Development Services Worker Diploma Programs in Canada
The developmental services worker diploma programs teach students essential skills to provide support and care to people with development or intellectual disabilities. The programs are designed in such a way that the students can learn to establish healing relationships with clients and promote their physical, mental and emotional health.
These programs typically run for two years through four semesters and provide students with in-depth knowledge of current issues and developments in this field while helping them build strong theoretical foundations. In addition to this, a wide variety of field placements are also provided to students that play an integral role in their development, enabling them put their classroom learning into practice.
The developmental services workers programs place a strong emphasis on helping students
- Understand the nature of developmental/intellectual disabilities
- Identify personal support requirements of individuals
- Communicate with clients of all age groups with respect and dignity
- Learn the techniques and activities that promote professional growth
- Learn to empower people and bring a positive change in their lives
The learning is promoted through classroom sessions, seminars, team and individual projects, community observations, and industry field placements. The ultimate aim of the program is help students promote independence and physical, mental and emotional well-being among people with intellectual disabilities.
The program graduates are able to:
- Help people in filling valued social roles
- Build natural community supports
- Create valued social roles for people with developmental disabilities
- Provide personal support to people in need
In addition to this, they also gain essential interpersonal, teamwork, critical thinking, facilitation and management skills.
Available Career Options
The developmental services workers (DSWs) are highly regarded in the Canadian society because of the work they undertake. Providing support to people in need in it is an immensely satisfying job. Moreover, it's a stable career option as DSWs are recognized for their valuable knowledge and skills for meeting special needs of intellectually disable people.
Upon course completion, they can be employed with schools, colleges, community organizations, private facilities and special homes as residential service workers, employment support workers, educational assistants, integration facilitators and family supporters. For more advanced career opportunities, students can consider studying further by enrolling in a degree program at the university.
Eligibility Criteria
Those interested in enrolling in a developmental services worker program in Canada must complete their secondary education and possess English proficiency. They need to complete an application form while providing all the required supporting, such as a copy of secondary school diploma certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. Students currently in high school can also apply for this program.
Choosing the Right College
Numerous Canadian colleges offer post-secondary programs in development services worker. Unfortunately, not all offer hands-on experience, which is a necessary requirement for finding employment upon course completion.
Centennial College's program offers a wide variety of industry field placements to students. it incorporates two-days-a-week placements in semester three and three-days-a-week placements in semester four. This helps students put their classroom learning into practice and gain valuable contacts for future.
