Post-secondary Program Developmental Services Worker - Programa de Trabajo Social

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 offers a strong foundation in the field of intellectual disabilities. As such, Developmental Services Worker courses ensure you are equipped with the critical skills and knowledge to start your career directly upon graduation.

This health program´s curriculum reflects best practices, current and relevant knowledge and addresses up-to-date issues. It emphasizes 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 teamwork
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 are among some of the skills you develop. These skills are 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.

Academic Requirements:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission

Note: You will receive an invitation to attend an Developmental Service Worker admission session shortly after you apply to the program. It is important that you attend the session to make sure that this program is the right fit for you.

Semester Requirements:
A C Grade is required in all core courses.

Field Placement Requirements

After admission, but prior to attending Field Placement:

Most Field Placement agencies require a police reference check (vulnerable sector), a standard first aid certificate and a medical certificate attesting to good health. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

Start Date:Fall

Semester 1
College Communications 1
Interpersonal Skills Development
Introduction to the Field
Valued Social Roles
The Nature of Intellectual Disability
Health Promotion And Personal Well-Being
General Education Elective

Semester 2
College Communication 2
Pharmacology
Supports for Personal Health Care
Community, Family and Role
Introduction to Teaching
Preparation For Practice
Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social Action

Semester 3
Working Effectively in a Small Group
Professional Writing
Universal Design
Field Seminar 1
Field Placement 1
Teaching Skills

Semester 4
Career Preparation
Research Skills
Field Seminar 2
Field Placement 2
General Education Elective

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