Our Program
Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with special needs.
Our faculty team consists of developmental services experts 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 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.
You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop abilities in working with individuals with limited verbal skills.
Courses Program Standards Part Time StreamSemester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Work Placement
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work practice/field placement opportunities. You’ll complete approximately 600 hours of field practice over three placements. Placements are in and around the Greater Toronto Area and can also be arranged in your community.
After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, the school will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work placements.
Field Placement runs for 15 weeks in semester 2 of first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Internship placements take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours (over two placements) and attend placements four days per week for 15 weeks.
The Humber Experience
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.
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
Your career 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 special needs.
You can find work assisting people in a variety of roles:
- community support worker
- educational/teaching assistant in a school
- classroom assistant in a daycare centre
- counsellor in a seniors’ 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.