Program

Classroom and Community Support (Diploma)

DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS

Fall 2023: Applications closed

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Credits
60.00
Length of Program
Two years
Credential Type
Diploma
Campus
Coquitlam
Learning Format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall

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 and a service-learning practicum, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a community support worker setting. You can also choose to complete a Behaviour Intervention (autism) specialty with your diploma.

Further education

If you’re interested in furthering your education, this credential transfers directly into the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care 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.

Job prospects after graduation 

Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including elementary and high schools, respite support, day programs, residential settings, family homes and supported employment programs, as well as post-secondary institutions.

On average, 88 percent of Classroom and Community Support program graduates find work in their field after graduation. (Source: B.C. Student Outcomes). 

Plus, over 5,500 teaching assistant job openings are expected in B.C. for the next ten years.

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
  • 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 into any Faculty of Applied Community Studies program.
  • Provide evidence of completion of at least 60 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in a field-related setting (information will be provided by Enrolment Services).
  • 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 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.
  • A Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services).

Aboriginal Stream

Applicants to the Classroom and Community Support Diploma program - Aboriginal Stream must complete a program-specific application form.

Priority will be given to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and to those who work for Aboriginal child, youth and family-serving agencies. Applicants will participate in an individual or group interview to determine suitability for admission into Aboriginal Applied Community Studies Stream.

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:

  • Successful completion of 60 credits.
  • 25% (15 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).
  • Students are required to submit a copy of a current First Aid with CPR Certificate. The course may be Standard or Emergency First Aid, with the training consisting of a minimum of 8 hours. The CPR must include training for either or both adult and child.

Course Requirements:

                                            Year 1  
Course
Number		                                        Course Title Credits
CFCS 1130 Change and Development Lifespan 3.0
DACS 1140+ Introduction to Practice 3.0
DACS 1150 Teaching and Learning: Foundations 3.0
DACS 1170 Characteristics of Exceptionalities 3.0
DACS 1250 Teaching and Learning: Universal Design for Learning  3.0
DACS 1256 Teaching and Learning: Introduction to Communication and Behaviour 3.0
DACS 1280+ Foundations of Family Support 3.0
DACS 2320 Working with Others 3.0
DACS 2370 Personal Assistance 1.5
DACS 1240+ Practicum 1 4.5
  Year 2  
Course 
Number		 Course Title Credits
DACS 2344 Practicum 2 3.0
DACS 2356 Teaching and Learning: Supporting Communication and Behaviour 3.0
DACS 2380 Person Centred Planning and Community Building 3.0
ENGL 1130* Academic English 3.0
DACS 2420 Personal and Professional Leadership 3.0
DACS 2421 Supports for Children and Youth with Disabilities 3.0
DACS 2431 Contemporary Practice in Adult Service 3.0
DACS 2440 Service-Learning 3.0
  Elective**+ 3.0
  Elective ** 3.0
  Total Credits for Diploma 60.0

*CMNS 1110 or CMNS 1115 may be substituted for ENGL 1130.

** Students may choose 2 University Transfer electives. The DACS Department may approve specific non-U.T. courses as substitutes for U.T. electives on an individual basis.

+ Aboriginal Stream Students: Completion of the following Aboriginal Stream courses: CFCS 1142 may substitute for DACS 1140; CFCS 2212 may substitute for a UT elective; CFCS 2332 may substitute for DACS 1280; CFCS 1242 may substitute for DACS 1240.

Students who were admitted to the program prior to Fall 2022

Students who were admitted to the program prior to Fall 2020:

Classroom and Community Support Diploma - Behaviour Intervention Specialty

Students who wish to receive a Classroom and Community Support Diploma - Behaviour Intervention Specialty designation with their diploma must take:

  • DACS 3430: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Across the Lifespan as one of their electives.
  • DACS 1241: Behaviour Intervention practicum as a substitution for DACS 2440.

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 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