Program Overview

There is a growing demand for support workers and caregivers who have the knowledge and skills to support children, adults and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This certificate is designed for current professionals and those aspiring towards a career in education, health care, disability services, criminal justice and other human service areas where services to individuals who were exposed prenatally to alcohol are provided.

Course work includes topics on prevention, intervention strategies, diagnosis, behaviour associated with FASD, functional assessment, family support, cultural diversity, and case management. Understanding how this developmental disability impacts a person throughout their life is a primary focus of the curriculum. During the practicum courses, you will transfer your new found knowledge about FASD into practical and meaningful ways to support individuals, families and communities. The practical learning experiences can be completed in most Canadian communities and are supported through seminars and regular instructor contact.

Make a difference in your community by choosing a career supporting individuals living with FASD.

Contact Us

Program Office: 403.320.3393 • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chair: Wendy Weninger 403.329.7254 • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Office of the Dean: Jane Friesen 403.320.3464

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education program are highly valued for their specialized knowledge and skills. Some of the career connections that have been made by our graduates include:

Addictions Support Worker
Special Education Assistant
Employment Support Worker
Mental Health Advocate
Residential Support Worker
Foster Care Liaison
Child and Youth Care Worker
Family Services and Supports

Admissions

Students are accepted into the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education program for the Fall (September), Winter (January), or Summer (May) terms. The entire program is offered through Distributed Learning. Students can take the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

Academic Requirements
Applicants are required to have an Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with credit in English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or ELA 30-2.

Applicants lacking academic prerequisites may seek Alternate Admission, which will involve a review of education and work experience. The Alternate Admission process will require that students complete placement testing for assessment in Reading and Sentence Skills. Applicants seeking Alternate Admission are strongly encouraged to contact the program prior to application.

Fast Track Option
Applicants with a previous degree/diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution can be accepted into the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education program with advanced standing. A degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Disability and Community Rehabilitation, Special Needs Education Assistant, Nursing, Psychology or Education may be considered for this Fast
Track Option. Applicants seeking this option are strongly encouraged to contact the program prior to application.

Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience. Failure by the student to accept by way of legal contract and abide by these terms and conditions will result in non-completion of the program.

Applicants are advised they will be required to provide a current Criminal Record Check before entering the first practicum course of the program. Depending on the placement location, students may also be required to obtain an Alberta Children’s Services Intervention Record Check. Students are responsible for the costs associated with these requirements. Failure to present a current Criminal Record Check or other documents may result in a practicum placement being unavailable to the student.

The existence of a criminal record may affect practicum placements, program completion and employment prospects. The consequences of a prior criminal conviction will be examined and discussed on an individual basis.

Applicants who lack the required academic admission requirements can apply to the College and University Preparatory Program to upgrade for your program.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
If you have experience working in this field of study, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Please direct your inquiries to the Program Chair.

Your Investment

Fees vary from program to program. To view fee information for your selected program, see the Academic Year Cost Sheet and Fees and Financial Information.

Curriculum

For full course description information, please click here.

Certificate
COM 162	Interpersonal Relationships and Communication	3
ENG 150	Composition	3
or ENG 190	Introduction to Language & Literature	3
* FAS 150	Introduction to FASD	1
* FAS 151	Prevention of FASD	1
* FAS 154	Case Management **	2
*FAS 155	ntervention Strategies for FASD	3
* FAS 156	Brain and Behaviour **	2
FAS 166	Practicum I	2
* FAS 176	Practicum II	2
* HSP 125	Medication Administration	1
HSP 150	Foundations of Human Services	2
HSP 160	Community Linkages	1
* RSP 151	Introduction to Community Rehabilitation	2
* RSP 153	Observation and Assessment	3
* RSP 155	Applied Behaviour Analysis & Positive Behaviour Support	3
* RSP 275	Family Support & Intervention	3
SOC 150	Multicultural Seminar	1
		35 Credits

* Required courses for students accepted into the Fast Track Option.

Some courses are also available on-campus. Please refer to the online Academic Timetable for course availability.

Graduation

Upon completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Certificate in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education.

Transfers

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education program will transfer directly into the second year of the Disability and Community Rehabilitation Diploma program at Lethbridge College.