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 offering falls under the School of Community and Health Studies umbrella and will offer a strong foundation in the field of Intellectual Disabilities. It will also ensure you are equipped with the critical skills and knowledge to start your career directly upon graduation.
The program curriculum will reflect best practices, current and relevant knowledge, and address up-to-date issues. It will also emphasize a deep understanding of:
The life experiences of people who have intellectual disabilities;
The nature of Intellectual Disabilities;
Values clarification;
Analysis;
Critical and reflective thinking;
Problem solving;
Affecting positive change;
Communication and team work;
Personal support requirements and techniques;
Team skills;
Time management;
Accessing resources.
Helping people to fill valued social roles as a part of society, teaching and the provision of personal support will be among some of the skills you will develop. These skills will be applied through in-class, hands-on practice as well as field placement opportunities.
Once you complete the Developmental Services Worker program, you will 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.
Recognitions
This DSW program enables the graduate to fill a variety of work roles (i.e. educational assistant, support worker, residential support worker and employment supporter)
The location of Centennial College enables students to access a large number of Field Placement Opportunities and employment opportunities upon graduation
Faculty within the DSW program is guided by years of study and work in the Field of Intellectual Disabilities and by personal relationships with people who have intellectual disabilities.
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.