Graduates of the Community Support Worker Program support children and adults with intellectual disabilities in schools and in the community. People with intellectual disabilities increasingly participate in valued community roles such as friend, citizen, student, employee and neighbor, creating the need for qualified workers to support people in everyday activities at home or in school. Our students support people with intellectual disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome and others to live a full life and reach their academic and personal goals. Certificate graduates are eligible to work with children and teens as special education assistants in every school district in BC. Others provide practical and emotional support to adults in day programs, group homes, or in their own homes. This is a career that provides real opportunities to do meaningful work. Graduates can also transfer CSW credits and pursue further post secondary education to obtain undergraduate degrees at certain universities.
Students can complete a CSW Certificate in 10 months (September to June). Students who choose to complete the Diploma, need to take a further two semesters. Most classes are offered in the daytime for the certificate, while diploma semester courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. There are a limited number of part time seats available. Each semester has theory and field practice components so that students are job ready upon graduation. Graduates can ladder to select degree programs at the University of Victoria, University of Calgary, Athabasca University, Malaspina University College and the University College of the Fraser Valley.
The CSW program is part of the Education, Community and Health Specialties initiative which provides students the opportunity to study with students in other programs. These programs include: Community Support Worker (CSW) Special Education Teacher Assistant (SETA), Home Support Resident Care (HSRC) and Gerontology Based Therapeutic Recreation (GBTR). Students from all four programs will take core courses under the acronym ECHS. In addition, students from the CSW program will take program specialty courses. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate in Community Support Worker.
In addition to the general Kwantlen University College admission requirements, the following specific requirements apply to this program. Upon provisional acceptance to the program additional admission requirements need to be completed prior to receiving final acceptance, these include:
- Meet the same English proficiency requirement as the Kwantlen University College admission requirement: minimum of “C” grade in English 12, Technical Professional Communication 12, Communications 12 or English Literature 12 or equivalent. Please contact Enrolment and Registrar Services for further information.
- Two current employment or volunteer reference letters
- Submission of a medical letter confirming good physical and mental health and a clear TB test within six months prior to entry into the program
- A valid and current standard First Aid Course, including CPR level C, or approved equivalent (2-day program)
- An acceptable criminal record search completed within three months prior to the start of the program (June or later)
- An applicant orientation with program faculty or designate
Please note that not all of the requirements listed above need to be submitted at the time of application. Please contact Enrolment and Registrar Services for further information.
- PART TIME - YEAR 3
- Semester 1 (Sept. – Dec.)
- HSWC 1305 Wellness: Self and Others
- HSWC 1310 Group Dynamics
- HSWC 1345 Support Networks
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Semester 2 (Jan. –June)
- CSWD 2110 Developing Leadership Capacity
- CSWD 2175 The Professional Practice: Service-Learning
Exit: Graduate with Diploma
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Certificate or a Diploma in Community Support Worker.