Behavioural Interventionist Citation (Autism Specialty)

Once working in administration for a large company, Hetty Hazenberg found her true calling with the Behavioural Interventionist Citation.  Read more...

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career working one-on-one with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Behavioural Interventionist Citation is a great choice for you. You’ll get the specialized skills you need to make a difference for children who have ASD, using intensive behavioural intervention based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy. This citation is part of the laddered Classroom and Community Support program.

• First formal post-secondary training program in British Columbia for this type of one-on-one work
• Part-time options for students with work or family responsibilities
• Get transfer credit and/or prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) for previous related classroom or work experience in the field
• Transferable into the Classroom and Community Support Diploma program as an autism specialty
• Behavioural Interventionists who want to advance further in this career can go on to take the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analyst advanced citation to become professional Behaviour Consultants

Why specialize in ASD?

Recognition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Canada has risen rapidly within the past decade. Once thought to be rare, it is now the most common neurological disability affecting children today (approximately one-in-100 children in BC). Currently, over 6,000 children in BC currently receive autism intervention funds from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, but BC families report difficulty finding appropriately trained Behavioural Interventionists. Graduates of this program are in extremely high demand. Education Assistants who take this program are prepared to work in inclusive classrooms and one-on-one with students who have autism using ABA methodology.

Courses

This 18-credit citation consists of courses in autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysis, work role, ethics, critical thinking, positive behaviour support and augmentative and alternative communication, supporting families, observation and recording techniques, teaching and learning strategies and a 100-hour behavior intervention practicum. You’ll study in classroom, workshop and online formats, and in workplace learning placements in the community

Upon graduation, you can choose to continue your education by transferring credits earned into the Classroom and Community Support Diploma as an autism specialty to gain a broader range of job opportunities in schools and the community.

Credit for prior learning

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is available for behavioural interventionists who have previous related training and/or work experience. Experienced practitioners can earn up to 75% of the 18-credit citation through our innovative Flex-track option. See the College Calendar for more information on PLAR and Flex-track.

Employment 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 ABA day care and school centres.

Graduates of this citation receive 12 credits of academic transfer credit into the Classroom and Community Support (CCS) Diploma Program. The CCS credential qualifies graduates 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. CCS diploma graduates who have the specific behavioural intervention training provided by the BI citation are considered extremely valuable in the school and employment support systems.

Applying

Before you apply, make sure you meet the program admission requirements – see the College Calendar for details.

All applications must be submitted by April 1 for the September start date. Apply online or in person through the Registrar’s Office. Spaces are limited, so apply early!

More Information

Attend an information session
See the College Calendar
Contact Program Coordinator Lori Woods at 604-527-5129 or by email