Special Care Counselling Course (DEC) | LaSalle College Montréal

DEC in Special Care Counselling

DEC | 351.A0
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The Special Care Counselling program (DEC) trains students to intervene appropriately with a range of clients having difficulties adapting or fitting in socially. This is accomplished in close collaboration with various professionals, such as remedial teachers, learning specialists, psychologists, directors of educational institutions, and occupational therapists.

This program is ideal for those who enjoy people and are good at listening. These candidates are looking for an ever-changing work environment and appreciate human contact. Their motivation includes forging professional relationships and having a positive influence on others. Openness, empathy and a penchant for teamwork are essential characteristics to work in this field.

LaSalle College provides students in the Special Care Counselling program with hands-on experience in the workplace through practical workshops, professional internships, and pre-graduation projects.


Program availability

Peru Project

A unique opportunity to learn about international cooperation for the Special Care Counselling students.

Comparison between Early Childhood Education and Special Care Counselling

Difference Between Programs

Are you hesitating between becoming an early childhood educator or a special care counsellor? Find out which program is right for you with this infographic.

Get a $100 off your DEC admission fee​

Hurry up! Register in one of our DEC programs in English before June 15. We have space for you, but be quick, spots are going fast!

On-campus

  • At the Montréal campus

Real-time remote learning

  • Training provided entirely in distance mode, with a teacher and in real time (synchronous)
    • Semesters 1 to 6: two presences required on campus per semester for a maximum of 15 weekdays
    • The internships (semesters 4 and 6) could be done remotely with virtual supervision by a teacher

Special Care Counsellors are called upon to work with people who have difficulty with social integration or adaptation from various age groups: children, teens, adults, seniors.

This program leads to a Diploma of College Studies (DEC).

Holders of a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in Education Techniques can pursue university studies.

  • Custodial care and rehabilitation centres
  • Regular or specialized schools
  • Group and youth homes

Have obtained a Secondary School Diploma (DES)

or

Have obtained a Professional Studies Diploma (DEP) and completed the following courses:

  • Language of Instruction from Secondary V
  • Second Language from Secondary V
  • Mathematics from Secondary IV

or

Have obtained an equivalent education or an instruction deemed sufficient. Every case will be analysed by the College.

  • Special Care Counselling Roles and Duties (45 h)
  • Professional Ethics (45 h)
  • Assistance to Clienteles and Professional Integrity (45 h)
  • Communication Skills (45 h)
  • Human Development Psychology I (60 h)
  • Human Development Psychology II (60 h)
  • Therapeutic Process I (45 h)
  • Therapeutic Process II (60 h)
  • Introduction to Activities & Animation (45 h)
  • Group Animation and Activities (60 h)
  • Helping Relationship I (45 h)
  • Helping Relationship II (45 h)
  • Learning Disabilities, Adaptation and Family Systems Approach (90 h)
  • Community Resources (45 h)
  • Crisis Intervention (45 h)
  • Interactions and Cultural Communities (45 h)
  • Social and Work Reintegration (45 h)
  • Toxicology and Psychopathology (60 h)
  • Violence and Victimization (45 h)
  • Fostering Autonomy with Seniors (45 h)
  • Adaptation, Marginalization and Exclusion (60 h)
  • Cognitive Challenges & Autism Spectrum Disorder (45 h)
  • Physical and Neurological Challenges (45 h)
  • Initiation Internship (195 h)
  • Experimentation Internship (210 h)
  • Intervention Internship (450 h)
  • Program’s Integration Project (60 h)

* The College reserves the right to substitute certain courses.

  • 3 Physical Education courses (90 h)
  • 3 Philosophy courses (150 h)
  • 4 Language and Literature courses (240 h)
  • 2 Second Language courses (90 h)
  • 2 Complementary courses (90 h)

Work experience is recognized and in high demand by employers. The Work-Study Program (WSP) is an educational model that allows you to undertake two paid internships during your studies to gain work experience related to your field of study. Please consult the Work-Study Program section for more details. Not available to students who begin in the Winter semester.

As part of their internship requirement, students might be asked to prove their basic immunization is up-to-date: diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus, rubella, mumps and measles. Hepatitis B and flu vaccines are also obligatory.

Important note: Students will need to provide proof that they are eligible for their internships. A request for police file verification will be necessary. This request will be made by the College.