Skip to content

This program is not currently offered.

Developmental Services Worker - Apprenticeship

Showing program information for start dates between
Program Code: 06411
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: N/A
Program Length: 3 - 4 years

Program Overview

The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Apprenticeship program is available to all staff working in developmental services, agencies or other organizations such as school boards that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

If you possess emotional maturity, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to community integration, the developmental services sector is looking for candidates like you.

The program consists of 22 courses delivered in a variety of formats including classroom instruction, online and hybrid models.

The sequence of courses depends on current offerings and reportable subjects offered in the school year.

Apprenticeships are not available to international applicants.

Courses Part Time Stream

Curriculum

Quick-Look Availability Scheduler

Use the Quick-Look Availability Scheduler to see available courses in a calendar view and plan towards achieving your certificate.

Compulsory 2023/2024 Academic Year 2024/2025 Academic Year
Empty row Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
DSWA 101: Understanding Human Behaviour
DSWA 104: Community Orientation
DSWA 117: Community Living
DSWA 120: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1
DSWA 121: Human Growth and Development 1
DSWA 122: Developing Interpersonal Skills
DSWA 123: Intervention Techniques 1
DSWA 124: Human Growth and Development 2
DSWA 125: Counselling Skills
DSWA 152: Person-Centred Planning
DSWA 153: Educational Strategies
DSWA 154: Responding to Abuse
DSWA 157: Health and Wellness 1
DSWA 158: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2
DSWA 159: Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis
DSWA 163: Professionalism in Developmental Services
DSWA 206: Human Sexuality
DSWA 213: Intervention Techniques 2
DSWA 220: Sign Language and Augmentative Communication
DSWA 225: Basic Pharmacology 1
DSWA 251: Health and Wellness 2
DSWA 253: Basic Pharmacology 2

Compulsory Courses

DSWA 101 Understanding Human Behaviour
 
DSWA 104 Community Orientation
 
DSWA 117 Community Living
 
DSWA 120 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1
 
DSWA 121 Human Growth and Development 1
 
DSWA 122 Developing Interpersonal Skills
 
DSWA 123 Intervention Techniques 1
 
DSWA 124 Human Growth and Development 2
 
DSWA 125 Counselling Skills
 
DSWA 152 Person-Centred Planning
 
DSWA 153 Educational Strategies
 
DSWA 154 Responding to Abuse
 
DSWA 157 Health and Wellness 1
 
DSWA 158 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2
 
DSWA 159 Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis
 
DSWA 163 Professionalism in Developmental Services
 
DSWA 206 Human Sexuality
 
DSWA 213 Intervention Techniques 2
 
DSWA 220 Sign Language and Augmentative Communication
 
DSWA 225 Basic Pharmacology 1
 
DSWA 251 Health and Wellness 2
 
DSWA 253 Basic Pharmacology 2
 

Your Career

Our program builds on your skills for roles that include:

  • assisting people as community support workers, educational/teaching assistants in a school, classroom assistants in a daycare centre, pre-school resource staff, counsellors in a seniors’ program, residential counsellors, day program counsellors with adults or seniors, and recreation integration workers
  • supporting people who have disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities 
  • supporting people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other special needs

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.

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.
Book An Appointment

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Speak to 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.
Book a Virtual Appointment

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

Domestic Applicants

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

International Student 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.

Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.

About the COIs  

News Feed

FI Students Partake in Annual Recovery Scattered Remains Lab

FI Students Partake in Annual Recovery Scattered Remains Lab

Program Highlights

Thu, April 27, 2023

Humber’s Forensic Identification program hosted the annual recovery of surface-scattered remains lab in collaboration with various community partners.

Read the Full Article
Welcoming Our New Associate Deans

Welcoming Our New Associate Deans

Program Highlights

Wed, April 26, 2023

On February 6th, the FSCS officially welcomed Francis Syms into his new role as Associate Dean of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL).

Read the Full Article

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.

On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.

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

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

Admission selection is based on the following requirement:

  • Academic

    This apprenticeship is regulated by the Ontario College of Trades. You and your employer are required to register through your local Apprenticeship Branch Office of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).

    You will be scheduled for the in-school portion of training by MLTSD. Apprentices who have been scheduled for the in-school training will be sent an Offer of Classroom Training letter from the MLTSD. For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship.

    Required Preparation

    • Grade 12

    For Peel Region, please contact:
    MLTSD – Apprenticeship Branch
    The Emerald Centre
    10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 404
    Mississauga, ON  L5R 3K6
    905.279.7333 or 800.736.7332
    ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario

    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.

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).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

Apprenticeship fees for this program range from $50 - $75 per course.

Fees are subject to change.

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.
loading gif