Community, Family and Child Studies

Note: CFCS courses are restricted to students in the Community, Family and Child Studies and the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma programs.

CFCS 110 Foundations for Practice

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

This course assists students in developing a framework for practice in CFCS. Principles and concepts of social justice, human rights, diversity and inclusion are introduced. Students will explore the ways in which these principles are applied to practice with individuals, families, and in multi-cultural and aboriginal communities and organizations.

To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.

CFCS 114 Professional Practice 1

(3 credits) Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

This course introduces students to the basic skills, knowledge, attitudes and values necessary for professional practice in community, family and child services. Students will develop a personal philosophy for practice, and will begin to examine the responsibilities and obligations of the CFCS professional.

CFCS 120 Lifespan Development 1

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

This course is an overview of major themes and theories of development from conception through middle childhood, including physical, social, emotional, cognitive, language and spiritual development. Emphasis is on using developmental theory for assessing individual needs. Current trends and issues in research, cultural influences and variations in development will be examined.

To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.

Prerequisites: "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12, or ENGL 092, or ENGL 103, or ENGL 142, or ELD 092, or ELD 097; or assessment; or permission of the Chair or Program Leader.

CFCS 121 Lifespan Development 2

(3 credits) Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

Building on knowledge from Lifespan Development 1, this course explores theories and perspectives from adolescence to late adulthood. Emphasis is placed on understanding the use of developmental theory for assessing individual needs. Current trends and issues in research, cultural influences and variations in development will be examined.

To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.

Prerequisite: CFCS 120, or PSYC 150

CFCS 140 Introduction to Community Resources and Supports

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

This course introduces students to a broad range of community resources, human services and supports relevant to community, family and child studies. Students will meet with people from a variety of community organizations and will begin to develop professional relationships.

CFCS 141 Service Learning

(3 credits) Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

Students will collaborate with communities to identify, develop and implement a service learning project that contributes to the well-being of community members. Students will begin to develop the skills and strategies necessary for effective interpersonal communication, team work and personal leadership.

CFCS 160 Family and Community

(3 credits) Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

In this course, students will begin to develop a framework for understanding and working with families. Students will examine the diverse nature of family structures, relationships and dynamics. Historical, economic and social factors that shape family life and the challenges that face today's families are explored.

To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.

CFCS 210 Diversity Across the Lifespan

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

In this course, students examine acquired and developmental disabilities and selected health conditions that can occur through the lifespan. Topics include: aging, mental health issues and specific disabilities. Students will be introduced to strategies that support inclusion and participation in home and community.

CFCS 214 Professional Practice 2

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

This course builds on the knowledge and skills introduced in CFCS 114, with an emphasis on professional standards, relevant legislation, and leadership models. Students will further develop skills and strategies necessary for interdisciplinary team work. Lifelong learning and its relationship to personal and professional development is explored.

Prerequisite: CFCS 114

CFCS 220 Personal Leadership

(3 credits) Fall, Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

This course is an introduction to leadership theory and application as it relates to the CFCS professional. Students will learn essential leadership skills for enhancing individual, team and organizational effectiveness. Personal leadership philosophies will be explored.

CFCS 230 Support Strategies

(3 credits) Fall (4 lecture hours per week)

This course introduces students to positive supports for learning in home, school, work, and community settings. Students will design practical support strategies, applying a variety of perspectives, including ecological and strength-based, that assist children and adults in social, academic and daily life activities.

Prerequisites: CFCS 110, CFCS 114, CFCS 120
Pre or Co-requisite: PSYC 154

CFCS 240 Practicum 1

(5 credits) Fall (2 lecture hours and 10 hours practical work hours per week)

This course provides students with opportunities for practice in a variety of community settings. Students will begin to integrate core concepts into their practice as CFCS professionals. Students will use a social justice perspective to demonstrate their developing knowledge, skills, values and beliefs as CFCS professionals.

Prerequisites: CFCS 110, CFCS 114, CFCS 120, CFCS 121, CFCS 140, CFCS 141, CFCS 160, HLTH 110, PSYC 154
Pre or Co-requisite: One of the following: ENGL 151, or ENGL 161, or ENGL 163, or ENGL 164, or the former ENGL 150

CFCS 241 Practicum 2

(6 credits) Winter (2 lecture hours and 15 hours practical work hours per week)

This practicum experience provides an opportunity for students to integrate and consolidate the knowledge, skills and values learned in the program.

Prerequisite: CFCS 240
Pre or Co-requisites: CFCS 210, CFCS 214, CFCS 230, CFCS 250, PSYC 256

CFCS 250 Social Justice Today

(3 credits) Winter (3 lecture hours per week)

In this course, contemporary social issues and perspectives are explored through a social justice and a practice lens. Through experiential learning and evidence-based research, students will develop and in-depth knowledge of select social conditions and practices that affect children, youth, individuals, families and communities.

Prerequisite: CFCS 210, CFCS 230
Pre or Co-requisites: CFCS 214, CFCS 240

CFCS 260 Family and Community 2

(3 credits) Fall (3 lecture hours per week)

Building on the content of CFCS 160, students will explore the relationships and interactions between practitioners and families in the context of the communities in which they work and live. Emphasis will be on relationship development, respect for family uniqueness and building community partners.

Prerequisite: CFCS 160