Centennial College's Developmental Services Worker program is highly regarded by established professionals, graduates, families, service agencies and people who have intellectual disabilities.

The two-year college diploma program falls under the School of Community and Health Studies and will offer a strong foundation in the field of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This health program's curriculum will reflect best practices, current and relevant knowledge and address up-to-date issues. It will emphasize a deep understanding of:

•  The life experiences of people who have disabilities
•  The nature of intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilites and Autism
•  Valued social roles
•  Advocacy
•  Critical and reflective thinking
•  Problem solving
•  Effecting positive change
•  Communication and teamwork
•  Personal support requirements and techniques
•  Teaching skills
•  Time management
•  Accessing resources

Helping people to fill valued social roles as a part of society, teaching and the provision of personal and educational support are among some of the skills you'll develop. These skills will be applied through in-class hands-on practice as well as field placement opportunities. As such, the Developmental Services Worker program will ensure you're equipped with the critical skills and knowledge to start your career directly upon graduation.

Once you complete the Developmental Services Worker program, you'll support individuals of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Support can be provided to individuals in their homes, at work, in schools and to their families. Your goal as a developmental services worker will be to enhance the capacity of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to function in all aspects of community living and to support their full inclusion in all aspects of society.

Please note: This program is taught using a combination of modalities. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended/hybrid combination of both online and traditional classroom teaching

As a Developmental Services Worker program grad, you'll have the ability to:

• Conduct yourself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships;
• Provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities;
• Provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice;
• Support the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities;
• Employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities;
• Provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities;
• Develop strategies and plans that lead to improved personal job performance and the maintenance of you own well-being;
• Apply entrepreneurial strategies and skills to allow you to plan for your future and the changing needs in the Developmental Services Sector.

Companies Offering Jobs

Bloorview School, Common Ground Co-operative Inc., Community Living Toronto, Deohaeko Support Network, Durham Association for Family Respite Services, Nabors, Frontier College, Kerry's Place, L'Arche Toronto, L'Arche Daybreak, Richmond Hill, New Visions, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Toronto District School Board , York Region School Board, Durham District School Board

Program Highlights

• School of Community and Health Studies faculty is guided by years of study and work in the field of intellectual disabilities and by personal relationships with people who have intellectual disabilities.
• Coursework will include projects, seminars, community observations, Internet searches, teamwork and electronic communication.
• Focus on gaining skills and knowledge to support career success (e.g. communication, critical thinking, research, collaboration) – practical lab classes and strong theory framework
• Supervised field placements will be offered in Semester 3 (two days per week) and Semester 4 (three days per week).
• The location of Centennial College's Ashtonbee Campus will enable you to access a large number of field placement opportunities and employment opportunities upon graduation.

Career Outlook

• Educational assistant
• Support worker
• Residential support worker
• Family support worker
• Employment support worker
• Job coach
• Community disability worker
• Integration facilitator
• Community facilitator
• Case worker

Education Pathways

Graduates from this Developmental Services Worker Diploma program have the opportunity to applyt their credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.