Developmental Services Worker
Take on a rewarding career as a Developmental Services Professional where you can make a difference in the lives of individuals living with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities by learning how to effectively support their emotional, mental, physical, and social needs.
You'll first learn about the stages of human development, and the range of community supports available for individuals who live life with a disability. In the following semesters, you will learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, developmental psychology, how to support people with autism, augmentative forms of communication, and prevention of and effective responses to people who have been abused. Through the program, you’ll learn the importance and power of advocacy and how to use your relationship building and critical thinking skills to help individuals living with a disability or dual diagnosis live a safe, respectful, and quality life.
In-class learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through three block placements in semesters two, three, and four. Cambrian College's Developmental Services Worker Program has the largest number of block placements of any Ontario college.
You will come away from this program with many practical skills, including how to:
- Communicate with individuals using sign language and Picture Exchange Communication Systems
- Support individuals to be a part of their communities
- Develop effective plans to teach new skills
- Support individuals living with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities
- Support the families of individuals and work within inter-professional collaborative teams
Apply now!
What's in it for you?
Career outcomes*
- Community Support Worker
- Educational/teaching assistant
- Seniors program counsellor
- Day program counsellor
- Classroom assistant in a daycare program
- Developmental Services Worker
Average Salaries*
Across these career outcomes, salaries in Canada range from:
$33,200 to $44,800
Fast-track options may be available through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and/or Advanced Standing if you have related work experience or a related diploma/degree. There are also opportunities for summer and/or part-time employment with local organizations.
Plan your future
Program starts
September 2023
January 2024
Learning options
- Full-Time
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
For a full list of how your program will be delivered click here.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD policy to ensure a rich and flexible learning experience. Learn more about BYOD by clicking here.
System requirements for Assistive Technology
To access the widest range of Assistive Technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for Assistive Technology: 8 GB of available Hard Drive of Solid State Drive Space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or Headphones for Text-to-Speech and Microphone for Speech Input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Have Questions?
-
-
Looking for transcript information? Click Here