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 (CFCS) is an applied, two year program that is based on contemporary research and grounded in principles of social justice, strengths-based practice, relational practice, and self-determination. Program faculty and students create a co-operative learning community where all members contribute and learn from one another.

Students learn 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.

Completing applied theory courses, project-based learning, and integrated practicum experiences, students become familiar with a variety of community services and gain experience building partnerships and supporting individuals and families. Students will develop leadership skills and participate in planning, advocacy, and civic-engagement activities to strengthen community and advance positive social change. A diversity of world views, including local Indigenous perspectives, are integrated throughout the program.

Graduates of the CFCS program have many employment opportunities. Graduates may work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Previous CFCS Diploma graduates have gone on to secure employment in advocacy and community outreach, child and youth services, employment training and life skills programs, family support services, recreation programs, mental health services, and school-based programs.

CFCS Diploma graduates may be eligible to receive block transfer (60 credits) towards a BA in Child & Youth Care. Transfer credit for related programs, including public health or social work, at other BC Post Secondary Institutions may also be available. Contact the Advising Centre of the institution of choice for more details.

Graduates from Camosun’s Education Assistant and Community Support and the Mental Health and Addictions certificate programs are eligible to receive advanced credit towards the Community, Family, and Child Studies Diploma. 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

Upon successful completion of this program, the learner 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
Build and maintain meaningful and collaborative relationships with diverse individuals, families, and communities
Collaborate with groups and organizations to support and advocate with individuals, families, and communities
Apply knowledge of the reciprocal influences of individual, collective, socioeconomic, cultural, environmental and historical factors of human behaviour, growth, change and well-being in practice
Use a variety of approaches and strategies to support the well-being of individuals, families and communities
Demonstrate ethical, responsible, accountable, and sustainable practice when working with individuals, families, and communities

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 1 Credits: 3
CFCS 240 - Practicum 1 Credits: 6
HLTH 111 - Indigenous Peoples’ Health Credits: 3

Academic Term Four

All of:

CFCS 231 - Support Strategies 2 Credits: 3
CFCS 241 - Practicum 2 Credits: 6
CFCS 250 - Social Justice Today 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.