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Developmental Services Worker

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Program Code: 01101
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Your studies begin with an introduction to the developmental services sector and an overview of the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you will learn about positive behaviour supports and intervention techniques (practising strategies with the use of simulation), person-centered planning, dual diagnosis, health and wellness, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, sign language and augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have experienced abuse. Finally, you will develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and problem solving.

You will also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.

Work-Integrated Learning  

Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional opportunities to connect with the field. You will complete 600 hours of in the developmental services sector with established community partners over the duration of the program.

Students will engage in the first 200 hours of field experience two days per week, over 14 weeks in Semester 2. In Semester 4, students will engage in 400 hours of field experience, four days per week for 14 weeks. Opportunities are arranged with the help of a dedicated field placement co-ordinator and are typically unpaid. As part of the field experience, students will attend seminar classes and complete coursework.


Take a Tour of Our Sim Labs

student standing in the court of justice

Student dusting bottle for fingerprints

Student using the driving simulator

Students in the Therapeutic Play Lab

Advisory Committee

This program’s advisory committee is comprised of people with extensive experience in the developmental services work profession, representing a variety of settings where developmental services workers are employed. Many are also members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD).

Community Partnerships

Some of our community partners include:

  • Addus
  • Brampton Caledon Community Living
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Community Living
  • Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
  • Peel and Halton Acquired Brain Injury Services

Your Career

A career as a developmental services worker will allow you to help people with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities. You will use your skills to support people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other needs.

You can find work assisting people in a variety of roles including:

  • classroom assistant in a daycare centre
  • community support worker
  • educational/teaching assistant in a school
  • family support worker
  • residential support worker
  • seniors support worker

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD)

Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) and its Developmental Services Special Interest Group (DSSIG).

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

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Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Social & Community - Human Services

female typing on a computer

Watch the video to hear what our graduates have to say about the Developmental Services Worker program and how the program prepared them for a rewarding career in the Human Services sector.


News Feed

DSW Student Natasha Stasiuk to Represent Team Canada for the Special Olympics in Berlin, Germany in June 2023

DSW Student Natasha Stasiuk to Represent Team Canada for the Special Olympics in Berlin, Germany in June 2023

Natasha Stasiuk is in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program. She has been playing golf since she was 8 years old.

Read the Full Article
Ken Robertson – Panel Member at Recent Autism Summit

Ken Robertson – Panel Member at Recent Autism Summit

Kennith James Skwleqs Robertson, known by many as Ken Robertson, is a student in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Program.

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Andrea Rutherford, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3311
andrea.rutherford@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Placement Requirements

The following will be required when applying to prospective placements during the program:

  • Medical Certificate of Health
  • Valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)(C)
  • Employers who provide field placement opportunities require students to undergo a vulnerable sector check. It is important for potential students to understand that the requirements noted above are beyond the control of Humber and may prevent students from completing the full program, including the field placement component, and/or securing employment. Applicants are advised to check the requirements for specific positions in which they are interested before enrolling in this program.

Note: A vulnerable sector check will be requested during your program of study. In respect to the 90-day limit on the validity of vulnerable sector checks and the type of checks required by various agencies, please do not attain a vulnerable sector check prior to being accepted to the program. Faculty will support students upon arrival to the program to ensure they apply for the correct type of police documentation at the appropriate time.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $4,118.44
  • international: $17,722.58

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$800 – textbooks (over four semesters); costs vary for transportation to field experience sites.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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