
Embark on a rewarding career helping individuals with disabilities
Developmental Services Worker Ontario College Diploma program
100% graduate satisfaction. Small class sizes. Caring, knowledgeable faculty. Lots of hands-on learning. Active community partners/employers.
Part-time
Program information
Program description
Students develop the knowledge and skills required to support people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Utilizing person directed planning, students advocate for self-determination in individuals with developmental disabilities, and facilitate the development of natural supports and opportunities for full community participation.
Areas of study includes intellectual, physical and mental disabilities, spectrum disorders, support options, health and well-being, social relationships, active lifestyles, community building, stages of human development, augmentative communication, pharmacology and medication administration, teaching and intervention strategies, support planning for individuals and their family, counselling, and professional development. Students consolidate this learning in fourteen weeks of supervised field placements.
Intake information
Start date | Campus |
---|---|
Fall 2023 | Orillia, Owen Sound |
*Program delivery methods apply to full-time programs only. Please contact recruitment for more information about the delivery method at the campus you’re interested in.
Tuition and fees
- Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
- You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.
Work-integrated learning
This program includes a field placement component where you will gain practical, hands-on work experience in a setting relevant to your program.
What are the admission requirements for the Developmental Services Worker program?
Developmental Services Worker admission requirements
OSSD or equivalent with
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
Pathways
Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.
NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.
Additional information
Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR level C or HCP certification before proceeding on field placement. It is recommended that First Aid training is completed prior to program entry.
Graduates of the Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Services Worker and Personal Support Worker programs may be eligible for Advanced Standing in the Developmental Services Worker program.
What career paths can I take in developmental services?
Your Developmental Services Worker diploma gives you many career opportunities
Diverse opportunities within the field of developmental services are available in educational, community living, and day services organizations. Job titles include community support worker, educational assistant, community living counsellor, vocational coach, senior’s program counsellor, developmental services advocate, supported independent living counsellor, home care provider, life skills instructor, specialized care provider, employment instructor, family support worker, recreation inclusion counsellor and developmental support professional.
Flex MORE. Study Developmental Services Worker part-time
Benefits of studying part-time:
What you need to know:
Next steps:
What courses are included in the Developmental Services Worker diploma program?
Course overview
19 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
2 Field Placements
Program-specific courses
Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Developmental Services Worker program outline.
- DEVS 1009 – Augmentative Communication
- DEVS 1010 – Teaching Strategies
- DEVS 1011 – Person Directed Planning
- DEVS 1019 – Introduction to Developmental Services
- DEVS 1020 – Community Building and Active Living
- HUMN 1016 – Human Lifespan Development
- Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
- Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.
Your course delivery method(s)
Hybrid
This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.
In person
This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.
Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.
Check out our other related programs
Do you have questions about Developmental Services Worker? Contact us!
Thinking about applying to Georgian?
Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.
- 705.722.5152
- recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
Already applied to Georgian?
Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.
- 705.722.1511
- registrar@georgiancollege.ca
Are you an international student?
Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian.
- 705.722.5158
- international@georgiancollege.ca
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