Community, Family and Child Studies, Diploma

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Area of Study

Health Sciences

Human Services

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Work experience

Clinical and fieldwork placement

Open to International

Yes

Length

2 years

Apply today

At a glance image

Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health & Wellness

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.

CFCS Online Info Session Slides
Find out more about upcoming networking and information sessions occurring at Camosun.
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

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.

Estimated tuition

Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.

$6,713 (domestic)

$30,380 (international)

Additional Student Fees

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 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.

Curriculum & courses

Admission Requirements

Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September intake.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.

Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

And all of:

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

Our Teaching Staff

Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.

Jeanne Puritch

Chair of Community, Family and Child Studies Department

Jeanne is the Chair of the Community, Family and Child Studies Department at Camosun College. Programs in this department include: EACS Certi ... Read more