Developmental Services Worker
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Community Services
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Program Contacts
Ashley McCulloch
Program Coordinator / Professor
ashley.mcculloch@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Enrich your police service application with post-secondary training
Be the first to experience brand-new cutting-edge courses and experiences that will lead you to a successful career in law enforcement!
With a combination of in-class assignments, guest speakers, scenario training, fitness components, and community involvement, our faculty of former and current law enforcement officers will ensure you are ready to pursue a career in any level of local, provincial, Indigenous, or federal law enforcement.
Students are able to write both their Security Guard license and their Private Investigation licenses within their first year and will participate in various community activities and events throughout their program enhancing their job readiness portfolio.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Guest speakers from municipal, provincial, and national law enforcement agencies
- Physical fitness integrated throughout the program to prepare you for the police services fitness testing
- Multiple opportunities to work with the community through various courses and service learning
- Capstone Course in the final semester, working with the community, enhancing your portfolio through this unique Work Integrated Learning experience
- Ability to write Security Guard License after first semester and Private Investigator License after second semester, enhancing job opportunities and your portfolio
- Certifications in suicide alertness
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent, or mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations:
- Grade 11 physical education (O)
- Computer competency in relevant software
- Any law class
Additional Information
- A criminal record check may be required for volunteer initiatives
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2026-2027
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2026
- Semester 2: Winter 2027
- Semester 3: Fall 2027
- Semester 4: Winter 2028
Program of Study
Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| FIT 1110 | Justice Fitness I | 3 |
| LAW 1101 | Foundations of the Law | 3 |
| PFP 1100 | Private Policing Fundamentals | 4 |
| PFP 1101 | Careers in Community Safety | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 1153 | Social Consciousness | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENG 1202 | Communication for Public Safety | 3 |
| FIT 1210 | Justice Fitness II | 3 |
| PFP 1200 | Transforming Youth Justice | 3 |
| PFP 1201 | Private Investigation | 3 |
| PFP 4010 | Provincial Offences | 3 |
| PSY 1212 | Path to a Resilient Mindset | 3 |
| One General Education course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| FIT 1310 | Justice Fitness III | 3 |
| IND 1020 | Indigenous Perspectives in Law | 3 |
| PFP 1300 | Risk, Reintegration and Safety | 3 |
| PFP 1301 | Community Engagement | 3 |
| PSY 1106 | Tactical Communication | 3 |
| SOC 1302 | Criminological Thinking | 3 |
| One General Education course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| FIT 1410 | Justice Fitness IV | 3 |
| LAW 1400 | Criminal Code | 3 |
| PFP 1400 | Tactical Safety and Defense | 3 |
| PFP 1401 | Traffic Management | 3 |
| PFP 1402 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3 |
| PFP 1403 | Community Leaders Capstone | 6 |
| PFP 1404 | Empathy Based Intervention | 3 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 88 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor and course outlines for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Health Sciences and Emergency Services
Cambrian delivers a compelling assortment of gratifying careers that focus on health and emergency services. Our on-campus dental and massage clinics provide opportunities for real-world experiences with the community. Medical support programs equip you with in-demand specialized skills. And our paramedic, police, and firefighter programs sharpen your technical skills and shape your distinct personality to work boldly on the frontline.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam 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
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
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.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
Related Programs
Applied Learning Disability Studies
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
2 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Community Services