Overview
The Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program is an academic based program. It is a two-year certificate program designed for adults with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries or other significant learning challenges who wish to further their education/vocational training in a community college setting.
CICE students will have the opportunity to complete an individualized CICE program of study including courses from a minimum of two or more areas of concentration selected from St. Lawrence College’s program offerings. Each semester, students will take 5 courses, each 3-4 hours in length. A Learning Specialist attends elective classes with students to support their academic needs. Elective course choices may depend on seat availability and program suitability.
Coursework will provide CICE students with opportunities to develop and enhance their academic skills. Through field placement experiences arranged by CICE program staff, students will develop or refine their abilities in a number of potential work environments. Students can expect to be visited on their placements by our Faculty Advisors periodically throughout each semester.
CICE students receive supports, such as curriculum modification, note taking, tutoring, and other related academic services. Upon successful completion of all courses and the field placement requirements, CICE students graduate with an Ontario College Certificate in CICE.
The Goals of the Program
- Participate in college courses and activities
- Develop and strengthen functional academic skills
- Develop communication in order to function effectively in the workplace
- Develop skills for potential employment
- Pursue personal areas of academic/vocational interest
- Develop social and personal skills for success
- Strengthen self-management and interpersonal skills such as self-confidence and self-esteem to enhance performance as an employee and team member
- Contribute to the provision of a healthy, safe work environment
Program Details
Program Highlights
Student Supports
The CICE program offers individualized academic support based on student strengths and needs. Learning Specialists attend elective courses with students and provide the following supports:
- Preparing notes and providing tutoring sessions
- Assisting with assignment/homework completion and preparing for tests
- Building independent learning skills
- Implementing modifications and accommodations
- Other related academic supports
Elective Course Options
CICE Students can take approved elective courses within some of the following programs
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
- Carpentry
- Child and Youth Care
- Culinary Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Elder Support Studies
- Esthetician
- Fitness and Health Promotion
- General Arts and Science
- Hairstyling
- Hospitality
- Tourism
- Mechanical Technician
- Music and Digital Media
- Office Administration
- Social Service Worker
- Veterinary Assistant
Please note: We cannot guarantee courses within the programs below, as course selection is based on seat availability and scheduling. We will attempt to provide students with course options that match their interests and goals.
Program Outline
2024-2025
Students enhance their abilities in oral, written, and interpersonal communication essential for thriving in the college community.
This course will provide students with their first experience in a vocational field. Students will be evaluated on establishing basic work skills such as being on time, participation, following directions, completing work assignments, interpersonal communication skills and overall skill development. Students will be closely supervised and are required to seek feedback on a weekly basis from their supervisor and/or their designate. Students will participate in a project-based placement simulation in preparation for field placement second semester. The project will include work place skill development and community-based activities in the second half of the semester.
Co-requisite(s): SEMI 1CI
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of professionalism for the college and placement settings. Learners develop an understanding of strategies for success and explore digital technologies that will support their learning.
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
This course is designed for the student to participate with support in a work experience in their chosen area of concentration. Sound work habits, and interpersonal skills in the field will be developed as the student progresses through their training. Specific learning outcomes are developed at the onset of the field placement, and student performance is evaluated throughout the semester
This course is designed to facilitate the growth of the student into a well-rounded, competent employee. By meeting as a group, the students will discuss their experiences in the field and in the classroom. Students will also discuss current issues and trends facing employees in the work world. Topics include solving problems in the workplace, communicating effectively in the workplace, discrimination and harassment in the workplace, coping and having fun in the workplace.
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
This course is designed for the student to participate with support in a work experience in their chosen area of concentration. Sound work habits, and interpersonal skills in the field will be developed as the student progresses through their training. Specific learning outcomes are developed at the onset of the field placement, and student performance is evaluated throughout the semester.
In this course, students reflect on their experiences in placement. Students look at job search strategies and explore a variety of topics such as professionalism, boundaries, responsibility and initiative, how to further strengthen communication skills, credibility and trust, problem-solving and reflecting, and self-advocacy. Learners update their resume and practice their interview skills.
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
Students continue to enhance their abilities in oral, written, and interpersonal communication essential for thriving in the workplace and in their communities.
This course is designed for the student to participate in a work experience in their selected area of concentration. As a continuation of Field Placement 3, training and expectations will be at a higher level. Students will practice their interview skills and be interviewed by the field placement supervisor or designate. The student will be expected to continue good work habits and interpersonal skills and improved vocational skills that commensurate with their level of skill and ability. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving in the workplace, and having the knowledge of where and when to get assistance in work related matters. Specific learning outcomes are developed at the onset of the field placement with the student's input. Student performance will be evaluated throughout the placement, with a final evaluation at the semester's end.
In this course students are further stengthening their abilities to transition out of the college and on to their next experience. They reflect on their experiences in placement, refine their self-promotion skills, learn to advocate for self in work/volunteer environments etc.
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applications received by February 15 that meet the preliminary criteria listed below will be given first consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until the program is full.
In order to be considered for an intake meeting, the following supporting documents are required:
- Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or a Certificate of Accomplishment, equivalent, or mature student status.
- Demonstration of academic needs that require curriculum modification in order to succeed (i.e. Individual Education Plan (IEP), Annual Education Plan (AEP), Psychological Educational Assessment, or other supporting documentation).
- Two confidential references. Please note: the CICE staff will communicate directly with the confidential references listed on your student application form.
Application information is collected to assess eligibility for admission under authority granted by the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. The College will grant access to members of the admissions committee and others strictly in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. You may direct your questions to Don MacIver at Don.MacIver@sl.on.ca.
An important part of the application process includes attending a CICE information session and participating in an in-person interview and skills assessment. As the selection process unfolds, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- a level of independence which does not require constant support and supervision
- a willingness to participate fully in the program
- ability to participate in programming without risk to health and safety of self and others
- provide transportation, or use the city bus, to and from the college and field placement locations
- communicate thoughts, ideas, and needs clearly and in a focused manner
- a level of comfort using technology to support success
Conditional program acceptance may be granted, pending confirmation of ability and safety to participate, as determined by further individual assessments.
Please note:
- All students in this program will require a Windows laptop. Tablets, Chromebooks, or MacBooks are NOT suitable.
- Students who are eligible for OSAP can apply for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and may be eligible for funding to go towards a laptop or other assistive technology.
Application Process
CICE staff are available to help navigate all of the following steps. You can connect through the email addresses below. The required documents listed in Steps 3 and 4 should also be sent to the following email address for your preferred campus.
| Kingston Campus | Brockville Campus | Cornwall Campus |
| KingstonCICE@sl.on.ca | BrockvilleCICE@sl.on.ca | CornwallCICE@sl.on.ca |
Step 1 - Attend a CICE Information Session. Check the “Events” section at the top of this page for a list of upcoming information sessions (November & January). If you miss an information session, please contact the Program Liaison to discuss options.
Step 2 - Apply to the Community Integration through Cooperative Education program on the campus of your choice through Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) before February 15 for equal consideration.
- This application has a non-refundable fee attached and this fee covers up to 5 programs/colleges.
- If you are interested in applying to CICE at more than one SLC campus, please be sure to rank them in order of your interest.
Step 3 - Complete and email the St. Lawrence College CICE student application form to the program liaison on the campus of your choice before February 15 for equal consideration.
Step 4 - All applicants are required to provide documentation that demonstrates the need for modifications, such as Individual Education Plan (IEP), Annual Education Plan (AEP) Psychoeducational assessment, High School Transcript or other suitable supporting documents by February 15.
Please note: CICE staff will contact all applicants directly about the process for submitting documents.
Step 5 - If the applicant meets initial eligibility requirements, based on documents submitted, they will be contacted by the Program Liaison to schedule an interview and skills assessment that includes an eligibility screening.
If you have any questions about the steps or the required documentation, please reach out to the campus Program Liaison.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Placement
CICE student placements are secured by our Placement Learning Specialist, a member of the CICE team who understands specialized supports.
- Placements are based on the vocational interests of each student and their needs
- Students attend placements each week in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters
- The hour requirements and expectations for placements increase each semester
- Students may be asked to obtain additional requirements for their placement, which will be communicated to the student directly as needed. These may include Criminal Record Check, immunizations, Food Safe Handlers certificate, etc.
Placement Partners may include:
- conservation areas
- childcare centres
- schools
- senior centres
- retirement residences
- restaurants and bakeries
- hospitals
- hair salons
- esthetics studios
- performing arts centres
- print shops
- insurance companies
- a wide variety of community agencies
- automotive businesses
- radio stations
- cabinetmakers
- maintenance agencies
- youth sports leagues
- fitness facilities
- animal grooming businesses
- pet stores
- marketing agencies
- and others
Fees
2024-2025
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating from the CICE program are prepared for a variety of entry-level jobs and volunteer opportunities. Some students may also choose to return to college and enter another college program if admission requirements are met.
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Becky Thomlinson
CICE Program Liaison
bthomlinson@sl.on.ca
613-544-5400 ext.1878
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.