Classroom and Community Support (Diploma)

Program Overview

The Classroom and Community Support Diploma program at Douglas College equips students with specialized knowledge and skills to work effectively with children and adults with disabilities. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical experiences, and workplace practicums, students develop an understanding of disability issues, inclusive practices, and person-centered planning. Graduates are prepared for careers in various settings, including education, community support, and employment support.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Classroom and Community Support Diploma program at Douglas College provides students with specialized knowledge and skills to promote the development, education, well-being, and citizenship of children and adults with disabilities. The program covers topics such as advocacy, augmentative and alternative communication, disability issues, inclusive education, employment and behavior supports, teaching techniques, and more.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with children and adults with disabilities in various settings.
• Develop students' understanding of disability issues, inclusive practices, and the principles of person-centered planning.
• Provide students with practical experience through workplace practicums and service-learning opportunities.
• Prepare students for further education in the field of child and youth care or related disciplines.

Program Description:

The Classroom and Community Support Diploma program consists of 60 credits and can be completed in two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. The curriculum includes a combination of theoretical coursework, practical experiences, and workplace practicums.

Modules with Module Descriptions:

Year 1

• Change and Development Lifespan (CFCS 1130): Examines human development across the lifespan, with a focus on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
• Introduction to Practice (DACS 1140): Provides an overview of the field of disability and community support, including the history, values, and ethical principles that guide practice.
• Teaching and Learning: Foundations (DACS 1150): Introduces the principles and practices of effective teaching and learning for students with disabilities, including lesson planning, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques.
• Characteristics of Exceptionalities (DACS 1170): Explores the characteristics and needs of individuals with various disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments.
• Teaching and Learning: Universal Design for Learning (DACS 1250): Examines the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all learners.
• Teaching and Learning: Introduction to Communication and Behavior (DACS 1256): Introduces the principles and practices of effective communication and behavior support for individuals with disabilities.
• Foundations of Family Support (DACS 1280): Explores the role of families in supporting individuals with disabilities, including family dynamics, communication strategies, and resources available to families.
• Working with Others (DACS 2320): Develops students' skills in working effectively with colleagues, parents, and other professionals in the field of disability and community support.
• Personal Assistance (DACS 2370): Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide personal assistance to individuals with disabilities, including hygiene, feeding, and mobility assistance.
• Practicum 1 (DACS 1240): Provides students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in a community support setting, working with individuals with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Year 2

• Practicum 2 (DACS 2344): Provides students with an extended opportunity to gain practical experience in a community support setting, working with individuals with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified professional.
• Teaching and Learning: Supporting Communication and Behavior (DACS 2356): Examines advanced principles and practices of communication and behavior support for individuals with disabilities, including positive behavior support, functional communication training, and social skills training.
• Person Centred Planning and Community Building (DACS 2380): Explores the principles and practices of person-centered planning and community building for individuals with disabilities, including goal setting, individualized support planning, and community engagement.
• Academic English (ENGL 1130): Develops students' academic writing, reading, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for further education in the field of child and youth care or related disciplines.
• Personal and Professional Leadership (DACS 2420): Examines the principles and practices of effective leadership in the field of disability and community support, including self-reflection, ethical decision-making, and advocacy.
• Supports for Children and Youth with Disabilities (DACS 2421): Explores the specific needs and supports required for children and youth with disabilities, including early intervention, educational supports, and transition planning.
• Contemporary Practice in Adult Service (DACS 2431): Examines the specific needs and supports required for adults with disabilities, including employment supports, housing options, and community integration.
• Service-Learning (DACS 2440): Provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a community setting, working on a project that addresses a real-world issue related to disability and community support.
• Elective: Students can choose from a range of elective courses to further specialize their knowledge and skills in areas such as autism spectrum disorder, mental health, or Indigenous perspectives on disability.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, presentations, and practical demonstrations. The program emphasizes the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of disability and community support. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and simulations.

Careers:

Graduates of the Classroom and Community Support Diploma program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of disability and community support, including:

• Classroom Support Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Day Program Coordinator
• Education Assistant
• Aide
• Employment Support Specialist
• Employment/Job Coach
• Indigenous Education Assistant
• Inclusive Education Assistant