Admission Requirements

Students must meet all of the admission requirements listed below.

• Secondary school / Grade 12 graduation or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years of age)
• English Language Competency Requirements

For English as First Language Speakers:

• Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in the English language in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This may include successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion of grade 12 English with minimum of a “C” grade
  OR
• Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. (Applicable to a country where English is one of the principal languages.)
  OR
• Accuplacer Test – applicable to an applicant who is 19 years (mature student) or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above:

  1. Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and

  2. Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores: Reading: 235, Writing: 235, WritePlacer: 4

For English as Second Language Speakers: one of the following assessments must have been completed within the last two years, prior to a scheduled program start date:

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the program, graduates can work in the occupations listed below:

• Companion Caregiver
• Family Caregiver
• Elderly Caregiver
• Live-in Caregiver
• Personal Caregiver
• Personal Care Provider – Home Care
• Home Care Worker
• Respite Worker – Home Support
• Companion

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Discuss age-appropriate developmental milestones.
• Use techniques for fostering cognitive, emotional, and social growth in children, youth, young adults, and the elderly.
• Utilize strategies for managing behavioral issues and promoting positive discipline.
• Earn their First Aid and CPR certification.
• Show awareness of safety standards for child-proofing homes and preventing accidents.
• Demonstrate skills in clear and empathetic communication with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
• Demonstrate techniques for active listening and conflict resolution.
• Convey important information and collaborate with parents and other caregivers (mental health practitioners, family members).
• Experience organizing and managing daily routines and schedules.
• Utilize their skills in meal planning, nutrition, and preparing healthy meals for children, youth, and elderly clients.
• Build trust and form positive relationships with children and clients needing support.
• Maintain patience, empathy, and understanding in challenging situations.
• Understand confidentiality and privacy standards.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional conduct in caregiving.
• Practice skills in managing boundaries and maintaining a respectful, supportive environment.
• Adjust care approaches based on individual client needs and family dynamics.
• Utilize skills in creative problem-solving and resourcefulness in various situations.
• Be flexible in handling unexpected changes and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Show sensitivity to and respect for diverse family cultures and practices.
• Provide inclusive care that respects and accommodates different backgrounds.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation of the students will be based on:

• Class participation (Group Discussion & Attendance)
• Projects: reports, presentations
• Quizzes and Assignments
• Final examination

Homework Hours

Students can expect to spend 6-10 hours per week on homework.

Graduation Requirement

Students must pass all courses in the program with a minimum of 60% for each course. Students must complete First Aid, CPR, and Food Safe.

Personal Support Caregiver Fee