAR orientation session.
Other Information
This department offers a free Information Session. For more details about dates, times and locations, please check online.
This part-time program begins each September. It is offered evenings, weekends and online across three semesters and must be completed within one academic year.
Students are expected to take all BI Program courses offered in a semester unless they have approved transfer credit. Please note: this is a part-time program and students may not be eligible for a Student Aid BC loan.
If students are employed in a BI capacity that meets program criteria and where the employer and Behaviour Consultant agree, students may use their work site as their practicum. We expect that all employer/employee arrangements/requirements would be honoured.
Credentials
The department offers a part-time 15-credit, three-semester BI certificate.
Program Content
The following courses follow a part-time BI student schedule.
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
Introduction to Practice |
3 |
|
Teaching and Learning Foundations |
3 |
|
|
|
6 |
Semester II
The Young Child with Autism |
1.5 |
|
Supporting Families |
1.5 |
|
|
|
3 |
Semester III
Supporting Positive Behaviour and Communication |
3 |
|
Practicum |
3 |
|
|
|
6 |