Special Care Counselling

Successful Special Care Counsellors have a unique combination of skills, including:

Québec's outlook in this field is promising. The "Opération main-d’œuvre" was launched in 2021 due to high demand.

According to the Government of Québec, the province was ranked 5th for future prospects, with an 85% placement rate.

Québec is also expecting full-time job openings due to retiring professionals.

Special Care Counsellors can work in different environments:

• Public organizations (governmental), including health and social services (youth centers, CLSCs, hospitals, CHSLDs, etc.) and education (regular and specialized schools),
• Community organizations,
• Private organizations, or
• Be self-employed.

This Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is approved by the ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur of Québec and is internationally recognized.

Holders of a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) can pursue university studies or enter the workforce directly.

Proof of eligibility might be requested for internships. A background check is necessary. This request will be made by the College.

Proof of up-to-date basic immunization might be requested as an internship requirement:

• Diphtheria,
• Poliomyelitis,
• Tetanus,
• Rubella,
• Mumps,
• Measles,
• and others, if needed.

A laptop computer is mandatory for study in this program. This laptop must be equipped with the Windows operating system to work with all software.

Mentors may request other standard or student-licensed software mandatory for their courses to be installed.

Learn more about the benefits

It has been determined that a Windows PC is required for your program. If you plan to use a Mac, you may need to configure your Mac laptop to run software on Windows.

Minimum Requirements :

• Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent  
• 8 GB of RAM or more  
• 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
• Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  

Recommended Requirements

• Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent  
• 12 GB of RAM or more  
• 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
• Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  

Experiment with cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment, software, and technology in our advanced facilities, including:

• FLEX classrooms,
• Active learning classrooms,
• Mini-Lab,
• LaSalle des petits Daycare,
• And many others!

Actively participate and collaborate with teachers using these specialized facilities, boosting your motivation and confidence.

Get sought-after practical experience with our Career Service, open-doors daycare centre, and Work-Study Program (WSP), which incorporates two paid internships into your program.

Our Special Care Counselling program also includes three (3) internships as part of the curriculum:

• Initiation to Intervention (180 hours),
• Intervention Experimentation (210 hours),
• Intervention Process (465 hours).

Exceptions to these admission criteria may be applied.

Every application is reviewed by the College.

To be eligible for acceptance into this program, applicants are generally required to meet one of the following criteria:

LaSalle College has three annual start dates: fall, winter, and summer.

We accept applications at any time. Registration is open year-round.

Processing time:

• Canadian applicants: up to two weeks,
• International applicants: up to six months.

Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure a spot in your desired semester.

Note that applications are not processed until all required, validated documents and admission fees are received.

Diploma of College Studies (DCS) programs consist of:

• General education courses common to all programs,
• General education courses specific to the program,
• Complementary general education courses.

Concentration Courses

• Special Care Counseling Profession (45 h)
• Intervention Process 1 : Observation (45 h)
• Health and Professional Integrity (45 h)
• Child Psychology in Special Care Counseling (45 h)
• Adaptation Process (45 h)
• Preparation for Internships (45 h)
• Communication Skills in Special Care Counseling (45 h)
• Intervention Process 2 : Introduction to the Helping Relationship (45 h)
• Adolescence Psychology in Special Care Counseling (45 h)
• Planning and Leading Activities 1 (60 h)
• Learning Challenges (60 h)
• Intercultural Approach : Initiation (45 h)
• Youth with Adaptation Difficulties (45 h)
• Intervention Process 3 : Approaches and Techniques in Special Care Counseling (60 h)
• Adult Psychology in Special Sare Counseling (45 h)
• Planning and Leading Activities 2 (45 h)
• Internship 1 : Initiation to Intervention (180 h)
• Helping Skills in a Crisis Context (45 h)
• Addictions (45 h)
• Intervention Process 4 : Intervention Plan (45 h)
• Internship 2 : Intervention Experimentation (210 h)
• Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (60 h)
• Psychopathologies (45 h)
• Aging Process (45 h)
• Physical and Neurological Disabilities (45 h)
• Violence and Victimology (45 h)
• Interventions for Families (45 h)
• Intercultural Approach : Intervention (45 h)
• Contemporary Ethical and Political Issues (45 h)
• Internship 3 : Intervention Process (465 h)

* The College reserves the right to substitute certain courses.

General Education Courses

College-level institutions emphasize general education that focuses on core cultural knowledge, skill development, responsible citizenship, and shared cultural heritage.

Alumni have a well-rounded skill set and general knowledge that is valued in the workplace.

• 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)