Developmental Services Worker: (Alternate Delivery)

2022-2023

The Developmental Service Worker - Alternate Delivery program will not be offered in the 2022-23 Academic Year, as the Developmental Service Worker (DSWP) program will be moving to a hyflex delivery. For further information, please see the DSWP program page.

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

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)

Recommended:

• Computer competency in relevant software
• Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U) or (M)
• Any grade 11 biology (C) or (U) or grade 12 biology (U)

Additional Requirements

• Ability to support individuals living life with disabilities in all aspects of daily living such as lifting and transfers.

Overview:

As a Developmental Services Professional, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and dual diagnosis. Students will learn how to effectively use a person centered approach and positive behaviour supports to support behavioural, emotional, mental, physical, and social needs. Students will also learn about the stages of human development, spectrum of disabilities, modes of communication, basic nursing skills, medication administration competencies, and the range of community supports.

In addition, students will learn the value of working within legislative frameworks as it relates to positive behaviour supports, person centered supports, educational supports, crisis management, and the constructing of a safe, respectful, and quality life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support individuals who live life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and dual diagnosis.

Learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through Field Placement opportunities, beginning with a Field Placement block in semester two and continuing with placements in semesters three and four.

The Developmental Services Worker - Alternate Delivery Program allows students the flexibility and choice to attend virtual classes in real time or watch video lecture captures at a time that is convenient for them. All course evaluations, tests, assignments, projects, etc. can be completed on Cambrian's Learning Management System, Moodle.

Students will gain the following skill sets from this program:

• Communication using alternate communication systems: sign language and a picture exchange communication system
• Administration of medications and basic nursing care
• Advocacy for supports and services in the community and educational settings
• Creation of effective informal and formal person centered plans and individual education plans
• Creation of positive behaviour support plans and positive intervention and instructional strategies
• Supporting individuals across the diverse spectrum of disabilities
• Supporting individuals experiencing life with a developmental and intellectual disability to integrate into their community of belonging
• Working collaboratively with inter-professional teams, families, and community professionals

COURSE OF STUDY:

SEMESTER 1

• DSW 1026 Field Seminar
• DSW 1027 Self Care Skills
• DSW 1117 Disabilities Strategies I
• DSW 1125 Understanding Disabilities
• PSY 1135 Issues in Developmental Psychology
• HSC 1136 Basic Nursing Skills
• ENG 1002 College Communications

One General Education course. 1

SEMESTER 2

One General Education course. 1

SEMESTER 3

One General Education course. 1

SEMESTER 4

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker Program make a difference in the lives of individuals living life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities, dual diagnosis, and their families. As a skilled and caring Developmental Services Professional, you can support individuals to live, work, play, and participate in their communities as valued citizens. As a graduate of the Developmental Services Worker Program, you can also make a difference in a variety of classrooms. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a support staff in elementary and secondary school classrooms, to assist teachers and other classroom staff in implementing academic studies and education plans. Your understanding of a diverse spectrum of disabilities, professional competencies, communication skills, person and student centered planning, positive behaviour supports, instructional strategies, and your passion to support others will empower you to build a rewarding career.

Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker Program support children and adults living life with disabilities. This can lead to a range of positions, including:

Furthering Your Studies

Graduates of this program can further increase their skills and expand their options for employment by enrolling in:

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.

Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.

• DSW 1022 Field Work IIA
• DSW 1210 Community Employability Skills
• DSW 1221 Person Centered Planning and Advocacy
• DSW 1222 Positive Behaviour Supports
• HSC 1236 Basic Nursing Skills II
• ENG 1242 Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I
• DSW 1021 Pharmacology for Developmental Services Worker
• DSW 1023 Field Work IIB
• DSW 1217 Disabilities Strategies II
• DSW 1225 Crisis Management and Prevention
• DSW 1230 Autism Spectrum Disorders
• DSW 2310 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment & Treatment
• DSW 2317 Disability and Communication Systems
• DSW 1028 Fieldwork III
• Developmental Services Professional / Direct Support Professional
• Educational Assistants
• Supported Employment Professional
• Independent Contracting Professional
• Respite Professional
• Community Participation / Day Support Professional
• Applied Learning Disability Studies (LDGC)
• Community Health Services Navigation program (CHSN)