Behavioural Interventionist Citation
Note: for the Fall 2010 intake of the Citation program, the application deadline has been extended to April 30, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
This part-time citation 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 Behavioural Consultant based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis. It also provides the student with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be an effective practitioner and team member.
The Behavioural Interventionist Citation is a credential offered through the Classroom and Community Support Department (Overview and Program) and is part of the Autism Specialty Stream.
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 citation are prepared to work one-to-one with children with ASD in family homes or specialized centres.
Graduates of the citation receive 15 credits of academic transfer credit into the Classroom and Community Support (CCS) Diploma Program. This 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 Behavioural Interventionist Citation and a CCS Certificate/Diploma, or students who take the Behavioural Interventionist specialty within the CCS Diploma, are prepared to work in a broader range of settings and capacities. For more information, visit the Autism Specialty Stream website.
Location
Courses are offered at the New Westminster Campus of Douglas College.
Application Deadline/Intake Dates
Note: for the Fall 2010 intake of the Citation program, the application deadline has been extended to April 30, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
**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.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those
applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered admission before the application deadline.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the citation 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, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession. Applicants may be offered early admission.
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). However, there is no minimum age requirement for this citation. Please note that current MCFD autism funding requires behavioural interventionists to be 19 years of age.
- Provide evidence of completion of at least 60 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in a department-related setting.
- Provide 2 verification of volunteer/work experience forms, completed by their direct supervisor at their volunteer/work experience sites. Volunteer/work experience forms will be mailed to you once you have applied to the program.
- Complete a declaration of medical suitability.
Exit Requirements
A current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate (minimum of eight hours) is required at graduation.
The "Flex-Track Option" - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit
CCSD prides itself on its ability to recognize the skills and qualifications of experienced practitioners. If you:- have at least two years of 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 the flex-track option (our transfer credit and prior learning assessment process) may be for you.
Experienced practitioners may earn up to 75 percent of a credential (up to 13.5 academic credits) 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 flex-track option should contact 604-527-5612 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 and weekends 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 Behavour 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 18-credit, three-semester BI citation.
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 |
|
| CE | Behavioural Interventionist Foundations (Continuing Education Course) |
3 |
|
|
6 |
Semester III
Supporting Positive Behaviour and Communication |
3 |
|
Practicum |
3 |
|
|
|
6 |