Important Update: Niagara College classes continue during province-wide support staff strike
All Niagara College classes will continue as scheduled, as the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has initiated a province-wide strike of full-time support staff. Picketing is taking place at all campus entrances, and students and non-striking employees should allow extra time and expect delays entering campus. For regular updates, transit info, and status of college services, please visit www.niagaracollege.ca/bargaining
Community Integration Through Co‑operative Education (CICE)
The Niagara College CICE program offers individuals with intellectual disabilities and significant learning challenges the opportunity to immerse themselves in college life while enhancing their academic, employability and social skills.
The Niagara College CICE program offers individuals with intellectual disabilities and significant learning challenges the opportunity to immerse themselves in college life while enhancing their academic, employability and social skills.
Highlights
A combination of core CICE courses and modified electives provides a supportive and inclusive postsecondary learning environment, with additional in-class support from Learning Facilitators.
Field placements offer valuable work experience opportunities while allowing students to develop and enhance their transferable employability skills in a workplace setting.
The program is tailored for students requiring substantial modifications to college-level curriculum. The program is not suitable for those who can navigate college courses and coursework independently with accommodations in place.
Keep up to date with the CICE program by following us on Facebook! Stop by for videos, features and photos of and about our classrooms and students.
Career Options
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in a wide range of industries.
Virtual Information Sessions
To book a virtual information session to hear more about the CICE program, please email the CICE team at [email protected].
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), Certificate of Accomplishment or equivalent, or Mature Student Status
A level of independence that does not require constant support or supervision
The ability to manage transportation to the College and to any field placements or off-campus activities
Participation in an interview to articulate personal goals and determine suitability
Students who have graduated from any college program are not eligible for the CICE program
Pre-Admission Requirements
As part of the admissions process some programs have pre-admission requirements.
Domestic Applicants:
Detailed pre-admission requirements for domestic applicants can be found at niagaracollege.ca/par.
Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.
Program Requirements
CICE Laptop Recommendations
Note: Chromebook notebooks are not recommended for college-level programs and are not supported by ITS.
Cost: Generally between $700 – $900, plus tax.
Screen Size: 14 to 16 inches, unless larger is required for vision challenges. (Smaller screen = longer battery life)
Operating System (OS): Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Processor:
Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor; or
Intel i5 Processor 10th Gen i5, or 11th Gen i5 (12th Gen is newest); or
AMD Ryzen 5 4000 series; or
AMD Ryzen 5 5000 series
RAM: 8GB minimum, but 12GB is better
Storage: 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
Internet Browser:
Google Chrome, newest version (recommended for the CICE program); or
Firefox, newest version, or
Internet Explorer 11
Camera/Speakers: Webcam/built-in webcam and built-in speakers
Mouse: Wireless mouse, if required for fine motor or dexterity limits
Common acceptable laptop brands include Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP and Dell.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with displaying program availability information on our website and are working to resolve the issue. Please visit ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/niagara for program availability information. Thank you for your patience.
Domestic Applicants
Intake
Status
# / Last Updated
Legendfor intake status table
Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
International Applicants
Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2025-2026
Start Term: Fall
Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.
Year 1
Level one$2,626.69
Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,269.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level one Total
$2,626.69
Level two$2,296.69
Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$939.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level two Total
$2,296.69
Year 1 Total:$4,923.38
Year 2
Level three$2,566.69
Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,209.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level three Total
$2,566.69
Level four$2,236.69
Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$879.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level four Total
$2,236.69
Year 2 Total:$4,803.38
Estimated Program Total:$9,726.76
Advanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
Your field placement experience is an unpaid period of time spent in the workplace for educational purposes. Students in the CICE program complete 3 unpaid field placements in Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Your field placements are your opportunity to explore a variety of roles in different fields to help you understand what skills are required at various jobs, what you need to do to be successful, and most importantly, what you may want to pursue as a possible job in the future.
To be approved for this field placement experience, you must have successfully completed all Level 1 courses and demonstrated consistent attendance and punctuality throughout the program’s first term. Students who have not met placement requirements in Level 1 of the program will not be permitted to enroll/take Level 2 field placement (PRAC 1225). Students must also successfully complete each placement before moving on to the next placement in subsequent levels.
Upon successfully completing all Level 1 courses, and with consistent attendance demonstrated, you will begin your first field placement in Level 2 either on-campus or within the community.
At your field placements, you will apply and develop knowledge and skills in a workplace environment. You will enhance the skills and concepts you learn in your CICE classes by applying them in the workplace. These experiences will allow you to enhance your resume and your chances to gain meaningful employment upon graduation. You will also maintain a journal/work log to record your learning and hours at the workplace, which are approved each week by your field placement supervisor.
The principle objectives of your field placement are:
To apply the knowledge and skills developed and practiced in the classroom to a work environment, i.e. community or on-campus setting
To provide you with an opportunity to learn the expectations of the workplace in a safe and supported environment
To develop and enhance your fundamental employability (transferrable) skills required to move into a variety of entry-level positions
To allow you to explore a variety of entry-level positions
To allow you to discover what line of work you are interested in pursuing, and what line of work you are not interested in pursuing
You don’t know until you try!
Field Placement Grade/Evaluation:
The field placement itself is graded (S/U) as satisfactory or unsatisfactory based upon meeting the hour requirements established at the beginning of the placement, the employer evaluation, submission of field placement work logs and field placement documents. All students are expected to achieve the total work hours outlined at the beginning of the term to meet field placement requirements. Any missed shifts must be made up at an agreed-upon time by both the field placement supervisor and field placement officer, in advance.
As with any other class, final grades will be posted to Blackboard when the semester concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect to achieve from a field placement experience?
Your field placement experience is an opportunity to directly apply the skills and concepts you’ve learned in the classroom in the workplace.
Use this opportunity to work on your understanding of workplace expectations, enhance your social skills, ask questions, learn new skills and tasks, and learn a wide range of skills that will serve in your development as future employees. Your field placement experience can be whatever you make it to be!
Consider your field placement an opportunity to audition for part-time employment and secure excellent employment references.
What should I do to prepare for my field placement?
Attend all your Level 1 courses and CICE commitments regularly
Successfully complete all your Level 1 courses
Complete all the mandatory trainings required to go out on placement
Mandatory Training
These are completed in your Level 1 Employment Skills Development course (STDV 1105) and include:
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Workplace Violence Awareness for Workers
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)
Health and Safety Awareness (4 Steps)
Your Field Placement Officer will be available to answer any questions you may have as you prepare to start your first placement in Level 2. If you have questions, ASK!
Are field placements paid?
No. Field placement experience positions are not paid.
In exchange for your work, the field placement supervisor provides a hands-on learning experience that will allow you to obtain your course credit for each of your field placement courses in Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4.
When do field placements begin and end?
Field Placements generally begin in Week 3 of the term. However, during Week 1 and Week 2, field placement start-up activities, including your field placement interviews, will be scheduled when you see “field placement” on your schedule. Your first official shift at placement will begin in Week 3.
Field Placements run for a duration of approximately 10 weeks in length (excluding holidays and Reading Week break). This allows for 1 week at the end of the term if a shift is missed and needs to be made up.
How am I supposed to travel to my field placement in the community?
Students are responsible for all personal transportation and associated costs while attending their field placement.
Your field placement officer can assist with transit planning, and will also ensure that your field placement is accessible by bus, should you be taking public transit.
What should I wear while at work? Do I need to buy a work wardrobe?
Students are responsible for following guidelines for professional attire while on field placement. This will be reviewed in your Level 1 courses.
The student must have a neat appearance and good personal hygiene. Attire will vary depending on the field placement. The student is responsible for buying all necessary attire/equipment needed for their field placement. For example, some placements require steel-toed boots, and it would be the student’s responsibility to obtain this work-related PPE (personal protective equipment) prior to beginning their field placement.
Some common examples of workplace attire requirements are: closed-toed/non-slip shoes, black dress pants, steel-toed boots, and plain t-shirts with no logos.
The required dress code for each student’s field placement will be confirmed by your supervisor at your field placement interview before your first day at your field placement.
What are my responsibilities as a field placement student?
Students are expected to:
Exhibit dependability and punctuality by attending placement on time each week, and staying for the duration of their shift
Attend placement on the day and time outlined in their field placement contract, which is completed before the first day of placement
Work effectively and respect others in a team setting by adhering to Niagara College’s Student Code of Conduct
Meet dress code standards set by the field placement employer
Comply with all field placement employers’ procedures and policies
Exhibit effective organization and customer service skills i.e. telephone manners/techniques
Follow established rules, policies and or commonly accepted professional practice i.e. maintain confidentiality with all information
Perform in a safe manner that minimizes risk to client/customer, self and others
Where can I do my field placement?
Field placement experiences can be completed on campus or in the community with one of our many employer partners.
Field placement experiences are selected to further your understanding of the field of interest or a need to build further skills.
How are field placements arranged?
The field placement officer will spend time getting to know the CICE students in their first term in the program and receive feedback from the students’ professors and Learning Facilitators surrounding students’ skills, abilities and attendance. The field placement officer will also provide each student with a field placement skills, abilities, and interest form that will be used to gather additional information.
The field placement officer will match students with suitable placements that will allow them to capitalize on their strengths and abilities, but most importantly, set them up for a successful placement.
Students may have an area of interest in mind. Although we will do our best to align placements with areas of interest when possible, our main focus is to set students up with a place of work and an employer that can support the students’ workplace skills and abilities.
All student field placements are designed to enhance and support employability skills development, provide workplace experiences that can be included on a resume, and set students up to move into various entry-level workplace positions upon graduation. The CICE program does not focus on industry-specific field placements, but rather on developing transferable employability skill development and enhanced knowledge of workplace expectations.
Can I arrange my own field placement?
If a student has a connection with a community employer and is interested in determining if it could be a possible placement option, the student is to provide all necessary contact information to the CICE field placement officer.
This information must be provided a minimum of 8 weeks before the start of a new semester. The field placement officer will meet with the employer to determine if the employer/workplace meets CICE field placement learning outcomes.
Please Note: Students who bring forward suggestions for field placements may not always be approved. The employer must be able to meet the CICE field placement learning outcomes, and the students must be engaging in a new learning experience.
Can I stay at the same field placement location for all 3 semesters?
Generally, you will have different employers for each field placement term. This allows you to gain various workplace experiences during your time in the CICE program.
However, with that being said, if there is an opportunity to continue to build upon your skillset and to take on new learning experiences at the same workplace location, a student may be permitted to carry on at the same location for a second semester.
Please Note: Students must complete a minimum of 2 different placements. Students will not be approved to complete all 3 field placements at the same location.
What if I’m sick and miss a day?
Attendance: Students must complete a pre-determined number of hours that will be shared before the first day of placement. In the event of absence or illness, students must report their absence to the employer and field placement officer, and establish a plan to make up the missed hours.
Reporting Absence: The student must notify the employer and the Field Placement Officer that they will be absent before the shift begins.
Missed shifts: Students are responsible for making up any missed shifts. This can be completed during the Reading Week break, or the last week of the term. All make-up shifts must be pre-approved by the field placement officer and the placement supervisor, in advance.
Can I change my field placement if I don’t like it?
Each field placement experience will provide students with an opportunity to learn various skills in an environment that is supportive and safe.
With that said, there may be jobs that students find do not align with their interests or goals, or that they don’t like.
With all employment, it is rare that we love all aspects of the role, and there will always be tasks that are not our favourite. This is a part of employment.
The other learning opportunity that comes from completing these placements is learning what areas of work you don’t want to pursue in the future. Now that you have done it, you can confidently say why you don’t want to do it again in the future. You don’t know until you try!
We encourage all students to do their best to get the most out of each placement and take it as a learning opportunity.
Should a specific situation arise concerning a student’s personal safety and well-being, please contact the Field Placement Officer immediately.
If any other concerns are experienced, please contact the field placement officer as soon as possible so a solution can be established to ensure the experience is positive for both the student and the field placement employer.
Unique program breaks barriers for students with disabilities.
The first of its kind in the Niagara Region, NC’s CICE program gives individuals with developmental disabilities and other significant learning challenges the opportunity to experience college life, and enhance their vocational, academic and social skills.
The unique program combines academic and field placement opportunities for students who take core classes as well as academic experience classes, with support from learning facilitators. After completing the two-year program, they graduate with an Ontario College certificate.
Grad spotlight: Kristen Hoekstra is inspiring others (and herself) to dream big
When Kristen Hoekstra was told her in-person class time would be significantly reduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t deter her from relocating to Niagara from Thunder Bay to start the Community Integration through Co-operative Education program.
She knew deep down she was meant to study at Niagara College.
“In my heart and soul, this was the place I wanted to go,” the 22-year-old said. “I researched and was accepted to other CICE programs, but I chose NC because it has the whole package: It has beautiful surroundings, a welcoming atmosphere and I loved the idea of living in the Niagara region. I felt like it was calling me here.”
