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Ministry-approved title: Developmental Services Worker
Developmental services workers (DSWs) support people in all stages of life who have a developmental disability. DSWs focus on helping children and adults experience satisfying and rich quality lives as active and valued members of their communities. DSWs have core values which focus on social justice, empowerment, dignity, self-worth, human relationships and integrity.
As a student in this program, you will:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) two-year diploma prepares students to support individuals with developmental disabilities and autism across all life stages.
Emphasizing values of human relationships, social justice, empowerment, dignity, and integrity, this program equips students with the skills to enhance the quality of life for those they support.
Students will learn to create and implement personalized support plans that foster skill development, self-determination, community inclusion, and healthy lifestyles.
The curriculum includes training in working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in residential, educational, and recreational settings, as well as providing support to families. Additionally, students will develop strong advocacy skills to champion the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Graduates of this program will be ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities, and are typically employed by local agencies, school boards, recreational facilities, and long-term care environments, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling and valued lives.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Your learning experience will be complemented by three field placements. These will provide the opportunity to integrate theory with practice in a community setting, under the supervision of an industry professional. Students may be required to work some evenings and some weekends during their field placements.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. You must (at your expense) provide:
Links:
Qualified graduates can apply to Durham College’s:
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Kay Corbier, Program Coordinator and Faculty Member since 2012, has 35+ years of experience with disabilities. She serves on a local Community Living board and leads the research project "Raising Resilient Families." Kay emphasizes hands-on learning, offering students real-life experiences and simulations.
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