Community support worker diploma
Inclusive Education and Disability Studies Diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toCommunity Support Worker·Diploma
A comprehensive college diploma program that trains you to support individuals with developmental disabilities, physical impairments, and mental health needs through coursework and direct practicum.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- BC High School Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). Requirement varies by school (Douglas College, Stenberg College, Okanagan College, and 2 others). Strictest requirement: C.
- English 12. Requirement varies by school (Stenberg College, Okanagan College, Camosun College, and 1 others). Strictest requirement: C.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Clearance under the BC Criminal Records Review Act (vulnerable sector check)
- Up-to-date immunizations and negative tuberculosis test
- Minimum 100 hours of documented volunteer or work experience with individuals with disabilities
- Two confidential reference letters
- Clear Criminal Record Check under the Criminal Records Review Act
- Proficiency in English comprehension and written communication
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online through EducationPlannerBC to Douglas College or directly to Stenberg College
- Submit high school transcripts and complete applicant questionnaire
- Complete provincial criminal record check clearance consent
- Attend program orientation and prepare for practicum onboarding
Step 5 of 8
Community support worker diploma
⏱ 8 to 24 months- 8 to 24 months of modular theory, behaviour support workshops, and community labs
- Foundations of developmental disabilities, autism spectrum, and mental health disorders
- Positive behaviour support planning and non-violent crisis intervention (MANDT / CPI)
- Pharmacology basics, safe medication administration, and client dignity rights
- 200+ hours of direct clinical fieldwork practicum in licensed group homes and day programs
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 7 schools in BC- Camosun College — 2 years (About $7,000 for the whole program)
- College of New Caledonia — 1 year (About $4,300 for the whole program)
- Douglas College — 2 years (About $3,700 per year)
- Okanagan College — 2 years (About $7,400 for the whole program)
- Vancouver Island University — 8 months (About $9,000 for the whole program)
- Stenberg College — 33 weeks (Tuition not yet verified)
- Western Community College — 52 weeks (About $8,900 for the whole program)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- WorkSafeBC First Aid with CPR-C and Food Safe Level 1 certifications
- Employer agency onboarding and medication administration sign-offs
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Community Support Worker
- Explore Community Support Worker wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(7 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.