Community, Family and Child Studies, Diploma

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Health Sciences

Human Services

Length

2 years

Information Sessions

The Community, Family and Child Studies information sessions are a great way to learn more about the program and to get your questions answered by the faculty.

Scheduled Sessions

Community, Family & Child Studies makes a difference

Start in September

Using social justice principles, the Community, Family & Child Studies diploma prepares you to promote, support and strengthen the well-being of individuals and families. Graduates work as caring, ethical professionals who adapt to meet current and emergent community needs.

HHS Student Handbook
Current information for School of Health and Human Services Students and CFCS program-specific handbook.

A career in caring

The Community, Family and Child Studies (CFCS) program leads you toward a career as a caring, ethical professional in a wide range of community and social service settings.

Working through this dynamic, professional two-year program, you'll acquire the skills and values needed to promote, strengthen and support the well-being of individuals and families.

There are many employment opportunities for you when you complete the CFCS program. You may work independently and/or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and 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 other residential settings.

We'll help you succeed

Are you inspired by the thought of working for equality, fairness and freedom for all? Are you intrigued by the thought of establishing a career based on positive change, working with individuals and families in a variety of community and social service settings? If you answered yes to all the above, then CFCS is the perfect path for you. Our curriculum is based on contemporary research and grounded in principles of social justice, strengths-based practice, and self-determination.

The learning environment in the program is a co-operative one - all learners contribute, and all learn from one another. As you progress through courses and practicum placements, you'll become familiar with a variety of community services, and you'll gain experience supporting individuals and families.

Assess your readiness

Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions

The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.

Visit Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) for information on how to apply.

Any questions about the application process, please contact hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca

The Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

An investment in caring

Invest in yourself! There are many employment opportunities for graduates from the Community, Family & Child Studies program. 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 other residential care services.

What to expect

Our program is two years if taken full time. As a full-time student, you'll take approximately five courses per semester. You can expect an additional 15 to 30 hours per week for homework, depending on your learning style.

Assessment occurs in all courses and may include research papers, reflective journals, projects, presentations, and exams. It is a rigorous program with a combination of academic and hands-on practical experiences. You will develop leadership skills and participate in planning, advocacy and civic engagement activities to strengthen community.

Year 1

Your first year will include courses in lifespan development, family and community, professional practice, academic writing strategies, an introduction to community resources, and you’ll work with your classmates to develop and implement a project that contributes to the community.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll take courses and gain experience in an off-campus practicum to enhance your relationship and support skills with an emphasis on diversity, current community issues and social justice. Practicum is a great place to begin to develop your professional reputation.

Transfer opportunities

CFCS Diploma graduates may be eligible to receive a 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.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Community, Family and Child Studies, Diploma

$6,363 (domestic)
$31,080 (international)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards