The Autism and Behavioural Science Ontario Graduate Certificate program is a graduate certificate designed for students who have a Diploma or Degree in a related area and wish to acquire a specialization in the field of Autism and Behavioural Science. Emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of effective behavioural treatment plans according to the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI).

This program is available on a full-time and part-time basis. The full-time format can be completed in one year and the part-time format is available to students requiring greater flexibility.

Applicants must possess a recognized diploma or degree in fields such as, Developmental Service Worker, Child & Youth Worker, Social Service Worker, Early Childhood Education or similar programs and/or a Degree in Psychology, Education, Child Studies, Rehabilitation or similar programs.

Minimum employment as Instructor Therapists in the regional providers of the Autism Intervention Program; Private providers of IBI therapy to families under the supervision of licensed psychologists or Board Certified Behaviour Analysts; Autism specialists in other service agencies providing autism services; and possibly by school boards to deliver programs for children with autism.

This program is eligible for Second Career or other programs under the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities (MTCU) ­ Employment & Training Division. Visit our webpage for more information.

For more information about Second Career funding, contact:
Carolyn Madill
519-542-7751 ext 3415
carolyn.madill@lambton.on.ca

The total cost for text books will be approximately $650.00.

What are the methods of instruction and time spent on each?

What certification will you get upon completion of this course?
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Please explain how your progress will be monitored and reported (method & frequency).
Day 11 and Day 28 codes and differential assessment tools.

How many hours of home study are expected per week?
Outside of field placement periods, approximately 15-20 hours per week. During field placement 3-5 hours per week.

Are detailed course descriptions available for prospective students?
Yes, they are available on the individual program pages of the Lambton College website at www.lambton.on.ca/programs

What resources are available if you require additional help while in training?
Students can access free tutoring, the centre for students with disabilities, the counselling department for academic and personal counselling, an on-campus doctor or nurse and the financial aid office.

What percentage of students who are enrolled in this program successfully complete it?
90 %

What academic counselling is available prior to starting school and during the training period?
Prior to starting school students can access academic counselling and after they have become full-time students they can also access personal counselling in addition to academic.

How does the school accommodate the needs of adult learners?
Students may opt to take the program part-time, working through the coursework at a slower pace.

What are the qualifications for the instructor(s)?
Instructors have relevant work experience and in many cases hold a Masters Degree.

Do students have the opportunity to evaluate the instructor and the course?
Yes, through yearly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Surveys and semestered Student’s Perception of Learning (SPL) surveys.

Does the institution have publicized policies dealing with human right issues?
Yes, it is contained in our Respectful Workplace Policy (4000-5-6) and may be accessed through our website.

Are you allowed to audit a few classes?
Yes, students are able to audit classes. A shadow day can be arranged by contacting the college's Information Office at 519-541-2403.

Will the school provide references (i.e. signed release forms, past graduates/current students)?
Yes, we have past and current students who are willing to provide information to potential students about their experiences in the program.

Will there be a practicum or work placement? When and for how long? Is it a paid or unpaid placement?
There are two field placement experiences in the program. The first lasts for four weeks in first semester. Students are required to accrue 140 hours in this placement (35 hours per week). The second lasts for six weeks in second semester. Students are required to accrue 210 hours in this placement (35 hours per week). Both of these are unpaid placements.

How does the institution support continuing education/upgrading for graduates in this field of work?
As this is still a new program at Lambton College, entering our third year of delivery, consideration to this aspect has not yet been given. We are in the process of exploring how we might help graduates continue to develop their skills.

How does the institution make an effort to place its graduates in jobs after completion of the program?
We offer Career Placement services through our Student Success area. These services are available to graduates for up to six months after graduation.

What percentage of graduates from this training find work in a field related to their training?
70%

List employers who hire graduates from this program.
Lambton Kent District School Board
St. Clair Catholic District School Board
Autism Ontario – Sarnia-Lambton
Private IBI providers
Public IBI programs

How will the credentials you receive be recognized by the industry/employer/ sector?
Feedback from the community is that graduates of this program are well prepared to do a variety of work with people with autism.

Start/End Date?
Start Date: September
End Date: April

What is the cost of tuition?
First Year: $3,164.78

Are there supplies which are required for this course? If so, what are these supplies, and are they included in the tuition?
N/A

What is the additional cost of books?
First Year: $981.00

What is the additional cost for exams/tests?
N/A

Is a ticket or certification obtained upon completion of this course?
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

What is the additional cost of certification?
N/A

How long is the course?
One Year (30 weeks)

Is there continuous or scheduled intakes?
Scheduled Intakes

How many hours of training per day/week?
First Term: 23 hrs/wk (Wed-Fri)
Second Term: 18 hrs/wk (Wed-Fri)/p>

How many hours of practice per day/week?
First Term: 4 wks (140 hrs)
Second Term: 6 wks (210 hrs)

What time of day is the course operated?
Daytime hours Wednesday - Friday
Evening hours Wednesdays & Thursdays

What is the student/teacher ratio?
20:1

What is the student/equipment ratio?
N/A

What are the entrance requirements to this training course?
Recognized Diploma in Developmental Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Social Services Worker, Early Childhood Education, and/or a Degree in Psychology, Education, Child Studies, Rehabilitation, etc.

Do you have a placement officer?
Yes

What is your placement rate for graduates?
75%

Does this placement rate include contract work? Do you account for unsuccessful placements?
Yes, placement rate includes contract work

How long has this program been offered?
Two years

How many graduates from this program in the past year found employment in their chosen career?
15

How many people graduate from this program per year?
20

Is financial assistance available?
Yes

Can your school issue an education tax receipt?
Yes

How far is the training site from your place of residence?
*Answered on an individual basis

Is parking available at the training site?
Yes

Is the training site located on a bus route?
Yes

Textbook Costs

Field/Clinical Placement
Students should expect to travel outside the Sarnia area for at least one field placement. Access to a vehicle is an asset as it is required by some placement agencies.

All students must obtain - at their own expense - a current Police Record and Vulnerable Sector Check from the Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC). Students also need to obtain and complete a Health History and Communicable Disease screening form.

Without the required documentation, students are ineligible to commence placement. For more information regarding field/clinical placement requirements click here.

The College assumes no responsibility for ensuring field placement or program completion for students who are unable to provide a clear police record check.

There are currently no transfer agreements for this program.

School & Program Specific Awards

Community Living Sarnia -Lambton Autism & Behavioural Science Scholarship - Students can apply for this scholarship through their program co-ordinator.

Click on the year and term you began your program:

Fall 2010
Fall 2009
Fall 2008
Fall 2007