Program

Behaviour Intervention (Certificate)

DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS

Fall 2023: Applications closed

Campus
Online
Learning Format
Part-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall

Overview

Learn to work one-on-one with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in family homes or specialized centres through the Behaviour Intervention Certificate program at Douglas. You'll learn Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methodology and how to use it in your work. Gain the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be an effective frontline practitioner and team member through this part-time, online program.  

You’ll be equipped as a Behaviour Interventionist who can implement behavioural support plans developed by a qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) practitioner.  

All courses are taught online by Board Certified Behaviour Analysts who are highly experienced in working with children who have autism. With provincial funding available to families of children with ASD, graduates of this program are in extremely high demand. 

Job opportunities

Surveys show that 97 percent of our Behaviour Intervention graduates are working in the field after graduation. (Source: B.C. Student Outcomes).

Further education

If you’re interested in furthering your education, this credential transfers directly into the Classroom and Community Support Diploma at Douglas.

International students are not currently eligible for this program. For more information, contact Douglas College International.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

  • General College Admission Requirements.
  • Evidence of completion of at least 60 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in a department-related setting. Applicants will be mailed a Verification of Volunteer/Work Experience form after they have applied to the program. Forms are to be completed by the applicant's direct supervisor.
  • Two additional professional reference letters attesting to the applicant's suitability to the program.
  • A current resume.
  • A letter of intent from the applicant, stating the reasons for choosing the program, long-term and short-term goals, and the applicant's related strengths and limitations.
  • A personal interview may be required. If an interview is required, the applicant will be notified by the department
  • NOTE:  Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.5) for admission to any CFCS program.

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 18 credits
  • Students seeking PLAR and/or transfer credit must complete 33% of all coursework at Douglas College, which includes DACS 1241 (Behaviour Intervention Practicum).
  • A current Standard First Aid with CPR certificate (minimum of eight hours) is required to be eligible for graduation
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 18 credits
  • At least 50% (9 credits) of all courses must be completed at Douglas College
  • Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
  • A current Standard First Aid with CPR certificate (minimum of eight hours) is required to be eligible for graduation
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

 

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits

Semester I

DACS 1140

Introduction to Practice

 3

DACS 1150

Teaching and Learning Foundations

 3

Semester II

DACS 1170

Characteristics of Exceptionalities

 3

DACS 1280

Foundations of Family Support

 3

Semester III

DACS 1256

Teaching & Learning: Introduction to Communication and Behaviour

 3

Select one course from the following two options:

DACS 1241**

Behaviour Intervention Practicum

 3

DACS 1341**

Behavioural Intervention Lab

 3

Total Credits

 

18

** DACS 1241 (or DACS 1341) may be taken up to a maximum of two times.

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

More Information

The "Flexible Options" - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit

The Behaviour Intervention Program 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 behaviour 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.

MCFD employment information 

The MCFD requires Behaviour Interventionists be 19 years old in order to receive MCFD-funded wage payments. 

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Behaviour Interventionist