Community Care Licensing (CCLO)

You meet one or more of the following:

• You are thinking of becoming a Community Care Facility Licensing Officer, this credential will help you meet the qualifications that Health Authorities are looking for. Provincial Health Authorities helped develop the curriculum, so the certificate is expected to be a preferred credential for those seeking employment in this field.
• You are already employed as a Community Care Facility Licensing Officer, the Advanced Specialty Certificate is a valuable professional development tool. By taking individual courses or the full program you will gain confidence in your abilities to communicate with staff, licensing officers, and stakeholders and strengthen your qualifications with relevant skills and knowledge.
• You are seeking higher-level management or leadership positions within community care facilities, this program will strengthen your qualifications with relevant skills and knowledge. It can give you confidence in your abilities to communicate with staff, licensing officers, and stakeholders.
• You have completed a minimum of a diploma level credential in a related field such as childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, and criminology and have career experience working in community care facilities. 

Program Strengths

• Most courses have no scheduled mandatory class activities, so course work can be completed around your busy Monday to Friday schedule
• Courses are facilitated by JIBC faculty members who are experts in their fields
• Work at your own pace – the program can be completed part-time over a 3 to 4 year period or in as little as 15 months
• You can apply the knowledge and skills you already have from your career working in community care facilities
• Experienced licensing officers are in courses with students who are new to the field, this provides a great opportunity to connect and learn with future colleagues
• Online courses provide a variety of educational activities to support various learning styles
• For your final course in the program you may choose to complete a practice education placement working alongside community care facility licensing officers or a fully online course without a practice education placement 
• Current licensing officers have the opportunity to do research into an area of interested related to their professional practice

The program provides current and future Community Care Licensing Officers with the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to carry out the statutory duties delegated to them by a Health Authority’s Medical Health Officer.

Skills Development

• Demonstrate competence in all areas of the current British Columbia Licensing Officer Occupational Profile.
• Demonstrate sound, ethical decision-making abilities from a legislative point-of-view.
• Articulate a clear understanding of administrative law, especially as it pertains to their role.
• Explain a CCLO’s authority, and where that authority comes from.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Apply skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking, and interprofessional practice.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess applications, requests for exemptions to legislation, and health and safety plans; conduct inspections and investigations; and, take action to bring care facilities into compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate the ability to ensure safe environments for children in daycare; children, youth, and adults in residential care facilities; seniors in long-term care facilities; individuals with developmental disabilities living in group homes; and individuals with mental health and addiction disorders living in group homes.

What You Need to Graduate

Successfully complete the ten required 12-week courses (30.0 credits).

Students who are not currently employed as Community Care Facility Licensing Officers (CCLOs) have the option to complete a six-week practicum OR a cumulative 12-week online course at the end of the program depending on their preference. Students employed as CCLOs complete a 12-week capstone course. 

Professionals who are working as CCLOs can register for up to three courses without applying for the program and may be eligible to receive credit for up to half of the program based on their prior learning and career experience.

Students who enroll in one course per semester will complete the program in about three years. Students who take a full course load and start in the fall term can complete the program in just 15 months. Participants have a maximum of four years to complete the program. 

Program Format

All courses within this advanced 30-credit program are delivered in an instructed, online format with one important exception: learners who have not been employed as CCLOs may register for a six-week practicum course at the end of the program OR choose to complete their final course fully online. The practice experience course allows learners to gain valuable hands-on knowledge in the field. The final online course allows learners to maintain family or professional obligations while practicing CCLO occupational competencies and developing their resume and interview skills.

The practice experience placement is six weeks long. Placements are located in the region preferred by the student when possible and travel may be required. The practice experience also includes an online coursework component. Students who are unable to travel for placement, take time off work, or have family or professional commitments should complete their final course online.

Professionals who have been working as Community Care Licensing Officers may be eligible to receive credit for up to half of the program – it’s possible for an experienced CCLO to earn this advanced certificate after completing five of the required courses. Those who wish to be evaluated for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) should contact the Program Manager at cclo@jibc.ca for details.

Learners who enroll in the program full-time (three courses per semester) can complete the program in four semesters (15 months). However, it is anticipated that most learners will enroll on a part-time basis and proceed at a slower pace. 

Learners will have a maximum of four years to complete the program.

The program consists of online courses that are the same for all learners with the exception of the final course, CCLO-3409, CCLO-3410, or CCLO-3411, which is determined based on whether the learner has work experience as a Community Care Licensing Officer and their ability to or interest in completing a practice education placement.

Courses are usually scheduled in the same semester each year. Program students can register for courses by contacting the JIBC registration office by phone or online through the myjibc.ca website. Courses will start on the dates listed in the JIBC academic calendar and run for approximately 12 weeks.

Application Deadline

We are accepting program applications for the 2024 calendar year. All application and supporting documents must be received by JIBC no later than the application deadline.

• Winter 2024 semester (starts in January): Application deadline is November 7, 2023
• Spring/Summer 2024 semester (starts in May): Application deadline is March 5, 2024
• Fall 2024 semester (starts in September): Application deadline is July 9, 2024

Upcoming Courses (Tentative Schedule)

Students should complete CCLO-3300 Administrative Law as early as possible in the program as it provides a foundation for all other courses. We strongly recommend that they complete CCLO-3300 before or at the same time as CCLO-3301 and CCLO-3302.

The Practice Experience course, CCLO-3410, is scheduled for each student individually once they have completed the practice education application and the placement is secured with a BC health authority licensing office location. CCLO-3409 and CCLO-3411 is generally scheduled in the fall term. Please email cclo@jibc.ca if you plan to take CCLO-3409 or CCLO-3411 rather than the practice experience course within the next year. 

Course offerings and schedule are subject to change without notice.

CCLO Practice Experience Resources

Please review the CCLO Practice Experience Course Webpage for more information on the practice experience placement. The site covers important CCLO resources such as: course information, processes, scheduling, preparation, completion, policies, procedures and required deadlines.

CCLO Program Handbook

Please find attached CCLO Program Handbook and it contains important information pertaining to the CCLO program such as: program staff information, program description, course description, registration, withdrawal, practice education requirements, grading and etc.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email the program area at cclo@jibc.ca.

Tuition

Total tuition for the program is approximately $7,400 * and does not include additional fees.

Tuition is approximately $740.00 * per course.

Additional Fees

Additional costs include JIBC Learner Services Fee (per course), applicable tax, course textbooks and program application fees.
(All fees subject to change)

Note:

* Program and course tuition and fees are approximate, subject to yearly tuition increases, and may change without prior notice.

* Costs are effective as of April 1, 2024.

Textbooks & Supplies

Textbooks can be ordered through the JIBC Store (unless otherwise noted). 

CCLO-3300 – Admin Law
NONE

CCLO-3301 – Vulnerable Populations
NONE

CCLO-3302 – Ethics in Licensing
NONE

CCLO-3303 – Lifespan Development
Boyd, D., Johnson, P., & Bee, H. (2021). Lifespan Development (7th Canadian ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson. Vital Source Print ISBN: 9780135286746, 0135286743 (Note: you can purchase/rent the Lifespan Development, Seventh Canadian Edition textbook through Vital Source or the Pearson Canada website. (eText version only, CCLO students do not need to purchase the “Revel” resource package) 

CCLO-3304 – Collaborative Conflict Resolution
NONE

CCLO-3405 – Human Relations
DuBrin, A. J. & Geerinck, T. (2015). Human Relations: Interpersonal, Job-Oriented Skills, Fourth Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada (textbook with access to supplementary online resources)

365 Coaching Questions - Available for purchase at Coaching out of the box.
Required Pre-course Activity:  Complete MBTI.

CCLO-3406 – Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement
NONE

CCLO-3407 – Investigations
Jones, G., Pettigrew, L. (2021). How To Investigate: Fundamentals of Effective Fact-finding, 2nd Edition. Toronto: Thomas Reuters. ISBN: 9780779898992

CCLO-3408 – Professional Accountability in Licensing
Wiersma, B. (2010). The power of professionalism: The seven mind-sets that drive performance and build trust. Fairfield, Iowa: Ravel Media. Available from Amazon in Kindle and Hardcover formats. (For Kindle, a free reading app is available and purchase of a Kindle E-reader is not required). 

CCLO-3409 – Capstone Project in Licensing Practice
NONE

CCLO-3410 – Practice Experience
NONE

CCLO-3411 – Professional Practice in Community Care Licensing
NONE

Application Process

It is important that all applicants review the Recommended Requirements for Program and Career Success. Applicants may also want to review job postings for regulatory practitioners and licensing officers and/or contact the health authority in the region they plan to work in to learn more about the educational credential and career experience expectations for these roles. 

To Apply to the Advanced Certificate in Community Care Licensing program:

STEP 1 - Download, Complete and Compile Documentation

Please check the application deadline(s) listed at the top of this webpage and allow time for submission of official transcript(s) from your former school(s).  

1. Complete the Online Program Application Form through Education Planner BC. There is an application fee of $75 dollars.
2. An Admissions Officer will then email you information on how to submit supporting documents.

STEP 2 - Submit your supporting documents to Admissions by email, mail, or in person.

Note that you will need to arrange for original official academic transcripts to be provided directly from your former school(s) to show your completion of the admissions requirements above.
 

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum post-secondary diploma in a related field completed with original official transcripts required.*

• Related fields may include childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, and criminology. It is strongly recommended applicants have a minimum of 5 years of career experience working in community care facilities.
• Other post-secondary credentials in related areas equivalent to two years of full-time post-secondary study may also be considered, for example, Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler, and Special Needs Certificates all completed. 
• Bachelor and graduate degrees in unrelated fields of study may also be considered (see note below).

2. High school graduation diploma (or equivalent)

• Students who have completed a post- secondary certificate, diploma, or degree program are still required to submit their high school transcript with their application documentation.

3. English 12 / English 12 First Peoples (Grade C+) or equivalent (original official transcript required); JIBC English 12 “C” Equivalencies listed here

Note: Program admission requirements may differ from the hiring requirements for entry-level positions in community care licensing in various BC health authorities. Acceptance into the program does not necessarily mean a student's educational qualification(s) meet a health authority hiring requirements. It is strongly recommended that individuals, especially those with unrelated educational backgrounds, review job postings and/or consult with the health authority where they plan to work to learn more about their hiring requirements. All students should review the recommended requirements for program and career success below.

Applicants submitting foreign credentials or transcripts as proof of prerequisite completion towards a course or program must first have their credentials or transcripts reviewed by either of the following bodies:

• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
• World Education Services (WES)

Both ICES and WES will provide applicants with documentation which can then be forwarded to the JIBC as part of a program application.

Please note that Community Care Licensing Officers are eligible to take up to three courses before formally applying to the program. Email cclo@jibc.ca to request permission for course registration.

We strongly recommend that students who do not meet the entrance requirements complete the required courses before applying to the program to avoid disappointment. Most high school adult upgrading courses can be completed free of charge.

Please phone or email us for assistance with program admission, program information, or course registration:

• Phone: 604.528.5590 or toll-free in North America 1.877.528.5591
• Program admission: admissions@jibc.ca
• Program information: cclo@jibc.ca
• Course registration: register@jibc.ca

 Recommended Requirements for Program and Career Success

These requirements are very important for individuals looking for a career working as a licensing officer. If you do not have all the requirements below it is strongly recommended that you acquire them while you are completing the program.

Please note that proof of these requirements does not need to be submitted as part of your application to the CCLO program at JIBC.

• Minimum of five years of experience working in a related field
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a supervisory role
• Minimum of one post-secondary academic writing course completed
• Understanding of APA formatting and referencing
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Hiring requirements vary by region and operational role and it is recommended that interested individuals contact their local health authority or check job postings to affirm their credentials meet the hiring requirements of the health authority where they plan to work. This is especially important for individuals with educational credentials other than degrees in nursing and social work, or early childhood education.

Additional Program Requirements (once you are accepted into the program)

IMMUNIZATIONS AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK 
Students planning on completing the CCLO 3410 Practice Experience course will be working with vulnerable populations during their placement. Their immunizations must be up-to-date so they can protect themselves and those in the care facilities being visited.

It is important to start the required immunizations early as some of them may take up to or longer than eight months to take effect. 

Once you have completed the required immunizations and tests, you will need to have the immunization checklist form signed off by your physician or health care provider. It will then become part of your practice education application package.

You cannot start your practice education course until all of the requirements on this checklist have been met.

Click here for Immunization FAQs.

Click here for the Practice Education webpage.

International Applicants

International applicants are encouraged to contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs at international@jibc.ca.

• Students can apply for transfer credit or prior learning assessment only after they have been formally accepted into the program. Please ensure official transcripts and course outlines (where applicable) are included in the Transfer Credit or Prior Learning Assessment application.
• Students may be eligible for transfer credit or prior learning assessment if they have completed academic courses similar to ours at other post-secondary institutions.
• Complete a transfer credit request to apply for credit for equivalent post-secondary academic courses at other institutions within the past ten years.
• A prior learning assessment request is used to assess learning that is not eligible for transfer credits. There is an associated fee for prior learning assessment requests. 
• Please note that JIBC policy requires that at least 50% of program course credits be taken at JIBC. Therefore up to 15 credits from learning outside of JIBC can be transferred towards the 30 credits required for this certificate.
• To avoid disappointment or delayed graduation it is recommended that:
  
  • Students apply for transfer credit or prior learning assessment as soon as they are accepted into the program
  • Once started in the program all courses are completed at JIBC
• The program area cannot pre-approve transfer credits in advance of program application or acceptance. If you have questions about your previous learning contact the program area.

Q: What do CCLOs do? 

A: They inspect and monitor private and public facilities for childcare, youth residential care, residential group care and long-term care in B.C. They also conduct investigations, provide education and support to licensees, and take action to bring facilities into compliance with the Acts and Regulations that govern them.

Q: What credentials are required to apply?

A: Applicants must have a minimum post-secondary diploma level credential in a related field such as childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, or criminology and have experience working in community care facilities. Other post-secondary credentials in related areas may be considered, for example, Early Child Education, Infant and Toddler, and Special Needs Certificates completed. See the recommended requirements for more information on program and career success. In addition, applicants must please their high school transcript with the application documentation.

Q: Who hires Community Care Licensing Officers (CCLOs)?

A: CCLOs are employed by provincial health authorities. They play an important role in protecting vulnerable people. It is recommended applicants review job postings for regulatory practitioners and licensing officers and/or contact the health authority in the region they plan to work in to learn more about the educational credential and career experience expectations for these roles.

Q: How can I make myself a favourable job candidate as a CCLO? 

A: Generally, employers favour candidates who have work experience as a care provider or a manager in a community care setting, or in another professional capacity within a Health Authority. If you don’t have that kind of work experience, you could consider pursuing the certificate while gaining related work experience.