Download CASS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CASS 120

CASS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CASS 110 - Communication Skills (3.0)
(SSWK - 145 Communication & Interpersonal Relationship Skills)
Effective, ethical communication is the foundation of human service practice. CASS 110 helps
human service paraprofessionals to develop this foundation. Topics examined in the course
include perception of self and others, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict
management, communication in work relationships, and effective participation in groups and
teams. Consideration is also give to the influence of disability, gender, and culture on
communication.
Note: Students need access to digital video recording equipment to complete two
assignments for this course.
Note: CASS 110 may be offered as SSWK 145 -- an equivalent course -- some
semesters.
CASS 120 - Human Diversity: A Disability Perspective (3.0)
(SSWK 225 - Introduction to
Disabilities)
Human development takes many diverse paths. CASS 120 examines disability as one
expression of this richness. The common categories of disability are surveyed within
the context of the person and his/her cultural, social and physical environments.
Students will also explore how disability is viewed and valued in Canada, as well as
some current examples of disability culture.
Note: CASS 120 may be offered as SSWK 225 -- an equivalent course -- some
semesters
CASS 130 Foundations of Ethical Practice (3.0)
In CASS 130, you will evaluate the relationship between your personal and professional values,
adopt a code of professional ethics to guide conduct in the workplace, and develop an approach
to ethical decision-making. You will identify the ethical issues raised in a variety of short case
studies, evaluate options for resolution, and make clear arguments for decisions made. The
course also reviews law relevant to human service work in British Columbia. (CASS 130 is
delivered online.)
CASS 140 Positive Approaches to Teaching and Learning: Part I (3.0)
This course introduces the student to strategies for teaching new skills and addressing
challenging behaviour. The intent of this course is to provide a thorough exposure to training
strategies and procedures, while alerting the student to ethical concerns when using these
strategies.
CASS 145 Positive Approaches to Teaching and Learning: Part II (3.0)
A continuation of CASS 140, this course builds on the introduction to behaviour change.
Successful students will expand their knowledge on developing and implementing procedures of
behaviour change to enhance the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Prerequisite: CASS 140 with at least a “C” standing.
CASS 150 Life Planning and Support Systems (3.0)
In this course, life planning is presented as a process that values and empowers individuals and
their families. Several “person centred” methods to assess needs, make decisions, act, and
evaluate are discussed. The course also surveys a variety of formal (e.g. education, human
service) and informal (e.g., family) systems that support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling
their life dreams.
Prerequisites: CASS 140 & CASS 145 with at least a “C” standing.
CASS 160 – Physical Care (3.0)
Maintaining your own and the physical health and safety of people with disabilities is the focus of
this course. Emphasis is given to providing personal care in the most dignified and least intrusive
ways possible. Topics covered in the course include good mental and physical health, personal
hygiene, eating and nutrition, body mechanics, lifting and transferring, and medication safety
along with stress management.
CASS 180 Supporting Literacy Learning in Diverse Classrooms (3.0)
CASS 180 introduces the Education Assistant to the basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes
necessary for supporting literacy learning in classroom settings. The course introduces a
wide variety of practical and positive ways that Education Assistants can support diverse
learners, especially learners with communication, auditory, visual or other challenges.
CASS 188 CSW Elective and CASS 189 EA Elective
The CASS 188 and CASS 189 electives provide students with an opportunity to receive
recognition for relevant transfer credit course work or significant, evaluated continuing education
they have completed. EA students are also advised to contact their local School District to
confirm their specific course requirements. Elective work must be completed and
documentation approved before students qualify for either the CASS 190 or CASS 195
practicums.
Note: The same course work cannot be used for both electives.
 Using Transfer Credit:
University Transfer 3.0 credit courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts,
Education, Social Work, Human Service, Maths or Sciences qualify as CASS 188 or
CASS 189 electives. Examples of courses include (but are not limited to) FASD 260
Overview of FASD offered by CNC’s Lakes District Campus, FNST 100 An Introduction to
the World View of First Nations People; MATH 190 Math for Teachers; English 103
Composition and Style; PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology; SOC 101 Introduction to
Sociology; and PSYC 389 Introduction to Learning Disabilities (offered by Athabasca
University). Please see additional information on Articulation and Transfer Credit on p. 12
in this package.
To receive transfer credit, students must provide a transcript from the institution where
the course was completed to the CNC Admissions Office. Additional information such as
a course outline or calendar course description may also be required in some cases.
Students should submit this documentation, along with a letter summarizing their request
for transfer credit, to the CNC Admissions Office, Elective transfer credits need to be
approved by a CNC Academic Advisor.
 Using Continuing Education Courses:
To receive credit for continuing education, students need to provide documentation (e.g.,
transcript, letter of completion) of having completed at least 45 hours of relevant course
work. and that this course work had an evaluation component. In other words, there
must be a grade assigned, such as Satisfactory or Pass. Examples of continuing
education courses include CNC’s CECX 126 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Therapeutic
Crisis Intervention Training (TCI), etc.. These courses may be approved if they total 45
hours of instruction and there is an evaluation or grade assigned to the training.
Students should submit this documentation, along with a letter summarizing their request
for continuing education credit, to a CASS instructor. Elective continuing education
courses need to be approved by a CASS instructor.
CASS 190 – Community Support Worker (CSW) Practicum (3.0)
CASS 190 is a community based practicum. It is an opportunity for students to integrate and
apply skills, attitudes and knowledge learned in course work. Under the guidance of an individual
with a developmental disability and/or their caregivers, students are expected to facilitate a
complete planning process which includes getting to know the person, helping him/her identify
goals, locating and implementing community resources/supports in order to achieve the goal,
evaluating outcomes, and anticipating future needs or transitions. Students are responsible for
identifying local mentors or supervisors. Practicum students complete a variety of assignments,
journal exercises and participate in a seminar. (The seminar may be online, via teleconference or
face-to-face, depending on student schedules and locations.) All students completing the
CSW Certificate must complete the practicum.
Prerequisites: To be admitted to the practicum, students must have completed CASS
110, CASS 120, CASS 130, CASS 140, CASS 145, CASS 150, CASS 160 and Approved
Elective with at least a “C” standing in each course. Practicum students must also
complete a BC Solicitor General/Public Safety Criminal Record Check for Children
and Vulnerable Adults
Important Note: Practicum placements must be completed within the province of
British Columbia. This is in compliance with WorkSafe BC guidelines.
CASS 195 – Education Assistant (EA) Practicum (3.0)
CASS 195 is a school based practicum. It is an opportunity for students to integrate and apply
skills, attitudes and knowledge learned in course work. Students work under the supervision of a
classroom teacher or other school personnel, assisting in the classroom as directed. Practicum
students complete a variety of assignments, journal exercises and participate in a seminar. (The
seminar may be online, via teleconference or face-to-face, depending on student schedules and
locations). All students completing the EA Certificate must complete the practicum.
Prerequisites: To be admitted to the Education Assistant practicum, students must have
completed CASS 110, CASS 120, CASS 130, CASS 140, CASS 145, CASS 150, CASS
180, and Approved Elective with at least a “C” standing in each course. Practicum
students must also complete a BC Solicitor General/Public Safety Criminal Record
Check for Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Important Note: Practicum placements must be completed within the province of
British Columbia. This is in compliance with WorkSafe BC guidelines.
Ministry of Public Safety/Solicitor General
Consent to Criminal Record Checks (Children and/or Vulnerable Adults)
As of January, 2012, students registered in the CASS 195 or CASS 190 must
complete a Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Consent to Criminal
Record Check for Working with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults. This Criminal
Record Check must be completed in addition to any you have currently in place for
an employer or other agency. The $20.00 payment required by the Ministry for this
service is the student’s responsibility. Application forms and other information
will be sent to students registered in the practicum courses. (The Criminal
Record Check is required only of students registered in CASS 190 or CASS 195.)