Online full-time programs are offered as either Daytime, or a combination of Evenings and Saturdays. Check your program Dates and Times to see what the program commitment will be.
Start this January and you could win an iPad Prize Pack.* See details.
Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back.* See details.
Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) 2-year diploma program teaches you skills to become a highly skilled professional who will effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across their lifespan.
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 and through hands-on practice of health-care skills and medication administration. This program includes 600 hours of field experience.
The Developmental Services Worker program is also offered part time.
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional opportunities to connect with the field. You will complete 600 hours of field experience 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.
Work-integrated learning opportunities prepare you for your future career. You will apply what you’ve learned in class and in real-world environments through a wide range of academic, community and industry partnerships. These work-integrated learning opportunities may include field experiences, professional practicums and co-operative education.
A field experience offers students an opportunity to engage in intensive experiences related to their field of study or career goals to build their skills, knowledge and abilities. Field experiences may be paid or unpaid.
Programs requiring a professional practicum offer practice-based experience or work hours for a professional license or certification. Students work under the direct supervision of an experienced professional. Placements are unpaid.
Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases.
Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases. The co-op portion of this program is optional.
If you would like to learn more about work-integrated learning at Humber, visit WIL AT HUMBER
PGWP Eligible Programs at Humber
International students interested in applying for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to potentially work in Canada after graduation must ensure their chosen program(s) align with the most current PGWP eligibility requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To help you make an informed decision about your studies at Humber, you can review the provided list of PGWP Eligible Programs including the (Classification of Instructional Programs) for each program as well as a PGWP Eligible check to more easily identify programs that align with IRCC PGWP eligibility criteria*. While this list is meant to support your experience, be sure to verify the CIP code with the most current information on the IRCC website.
Please note that students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not required to graduate in an eligible field of study. Any study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, must graduate in an eligible field of study.
*PGWP Eligibility
The Government of Canada is responsible for determining eligibility for student visa and post-graduate work permits. By posting this information, Humber Polytechnic intends to provide assistance to prospective applicants on a best efforts basis based on the most up-to-date information we have. Federal immigration regulations (including those governing student permits) are subject to change without prior notice to Humber Polytechnic or prospective applicants. Please refer to information posted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the latest information regarding your application. Humber Polytechnic makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees with respect to the information provided on this page. We thank you for your understanding and invite you to contact us with any other questions that you might have regarding our programs.
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).
Some of our community partners include:
Watch our recorded information sessions to learn more about the program and how it can boost your career.
Who is the Program for?
Learn more about the Developmental Services Worker program and if it's right for you.
About the Courses
Program co-ordinator Andrea Rutherford discusses the courses and learning outcomes.
A career as a developmental services worker will allow you to help people with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities across their lifespan. You will use your skills to support people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other needs. You will learn skills to successfully work collaboratively with families and a wide range of community services and professionals.
You can find work assisting people in a variety of roles including:
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 | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Block-based: Students select a pre-set weekly schedule of courses that best meets their needs. Block-Based schedules may include in-person, hybrid and online courses.
Course-based: Students create their own schedule of courses from among in-person, hybrid and online options.
Condensed Week - Courses requiring students to come to campus are scheduled over 2-3 days per week. Online courses are scheduled on other days.
Online - Courses are scheduled only online and may be delivered asynchronously, where students study independently or synchronously, where students attend the online class on a specified time and day.
Twilight - In-person, online synchronous and hybrid courses are generally scheduled after 3:00pm.
Twilight-Online: Online synchronous courses are generally scheduled after 3:00 pm.
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.
DSW Grad Launch
Program Highlights
On April 8th, 2024, the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program celebrated the graduating class of 2024.
DSW Student Receives Community Partner Award
Program Highlights
2nd year DSW student, Ma Angelique Tioseco, received the Student of Excellence Award by the DSW Program partner Community Living Mississauga.
No news at this time.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic 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.
Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.
To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.
*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.
International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.
A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:
Sign Up to be notified of upcoming recruitment events and activities.
Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.
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.
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
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 can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.
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.
Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.
Andrea Rutherford, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
andrea.rutherford@humber.ca
Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.
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!
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.
If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.
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.
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.
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 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:
To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:
or
or
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
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.
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.
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).
The following will be required when applying to prospective placements during the 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.
The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:
Fees are subject to change.
Fees by Semester
Domestic Fees International FeesSemester 1 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $1,351.41 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $58.20 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $2,050.82 |
Semester 2 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $1,351.41 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $1,992.62 |
Semester 3 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $1,351.41 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $1,992.62 |
Semester 4 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $1,351.41 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $1,992.62 |
Semester 1 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $8,153.48 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $58.20 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $8,852.89 |
Semester 2 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $8,153.48 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $8,794.69 |
Semester 3 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $8,153.48 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $8,794.69 |
Semester 4 | 2024-2025 Fees |
Tuition | $8,153.48 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
Total | $8,794.69 |
*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140
$800 – textbooks (over four semesters); costs vary for transportation to field experience sites.
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.
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.
Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.
Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.
Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.
Humber Pathways include:
Humber Pathways include:
Below are a few examples of pathways into this program. For more information on a pathway, click the Details button. To see all of your possible pathway options, click the View All Pathways link underneath the table.
View All Transfer Out Opportunities From This ProgramAdditional information will be made available to students from their program before the beginning of the Winter term. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.
You can find a complete list of programs with downloads including program and course details at Current Student Resources
Students in programs marked as online/in-person will have a combination of those two types of delivery. Additional information will be made available to students from their program in the first week of June. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will: