Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead (1901 - 1978)
If you're a caring person who wants a challenging career in human services, get started at Douglas College.
The Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) offers a variety of educational options: Behavioural Interventionist, Child and Youth Care Counsellor, Classroom and Community Support, Community Social Service Worker Program, Co-Occurring Disorders, Early Childhood Education, Sign Language Interpretation, Therapeutic Recreation, Youth Justice and Continuing Education.
CFCS students work in close and supportive relationships with others. If you are self-aware, mature, flexible, tolerant and have integrity, you'll succeed in your class work and your chosen field. During your program, you'll experience personal growth as well as academic learning. You will be involved in course activities that promote self-reflection, openness to feedback and evaluation of personal goals, values and beliefs.
All of the CFCS programs provide you with hands-on learning experiences through practicum placements in work sites. Graduates are employed in a variety of community and government-funded agencies.
Vision and Values
The vision of CFCS is to prepare exemplary graduates for the changing communities in which they work, live and learn. CFCS provides comprehensive educational programs, credentials and pathways to the work place and further professional development. CFCS is committed to continual development of current and emergent practice and curriculum. CRCS will increase faculty and student engagement in scholarly activity and community based research. We are dedicated to honour and enhance diversity and collaboration in our communities and in Douglas College.
Our diverse programs share a common value base, including:
- belief in the power of the individual to grow and change
- commitment to the principle of self-determination
- conviction that our cross cultural/multi-religious heritages are to be valued and encouraged
- belief in the obligation of the practioner to develop self-awareness
- respect for the dignity and rights of others
- belief that children have the right to grow in an environment of saftey, harmony , understanding and love
- support for people to be integrated into the community to the fullest extent possible.
Programs at a Glance
The following .pdf file provides an overview of the current CFCS Programs and contact information:
CFCS Programs at a glance
Shared Curriculum
While many of the courses offered in CFCS programs are specific to a particular program, others, called shared courses, are shared across five programs. These shared courses have common themes and values and bring you together with students from other CFCS programs. This dynamic reflects your future work environment, giving you greater insight into related professions in your field of practice. The mixture of shared and program-specific courses gives greater depth and breadth to your education.
Bachelor Degrees in the Child, Family and Community Studies Faculty
Three Bachelor Degrees are now available for third year students in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies:
- Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care
- Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the University of Calgary
Now you can complete your diploma and your degree right here at Douglas College.
Did you know...
You may be able to get credit for your experience?
If you have work experience related to a Douglas College CFCS program, you can be evaluated by the College's Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Service. PLAR will work with you to help you identify, document and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities you've acquired on the job or through life experiences. You may be able to get credit for your experience.