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 block transfer to a variety of university degree programs in British Columbia and Alberta. The programs offered include citation, certificate, diploma and degree programs.

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

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 health and 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 604-527-5526. 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 two degrees: Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation and Child and Youth Care Bachelor of Arts. In collaboration with the University of Calgary, we offer the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation. All of the CFCS diploma programs have articulated block-transfer agreements with 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 must accept the field site to which they are assigned and are expected to provide their own transportation for these learning experiences. 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 this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

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@douglas.bc.ca or call 604-527-5526.

Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

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.

Human Services Foundations Program - DVST 0356

Are you interested in working in human and social services but need to improve your reading and writing skills to be successful at college? If so, read on...

The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) and the Department of Developmental Studies (DVST) are offering a nine-credit foundations course. This course is for students who are interested in applying to one of the Douglas College CFCS Diploma programs, but first need to upgrade their writing and reading skills in order to be accepted into one of the following CFCS Diploma Programs:

Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream
Child and Youth Care Counsellor
Classroom and Community Support
Community Social Services Worker
Early Childhood Education
Sign Language Interpreting

DVST 0356 Human Services Foundations Program combines the equivalent of six credits of DVST 0355 (a reading and writing skills course) and three credits of CFCS 1110 (an introductory course about working in and with the community). Students can develop writing, reading and vocabulary skills that directly relate to future work in human services as they prepare to begin their training in a CFCS program.

Students who successfully complete DVST 0356 will be eligible to apply to any one of the CFCS diploma programs. Students who are admitted to a CFCS program (with the exception of Youth Justice Diploma and Therapeutic Recreation) may receive credit for CFCS 1110 - a three-credit first-semester course.

For further information, please call Developmental Studies.

Child and Youth Care Counsellor (FT/PT available)

Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream
Diploma
Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Degree

Classroom and Community Support (FT/PT available)

Citation (Behavioural Interventionist)
Certificate
Diploma
PLAR available
Post Degree/Diploma (Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis)

Community Social Service Worker (FT/PT available)

Advanced Citation (Co-Occurring Disorders)
Certificate
Diploma (five semesters)
PLAR available

Early Childhood Education (FT/PT available)

Certificate
Diploma
Post-diploma citation
PLAR available

Sign Language Interpretation (FT/PT available)

Diploma
PLAR available

The above 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.

Youth Justice Program

Diploma (four semesters)

Therapeutic Recreation Program

Diploma (four semesters)
PLAR available
Degree

Due to the need to schedule practicum placements, adjustments to spring break dates may be necessary. Please consult the Department Coordinator.

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 and certificate career programs
Contact CE Programmer Cheryl Jeffs: 604-527-5161

Admission Requirements for Students Entering CCSD, CSSW, CYCC, ECED, INTR

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

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 for September. Selected students will be required to complete DVST 0425 in the first semester. (Assessment Services - 604-527-5478)
Age of Entry into CFCS Programs
The following programs do not have an age restriction:

Behavioural Interventist
Classroom and Community Support
Continuing Education
Sign Language Interpretation
Therapeautic Recreation

age 18 by December 31st

age 19 by November 1st

age 19 by December 31st

Meet program volunteer hours requirement prior to the program selection and orientation.
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.
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.
Criminal Record Search (CRS) - This Faculty requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current Criminal Record Search for the protection of clients and individual supported. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit to a current Criminal Record Search as a condition of entry to the program. Any CRS forms returned with a notation of a record will be reviewed by the Registrar to determine if there is any relevance to the specific program. In these cases, final determination of admission rests with the Registrar. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual student.
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.

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 and/or other public post-secondary equivalent are able to access diploma-level courses, as full-time or part-time students.

Certificate graduates of the Child and Youth Care Counsellor, Community Social Service Worker, 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:

Completion of Certificate Level studies from Douglas College Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies or equivalent post-secondary training.
Successful completion of the written English language requirement.
An overall average of "C+" in courses completed in the certificate program.
Submission of two acceptable references from employers or from a former instructor and an employer. These must be submitted directly to the department.
Completion of the CFCS 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 Search. Conviction for relevant offences may preclude entry to selected programs or require students to withdraw from the diploma program.

First Aid Requirements

Please check program-specific requirements.

CFCS INTEGRATED PROGRAMS

English Language Entrance and Exit Policy

English language skills are required for successful completion of the Integrated Programs curriculum in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies and 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 Counsellor (CYCC) Program
Community Social Services Worker (CSSW) Program
Classroom and Community Support (CCS) Program
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program
Sign Language Interpretation (INTR) Program

(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
ready to enter a CFCS program with Student Success 1110
required to complete developmental/preparatory English writing, reading, speaking and/or listening courses prior to entering a CFCS program.

Students requesting an exemption must submit relevant official transcripts and documentation with their application to the Registrar.

The granting of an exemption assumes students have mastered English language skills. Exempted students who experience language difficulties in course work will be required to write the Douglas College Computer-based English Assessment and/or complete additional writing courses as required by CFCS. In some situations, students may be referred to the Learning Centre or Centre for Students with Disabilities for additional support.

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:

Satisfactory completion of workplace writing tasks in all CFCS and program specific courses
AND
"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
"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 except INTR 1175 which is a course in the Sign Language Interpretation Program. Students in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation must achieve "A-" or higher in CFCS 1130, and INTR 1225
A satisfactory portfolio of workplace writing samples (upon special request by experienced practitioners engaged in PLAR only)
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 Exit Language 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 Language Exit Requirements prior to graduating. It is recommended that diploma students complete their Language Exit Requirement by the end 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 at a high level of performance 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.

Course Electives

CFCS 1260: Community Practice: Addictions
University Transfer courses or other Integrated Curriculum department offerings

Students are encouraged to investigate other elective courses in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies. CFCS 1260 is a compulsory course for CSSW and CYCC students.

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