Build a Career That Makes a Difference in Your Community
Tap Into Your Passion for Helping Others
Explore five School of Community Care and Public Safety programs: Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Community and Child Studies Foundations, Community and Justice Services, Community Development Work, and Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training. Gain hands-on training and practical skills to support individuals, families, and communities across Canada.
Featured Community Care and Public Safety Programs
- Learn MoreAddiction and Mental Health Worker
Train to become a compassionate front-line worker making a real difference in mental health and addiction services.
- Learn MoreCommunity and Child Studies Foundations
Start your pathway to a career in community services or child studies with strong academic and professional foundations.
- Learn MoreCommunity and Justice Services
Prepare for a front-line career supporting justice, safety, and rehabilitation in diverse community settings.
- Learn MoreCommunity Development Work
Gain hands-on experience in community engagement, advocacy, and social development.
- Learn MorePre-Service Firefighter Education and Training
Build the strength, skill, and confidence to protect communities and respond when it matters most.
Yes. Most programs include field placements where you work in the community. For example, the Community and Justice Services program requires over 400 hours in settings like courthouses and schools. Addiction and Mental Health students complete placements several days a week in their second year.
Yes. Programs like Community Development Work have pathways to degrees at schools like York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. Addiction and Mental Health Worker graduates can also apply their credits toward degrees at many Ontario universities.
The Community and Child Studies Foundations program is an "Alternate Offer" for students who need to build their skills first. It helps you improve your English and study habits so you can move into a diploma program with confidence.
Graduates can challenge the NFPA 1001 Firefighter Levels I and II and NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials certifications. You also receive Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification and fire extinguisher training. The college also helps you prepare for your Class D with Z endorsement driving licence.
The programs are held at two main locations. The Community Development and Addiction and Mental Health programs are at the Ashtonbee Campus. The Foundations, Justice Services, and Firefighter programs are at the Progress Campus.
Choosing the right program starts with understanding the key differences. The table below compares credential type, length, campus, and career focus for each School of Community Care and Public Safety program to help you decide which path aligns with your goals.
Program Name | Credential Type | Length | Campus | Core Career Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Addiction and Mental Health Worker | Diploma | 2 Years | Ashtonbee | Evidence-based harm reduction and crisis intervention |
Community and Child Studies Foundations | Certificate | 1 Year | Progress | Academic preparation for specialized diploma programs |
Community and Justice Services | Diploma | 2 Years | Progress | Rehabilitation, security, and criminal justice advocacy |
Community Development Work | Diploma | 2 Years | Ashtonbee | Social change, community organizing, and policy advocacy |
Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training | Certificate | 1 Year (3 Sems) | Progress | Fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical response in fire service environments |