Our Program
Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) – Accelerated diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with special needs.
You’ll be taught by developmental services experts who are active in the field, in classes with comparatively low student to teacher ratios. Our curriculum is designed with input from the developmental services field ensuring courses are current and relevant.
You’ll begin your studies by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism, augmentative forms of communication and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling.
Note: Optional information sessions may be held throughout the year for applicants who wish to learn more about the program.
Courses Program StandardsSemester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Work Placement
We offer a wide range of innovative and traditional placement opportunities. Program faculty will consult with you regarding your interests and preferences and then refer you to specific agencies, many located in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Placements can also be arranged within your own communities. During your second semester, you’ll complete 20 days of placement. Third-semester placement is seven weeks in length and takes place from May to June.
The Humber Experience
Watch the video to find out more about the Developmental Services Worker program and how it prepares graduates for work in the Human Services sector.
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 who have disabilities live, work and participate in their communities. You will learn to support people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other special needs and will find work in a variety of roles:
- community support worker
- educational/teaching assistant in a school
- classroom assistant in a daycare centre
- counsellor in a senior’s program
- residential counsellor
- community agency and family workers.
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) and its Developmental Services Special Interest Group (DSSIG).
Additional requirements and/or costs 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.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained in 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.