Helping Canadians get back to work.

Developmental Service Worker

Program Overview

According to Statistics Canada, more than 60,000 Ontarians have a developmental disability. As a skilled and caring Development Service Worker (DSW), you can help this population to thrive, work and participate in their communities. This program will provide students with a deep understanding of developmental disabilities along with the supporting skills required to help others and build a rewarding career in this social services field.

Career Opportunities

Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is the focus of the DSW Diploma Program. Graduates will work with individuals in their career who require assistance to function in community-living situations and in society. Typically, DSWs are employed by faith- and culture-based agencies, and school boards.

Admission Requirements

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; or be at least 18 years of age or older and pass an entry test.
English proficiency requirement for international students.

Internship Requirements

Medical Certificate
Police Reference Check (Clearance) of Criminal Record
Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification

Graduation Requirements

To successfully meet the program outcomes the student must:

Achieve a minimum mark of 65% in all of the module assignments and exams
Achieve a satisfactory rating in the internship evaluation

What You Will Learn

The course consists of 21 modules. These modules are covered in the classroom and the internship.

Essential Skills
Microsoft Windows
Inclusive Communication Skills
Employment Achievement Strategies
Basic Business Communications
Harm Reduction and Crisis Intervention
Introduction to Sociology
Mental Health & Addictions
Populations at Risk
Support Resources and Community Capacity Building
Law for Support Workers
Self-Care and Team Building
Basic Counselling Techniques
Solution-Focused Intervention Techniques
Family Development, Functions and Social Issues
Introduction to Psychology
Professional Documentation & Case Management
Basic Nursing & Pharmacology
Behaviour Modification
Developmental Disabilities
Internship: The Developmental Service Worker students complete their education with 560 hours of internship experience.

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Provincial Funding

Looking for student aid options offered by your local province? Choose your province of residence below to check out provincial funding options such as grants, loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.