Classroom and Community Support (Diploma)
Program revisions
This program has an updated name, Diploma in Inclusive Eduation and Disability Studies, and updated program requirements effective September 2025 (Fall). Please see the updated Program Guideline September 2025 to see the revised requirements.
Domestic applications
Fall 2025: Apply Now!
Second-year applicants (with an EA Certificate)
First-year applicants: Apply for the Education Assistance and Inclusion Certificate program.
Overview
The Classroom and Community Support Diploma provides you with specialized knowledge and skills to help promote the development, education, well-being and citizenship of children and adults with disabilities. You’ll learn about advocacy, augmentative and alternative communication, disability issues, inclusive education, employment and behaviour supports, teaching techniques and more.
Practical experience during your education
During the program, you’ll complete two workplace practicums, where you'll gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with disabilities in schools and community settings.
Further education
If you are interested in a career in child and youth care, this credential transfers directly into the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Douglas.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher in the K-12 system, the CCS diploma transfers seamlessly into the Bachelor of General Studies program in the Faculty of Education at SFU (up to 45 transfer credits).
For education assistants who would like to become a teacher through SFU’s Faculty of Education but require additional education to meet prerequisites, the CCS diploma offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to continue working while studying at Douglas.
Your credential may also transfer to human services programs at other post-secondary institutions. Visit the B.C. Transfer Guide and your transfer university’s website regularly to confirm which courses transfer.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
- General College Admission Requirements
- Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.50) for admission into any Faculty of Applied Community Studies program.
- Two 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 and short term goals, and the applicant's related strengths and limitations.
- Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with the department to further determine suitability to the program.
Following an offer of admission:
- A Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services).
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements:
- Successful completion of 60 credits.
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College for students using transfer credit from other institutions, and/or have successfully challenged courses through prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR).
- Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 7 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
- In good academic standing
Course Requirements (see note 1):
| Year 1 | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CFCS 1130 | Change and Development Lifespan | 3.00 |
| DACS 1140 | Introduction to Practice | 3.00 |
| DACS 2152 (see note 1) | Supporting Social and Emotional Learning and Development | 3.00 |
| DACS 1170 | Disability Classifications & Related Experiences | 3.00 |
| DAC 1250 | Universal Design for Learning | 3.00 |
| DACS 1258 | Communication and Behaviour | 3.00 |
| DACS 1257 | Supporting Communication | 1.50 |
| DACS 2370 | Personal Assistance | 1.50 |
| DACS 2320 | Working with Others | 3.00 |
| Writing Elective (see note 2) | Choose from: ENGL 1130, CMNS 1110, or CMNS 1115 | 3.00 |
| DACS 1244 | Education Assistant Practicum 1 | 3.00 |
| Year 2 | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| DACS 2380 | Person-Centred Planning & Community Building | 3.00 |
|
Theories and Principles of Equitable Learning Communities OR Supports for Children and Youth with Disabilities |
3.00 | |
| DACS 2431 | Contemporary Practice in Adult Service | 3.00 |
| DACS 2344 | Practicum 2 | 3.00 |
| Elective (see note 3) | 1000 or 2000 level UT course | 3.00 |
| DACS 3430 | Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan | 3.00 |
| DACS 4111 | Disability in Context | 3.00 |
| DACS 4131 | Introduction to issues in Disability Employment | 3.00 |
| DACS 4132 | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace | 3.00 |
| DACS 4133 | Inclusive Leadership and Change Management | 3.00 |
| Total Credits for Diploma | 60.00 |
NOTES:
1) Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2024 may use DACS 1152 instead of DACS 2152.
2) Students considering degree work after this program are encouraged to take ENGL 1130.
3) This course needs to be University Transferable (UT) courses. A University Transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the Research Universities - SFU, UBC (UBCV or UBCO), UNBC, or UVIC in the BC Transfer Guide.
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.
More Information
The "Flexible Options" - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit
The Classroom and Community Support 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, and/or
- are an experienced practitioner in a related field, and/or
- have applicable public post-secondary credits
then the 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 (up to 45 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 a credential.
Individuals interested in the flexible options should contact the Classroom and Community Support department for more information.
Tuition deposit
When offered a full-time seat in this program a non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit is required.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Classroom Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Day Program Coordinator
- Education Assistant
- Aide Employment Support
- Specialist Employment/Job Coach
- Indigenous Education Assistant
- Inclusive Education Assistant