Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies

The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (604-527-5484) offers a wide range of human service programs that lead to employment in a variety of community and government agencies. The programs also transfer to a variety of university degree programs in British Columbia and Alberta. The Faculty of CFCS offers citation, certificate, diploma and degree programs.

CFCS Aboriginal CFCS Stream
Behaviour Intervention
Child and Youth Care
Classroom and Community Support
Community Social Service Work
Co-Occurring Disorders
Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis
Early Childhood Education
Sign Language Interpretation
Therapeutic Recreation
Youth Justice
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care
Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation degree (University of Calgary/Douglas College partnership)
Continuing Education (Non-credit career and professional development programs and courses)

Most of these programs are available both part-time and full-time. In addition, many non-credit courses and programs are available to meet the life-long learning needs of practitioners in the human service fields. Assessment of prior education and work experience is available to practitioners for most of these programs. Further information is available through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Service at 604-527-5589. Graduates of the programs offered by the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) consistently experience a high level of employment.

Many graduates of CFCS diploma programs continue on to complete degree programs. The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies offers three degrees: the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation, Child and Youth Care Bachelor of Arts, and (in collaboration with the University of Calgary) the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation. All of the CFCS diploma programs have articulated block-transfer agreements into a range of degree programs.

The majority of programs combine both classroom learning and experiences in field settings, thus enabling students to integrate theory and practice. Depending upon the program, field work experiences occur in a range of settings including schools, group homes, industries, childcare centres, hospitals, community agencies and recreation centres. Students will be assigned to a field site for their practicum. Students will arrange their own transportation to and from the practicum but will not use their vehicles on practicum. Students who are admitted to these limited enrolment programs are expected to adhere to the policies, procedures and standards of behaviour specific to the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies.

The programs offered by this Faculty require students to work in a close and supportive relationship with individuals. Self awareness, maturity, flexibility, tolerance and integrity are personal characteristics that help students to be successful. Participation in programs involves personal growth as well as academic learning and requires course activities that include examination of self, personal growth experiences, feedback from others and a willingness to evaluate personal goals, values and beliefs.

Department Website

For an overview of these programs, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Experienced practitioners with at least two years experience in the field are encouraged to investigate Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Successful PLAR candidates can receive academic credit for up to 75% of their credential. Previous post secondary course-work can also be assessed for substitution of some program requirements.

If you are a mature learner, the PLAR Service will work to help you identify, document and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities you've acquired on the job or through life experiences in preparation for evaluation.

For more information please contact plar@douglascollege.ca or call 604-527-5589.

Online PLAR

The Classroom and Community Support Department and Child and Youth Care Department offer a unique online prior learning experience assessment. Experienced practitioners can challenge up to 43.5 academic credits in a single online course. The Early Childhood Education Department provides PLAR for ECE Licensing and for course credit.

For more information please contact plar@douglascollege.ca or call 604-527-5589.

CFCS Departments

Some programs share courses based upon common themes and values.  Some courses are shared across all programs while others are program specific.  Where available, certificate-level programs require three semesters of study and diploma-level programs require four semesters.

Child and Youth Care Department (FT/PT available)

• Aboriginal CFCS Stream
• Diploma
• Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
• Degree

Community Social Service Work Department (FT/PT available)

• Diploma
• Advanced Citation (Co-Occurring Disorders)
• PLAR available

Disability and Community Studies Department (FT/PT available)

• Certificate – Behaviour Intervention
• Certificate – Classroom and Community Support
• Diploma – Classroom and Community Support
• Post Degree/Advanced Citation Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis
• (Classroom and Community Support) CFCS Aboriginal Stream
• Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Early Childhood Education Department (FT/PT available)

• Certificate
• Diploma
• Citation in Post-Basic ECE – Infant/Toddler
• PLAR available

Sign Language Interpretation (FT/PT available)

• Diploma
• PLAR available

Therapeutic Recreation (FT and limited PT available)

• Diploma
• PLAR available
• Degree

Youth Justice

• Diploma

Partnership Degree program offered at Douglas College with the University of Calgary

Douglas College has partnered with the University of Calgary to provide the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation on the New Westminster Campus. For more information, please contact the Classroom and Community Support Program Coordinator.

Continuing Education Programs
Non-credit professional development courses, certificate programs and contract training.
Contact cfcsce@douglascollege.ca or 604 527 5479.

Admission Requirements for Students Entering Child Family & Community Studies

In addition to the Douglas College General Admission Requirements, the integrated curriculum programs require the following (see specific program description for details):

1. Written English language requirement: New applicants who have not completed English 12 (or approved equivalent) with a "C" or higher will be required to complete the Douglas College Computer-based English Assessment before entering a program. On the basis of your assessment results, you may be required to take and pass preparatory English courses prior to your entry into the program. (Assessment Services 604-527-5478)
2. Age of Entry into CFCS Programs
   The following programs do not have an age restriction:
• Behaviour Intervention
• Classroom and Community Support
• Continuing Education
• Sign Language Interpretation
• Therapeutic Recreation
Child and Youth Care (Aboriginal Stream, Diploma and Degree) and Early Childhood Education programs require that students must be age 18 by December 31st of the year they enter the program.
To enter the Youth Justice program, students must be age 19 by November 1st of the year they enter the program.
To enter the Community Social Service Worker program, students must be age 19 by December 31st of the year they enter the program
3. Meet program volunteer hours requirement prior to the program selection and orientation.
4. Successfully participate in a formal orientation and selection process to determine suitability and readiness for training. Suitability is determined on the basis of an overview of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, the ability to work in a team setting and life experience.
5. Admission to programs within the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies 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. 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.
   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.
   
6. Criminal Record Check (CRC) - This Faculty requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current Criminal Record Check for the protection of clients and individuals supported. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit to a current Criminal Record Check as a condition of entry to the program. Practicum sites may require additional Criminal Record Checks before you attend your practicum.  Any additional costs for CRC’s required by practicum sites are borne by the student.
7. A medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good mental and physical health.
8. A tuition deposit may be required.

Full-time students are also advised to plan ahead financially and not be dependent on employment while enrolled. Courses for full-time students are offered mainly between 8am and 7pm. Some courses are also available in the evening for part-time students. Please note that shift work may be required in some practica. Basic word processing skills are an asset.

Applicants are responsible for any costs incurred in the admission process. Please refer to specific programs for more details.

Returning Certificate Level Graduates

Individuals currently working in the field who attained a certificate in one of the programs in this Faculty (or other public post-secondary equivalent) are to access diploma-level courses, as full-time or part-time students.

Certificate graduates of the Child and Youth Care, Community Social Service Work, Classroom and Community Support and Early Childhood Education programs at Douglas College, or from other institutions may apply for diploma-level studies. In addition to Douglas College General Admission Requirements, the above programs require the following from these applicants:

1. Completion of Certificate Level studies from Douglas College Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies or equivalent post-secondary training.
2. Successful completion of the written English language requirement.
3. An overall average of "C+" in courses completed in the certificate program.
4. Submission of two acceptable references from employers or from a former instructor and an employer. These must be submitted directly to the department.
5. Completion of a Work History Form may also be required by individual programs. An interview to determine suitability may be required at the request of an individual program. Suitability will be determined on the basis of a review of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, work experience, ability to work in a multidisciplinary-team setting, ability to work within the values of the department and personal suitability.

Advisement to Students

Applicants who are conditionally accepted to a diploma program are required to have a current Criminal Record Check (CRC). Conviction for relevant offences may preclude entry to selected programs or require students to withdraw from the program. Practicum sites may require additional Criminal Record Checks before you attend your practicum.  Any additional costs for CRC’s required by practicum sites are borne by the student.

First Aid Requirements

Please check program-specific requirements.

CFCS INTEGRATED PROGRAMS

English Language Entrance and Exit Policy

English language skills are required not only for successful completion of the Integrated Programs curriculum in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies, but also for effective practice in your field of work. Douglas College is committed to student success - we want you to experience success in your course work and your career. The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies provides opportunities to assess and develop:

• English language skills prior to entry
• workplace writing skills prior to exit

The following Entrance and Exit Requirements apply to:

• Child and Youth Care (CYCC)
• Community Social Service Work (CSSW)
• Classroom and Community Support (CCS)
• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Sign Language Interpretation (INTR)

(These policies do not apply to students in the Therapeutic Recreation or Youth Justice programs.)

English Language Entry Requirements

The Douglas College General Admissions Policy requires applicants to have completed English 12 (or approved equivalent) with a "C".

Applicants to CFCS Integrated Programs who do not have English 12 (or equivalent) with a "C" or higher are required to complete the Douglas College Computer-based English Assessment before entering a program.

The results of this English Assessment will indicate whether you are:

• ready to enter a CFCS program
• required to complete developmental/preparatory English writing, reading, speaking and/or listening courses prior to entering a CFCS program.

English Language Exit Requirements

In order to graduate with a CFCS certificate and/or diploma from an Integrated Program, students are required to meet CFCS exit writing standards. The CFCS exit writing standards are as follows:

1. Satisfactory completion of workplace writing tasks in all CFCS and program specific courses

   AND

2. "C-" or higher in CMNS 1110 or CMNS 1115 (or equivalent - see Transfer Guide)*

   OR

   "C-" or higher in ENGL 1130 (or equivalent - see Transfer Guide)*

   OR

3. "A-" or higher in each of the following first-semester courses:
   CFCS 1110, CFCS 1130 or ECED 1100, plus all first-semester program-required courses with a letter grade. Students in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation must achieve "A-" or higher in CFCS 1130, CFCS 1110 and INTR 1225.
4. A satisfactory portfolio of workplace writing samples (upon special request by experienced practitioners engaged in PLAR only)
5. OR "C-" or higher in a university transferable English literature course

*NOTE:

If you are required to take CMNS 1110 or ENGL 1130 in order to meet your English Language exit requirement (2a or 2b above), you are advised that:

• *English 12 with a "B" (or equivalent) or the Douglas College Computer-based English Assessment is required to take CMNS 1110 or ENGL 1130
• the three credits for either of these courses are over and above the 45 or 60 credits required to complete a certificate or diploma program
• CMNS 1110 or ENGL 1130 cannot be taken as one of your program electives (if you take both CMNS 1110 and ENGL 1130, one of these courses can be used as an elective)

These notes also apply to students who take CMNS 1115 instead of CMNS 1110.

With written permission from program coordinators and in consultation with the English and Communications Department, some university transfer English courses with significant writing requirements may be accepted as equivalencies for CMNS 1110 or ENGL 1130.

Certificate and diploma students are required to complete their English Language exit requirements prior to graduating. It is recommended that diploma students complete their English Language exit requirement before the start of their third semester.

Students who plan to transfer to a Bachelor Program should consult their Program Coordinator about transfer requirements. Most Bachelor programs require two English/Communications courses prior to transferring into third year. Some Bachelor programs will not accept more than one of CMNS 1110 or CMNS 1115 or English 1130.

Students are responsible for providing all necessary documentation to demonstrate English Entrance and Exit Policy requirements or equivalencies.

Further information about the CFCS English Language Policies is available from the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies.