Graduates of the Community Support Worker Program support children and adults with intellectual disabilities in schools and in the community. While this is a four semester diploma program, students may graduate after three full time semesters with a certificate (the curriculum is under review). Classes are offered in the daytime for the certificate and in the late afternoon/evening for the diploma semester only. 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.
Graduates are highly sought after and readily obtain employment. Our students work as teaching assistants in elementary and high schools across B.C. They also work in community living agencies, group homes, day programs, vocational programs and with families themselves.
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:
- English 12 with a C or better or approved equivalent; or recent LPI score 26 level 4; or sufficient EPT results to enrol in CMNS 1110
- 50 hours or more of volunteer work within the last 18 months or current or previous employment in the Human Services field within the last 24 months
- Two current reference letters of employment or volunteer work
- Satisfactory medical assessment by a physician within six months prior to entry into the program
- A valid St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Course, or approved equivalent (2-day program)
- Personal career letter describing experiences, career interests and aspirations in the human services field
- An acceptable criminal record search completed within three months prior to the start of the program (June)
- An interview with the program coordinator/faculty is required for final acceptance into the program
Exit: Graduate with Diploma
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Certificate or a Diploma in Community Support Worker.