Program at a glance
Credential
Diploma
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Open to International
Yes
Length
2 years
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.
A career in caring
The Community, Family and Child Studies (CFCS) program leads you toward a career as a caring, ethical professional in awide 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 beaccountable 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 idea of establishing a career based on positive change, working with individuals and families in various community and social service settings? If you answered yes to all of 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.
Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions
The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.
VisitEyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC)for information on how to apply.
Any questions about the application process, please contacthhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca
TheIndigenous Limited Priority Admissionsprocess, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
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.
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 a block transfer (60 credits) towards the . 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.
CFCS program handbooks
Find current student information in theSchool of Health and Human ServicesandCFCS programhandbooks.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Community, Family and Child Studies, Diploma
$6,517 (domestic)
$32,864 (international)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to:Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
Oneof: And all of:
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...
To meet the information session requirement, please complete the survey linked from the info session slides.
Ready to get started?
Check our current program availability.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Health and Human Services classes contacthhsinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Michelle Jaworsky
Chair of CFCS Department, Program Leader, and Instructor
jaworskym@camosun.ca
250-370-4293
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Faculty/staff profile
Asha Rao
Instructor
raoa@camosun.ca
250-370-4654
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Faculty/staff profile
Jenny Holder
Program Leader, Instructor
holderj@camosun.ca
250-370-4655
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Faculty/staff profile
Kristin Ross
Instructor
ross@camosun.ca
250-370-4292
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Faculty/staff profile
Meaghan Feduck
Program Leader, Instructor
feduckm@camosun.ca
250-370-4295
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Faculty/staff profile
Miriam Curtis
Practicum Coordinator
curtism@camosun.ca
250-370-4657
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Faculty/staff profile
Sheryl Haynes
Instructor, Practicum Coordinator
hayness@camosun.ca
250-370-4296
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Faculty/staff profile
Robin Fast
Education Developer (CETL), Instructor
fast@camosun.ca
250-370-4658
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
Contact information
School of Health and Human Services
Admissions questions: