Community Family and Child Studies (Diploma)

Total Credits:	63
Credential:	Diploma in Community, Family and Child Studies
Program Code:	CFCS.DIP
CIP:	19.0707

Overview

Community, Family and Child Studies is a dynamic professional, two year program that is based on contemporary research and grounded in principles of social justice, strengths-based practice, and self-determination. Teachers create a co-operative learning community where all members contribute and learn from one another.

The Diploma prepares students to promote, support and strengthen the well-being of individuals and families and to work as caring, ethical professionals who can adapt to meet current and emergent community needs.

As students progress through integrated courses and practica they will become familiar with a variety of community services and gain experience supporting individuals and families. Students will develop leadership skills and participate in planning, advocacy and civic engagement activities to strengthen community.

Career/Academic Advancement Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities for graduates of the program. Graduates may work independently and/or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and will be accountable to individuals or community organizations. Community and team environments could include family support services, schools and after school programs, family resource centres, life skills and recreation programs, youth services, women’s services, employment training programs, community outreach, foster care, and group homes.

Graduates may be eligible to receive block transfer (60 credits) towards the UVIC BA in Child & Youth Care. Transfer credit for related programs at other BC Post Secondary Institutions may also be available. Contact the Advising Centre of the institution of choice for more details. Certificate graduates from other Community, Family and Studies Department programs (Community Support and Education Assistant; Early Learning and Care; Indigenous Family Support Program, Mental Health and Addictions) can apply to enter Year 2 of the diploma (Certificate graduates can complete the program part-time over two years and will be required to take some Year 1 courses. See Program Leader for details).

Admissions

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

And all of:

Attendance at an Information Session. An online option of the Information Session is available for anyone unable to attend in person

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program students will be able to:

Use principles of social justice as a foundation for practice and to enhance the quality of life of children, youth, adults and families.
Work effectively and proactively within groups, systems and organizations to enhance the quality of services and resources for children, youth and adults.
Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of integrated support plans for children, youth and adults.
Demonstrate interpersonal competence and establish and maintain positive working relationships with and between individuals, families, community partners and the systems that support them.
Use knowledge of human and social development across the lifespan to effectively support children, youth, adults and families.
Collaborate with others to support children, youth and adults with diverse and changing emotional, physical and health care needs.
Practice ethically and responsibly and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional accountability.

Curriculum

Year One

Academic Term One

All of:

CFCS 110 - Foundations for Practice Credits: 3
CFCS 120 - Lifespan Development 1 Credits: 3
CFCS 140 - Intro to Community Resources & Supports Credits: 3
ENGL 151 - Academic Writing Strategies Credits: 3 *
PSYC 154 - Interpersonal Skills Credits: 3

Note:

* Students may use ENGL 150 in lieu of ENGL 151 toward program completion.

Academic Term Two

All of:

CFCS 114 - Professional Practice 1 Credits: 3
CFCS 121 - Lifespan Development 2 Credits: 3
CFCS 141 - Service Learning Credits: 3
CFCS 160 - Family and Community Credits: 3
HLTH 110 - Health and Wellness in Contemporary Society Credits: 3

Year Two

Academic Term Three

All of:

CFCS 210 - Diversity Across the Lifespan Credits: 3
CFCS 214 - Professional Practice 2 Credits: 3
CFCS 230 - Support Strategies Credits: 3
CFCS 240 - Practicum 1 Credits: 6
PSYC 256 - Introduction to Counselling Credits: 3

Academic Term Four

All of:

CFCS 241 - Practicum 2 Credits: 6
CFCS 250 - Social Justice Today Credits: 3
HLTH 111 - Indigenous Peoples’ Health Credits: 3

One of:

ENGL 161 - Literary Genres Credits: 3 **
ENGL 163 - Intro to Literary Traditions Credits: 3 **
ENGL 164 - Indigenous Literature Credits: 3 **

Note:

** Students may use ENGL 160 in lieu of ENGL 161 or ENGL 163 or ENGL 164 toward program completion.

Program Participation Requirements

Criminal Record Check is required.
Students may be required to provide documentation of the following by the practicum site:
- A TB test may be required. Students are responsible for the cost of this test.
- Students are highly recommended to maintain current immunizations as per the Practice Education Guidelines of B.C. Recommended immunizations are found on the Health Sciences Placement Network of Canada website by searching for immunization guidelines.

Program Completion Requirements

Students must achieve at least 60% (“C”) in each course in this program.
An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (C+) in order to graduate with a Diploma in Community, Family and Child Studies.