Skip to content

Developmental Services Worker

Credential: Diploma Program Code: 01101 Length: 4 semesters

Programs Starting Between:

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
    • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
    • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

or

or

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 WES or ICAS evaluation.

For further information, see Admission Requirements.

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 program eligibility.

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.

Selection: Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

 

Post-Admission Requirements:

Note: The following additional requirements are not program admission requirements.  However, they will be required when applying to prospective placements during the program.

  • Medical Certificate of Health
  • Valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)(C)
  • Employers who provide field placement opportunities require students to undergo a vulnerable sector check. It is important for potential students to understand that the requirements noted above are beyond the control of Humber and may prevent students from completing the full program, including the field placement component, and/or securing employment. Applicants are advised to check the requirements for specific positions in which they are interested before enrolling in this program.

Note: A vulnerable sector check will be requested during your program of study. In respect of 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.

Date Location Availability International Student Availability
September 2018LakeshoreClosedClosed

The 2018-2019 fee for 2 semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,922.70
  • international: $14,964.00

Fees are subject to change.

Additional Costs

$800 – textbooks (over four semesters); costs vary for transportation for field placement, field trips and crisis intervention training.

Fees by Semester 

Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of scholarships each year.

Learn more >

Humber Degree Pathways

Complete your degree with us. Humber's degrees are designed with our diploma graduates in mind. We'll give you credit for what you've already learned and help you take the next step in less time. Humber also awards a $2500 degree scholarship to diploma graduates with a program grade point average of 80% or more.

Graduates may be considered for admission to:

Behavioural Science, Bachelor of 

Graduates with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent or more may be considered for admission. Graduates may then complete the degree with the equivalent of six semesters of full-time study plus a work term.  Successful applicants must also possess:

  • ENG4U or Humber’s WRIT 100 or 200 level course, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of 65 per cent.

Admission will be based on availability in the program.

*The advanced standing outlined is a general guideline. Diploma graduates may be required to take courses in lower semesters in order to meet the overall degree learning outcomes.

 

Start Date: Fall

View Program 

Community Development, Bachelor of 

Graduates with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent or more may be considered for admission. Graduates may then complete the degree with the equivalent of six semesters of full-time study plus a work term. Successful applicants must also possess:

  • ENG4U or Humber’s WRIT 100 or 200 level course, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of 65 per cent.

Admission will be based on availability in the program.

*The advanced standing outlined is a general guideline. Diploma graduates may be required to take courses in lower semesters in order to meet the overall degree learning outcomes.

 **Block Semester Available Fall 2018

View Program 

Transferring from Another College or University

Details on transferring credits or credentials from another college or university or how to apply for credit based on prior work or life experience.

Learn more >

Future Study Options

Humber has a number of transfer agreements with other postsecondary institutions (within Canada and around the world) that enables students and graduates to use their Humber credential to gain advanced standing in another program.

Bachelor of Applied Management 

Credential Opportunity: Diploma to Degree
Location: Saint John, NB
Institution(s): University of New Brunswick

Graduates of any two-year diploma program at Humber who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 70% or greater will be eligible to enter year three of the 4-yr Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) at the University of New Brunswick. Depending on the diploma program, students may be exempted from study in certain courses and therefore, requested to take alternate courses offered by the Faculty of Business.

For further information, contact:

Anne Marie Stephen
stephen@unb.ca

www.unb.ca/academics/programs/applied-management/general-business.html

www.unb.ca/academics/programs/

Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology OR Bachelor of Arts, Major in Applied Psychology 

Credential Opportunity: Diploma to Degree
Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec
Institution(s): Bishop's University

Bishop's University invites graduates of Humber's Developmental Services Worker Diploma to apply for advanced credit towards a Bachelor of Arts with majors in either Psychology or Applied Psychology. Students who have earned a GPA of 75-79.9% may be granted a total of 30 credits towards a 120-credit program. Students who have earned a GPA of 80% or greater may be granted a total of 45 credits towards a 120-credit program. No credits will be awarded in the case of incomplete programs or if the GPA is under 75%.

For further information, contact:

Sophie Mailhot, Admissions Officer
819.822.9600 x 2096
smailhot@ubishops.ca

www.ubishops.ca/future-current-students/admission-process/college-transfer-students/

Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.

University of Guelph-Humber Partnerships

Qualified graduates may be eligible for transfer to the University of Guelph-Humber.
Learn more >

Humber Ontario Graduate Certificates

Humber offers a number of Ontario graduate certificates to help take your education further.

Ontario Graduate Certificates >

Ontario Transfer Options

Visit ONTransfer >

Program Contact(s)

Full-time:

Andrea Rutherford, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3311
andrea.rutherford@humber.ca

Continuing Education:

416.675.6622 ext. 3335
ce-sscs@humber.ca

Admissions

416-675-5000
enquiry@humber.ca

International Students

Phone 1-416-675-5067
international@humber.ca

Have questions about Humber?

Book a Tour

I am a Canadian Citizen/Landed Immigrant

I am a ...

First Name:

Do not populate:

Last Name:

Email:

Question

Apply to Humber

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 or ontariocolleges.ca.

Admission Road Map >

Apply through Ontario Colleges >

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Apply through the International Centre >

Close

Fees by Semester

Semester 1Domestic FeeInternational Fee*
Total$1,961.35$7,272.00
Tuition$1,501.57$6,812.22
Mandatory Non-Tuition$459.78$459.78
Lab/Materials$0.00$0.00
Co-op/Placement$0.00$0.00

 

Semester 2Domestic FeeInternational Fee*
Total$1,961.35$7,272.00
Tuition$1,501.57$6,812.22
Mandatory Non-Tuition$459.78$459.78
Lab/Materials$0.00$0.00
Co-op/Placement$0.00$0.00

 

Semester 3Domestic FeeInternational Fee*
Total$1,961.35$7,272.00
Tuition$1,501.57$6,812.22
Mandatory Non-Tuition$459.78$459.78
Lab/Materials$0.00$0.00
Co-op/Placement$0.00$0.00

 

Semester 4Domestic FeeInternational Fee*
Total$1,961.35$7,272.00
Tuition$1,501.57$6,812.22
Mandatory Non-Tuition$459.78$459.78
Lab/Materials$0.00$0.00
Co-op/Placement$0.00$0.00

*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140

Close

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 Stream

Curriculum

Quick-Look Availability Scheduler
Compulsory Courses20182019
JASONDJFMAMJJA
DSW 101: Understanding Human Behaviour  
DSW 111: Intervention Techniques 1  
DSW 112: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1  
DSW 113: Community Orientation  
DSW 114: Human Growth and Development  
DSW 140: Interpersonal Communication  
DSW 153: Educational Strategies  
WRIT 100: College Reading and Writing Skills  
DSW 152: Person-Centred Planning  
DSW 154: Responding to Abuse  
DSW 157: Health and Wellness 1  
DSW 158: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2  
DSW 159: Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis  
DSW 160: Field Placement  
DSW 161: Field Placement Seminar  
DSW 163: Professionalism in Developmental Services  
DSW 201: Human Sexuality  
DSW 217: Autism and Other Complex Needs  
DSW 218: Sign Language and Augmentative Communication  
DSW 219: Community Building  
DSW 220: Basic Pharmacology 1  
DSW 221: Intervention Techniques 2  
DSW 224: Interpersonal Relationships and Problem Solving  
GNED 101: An Introduction to Arts and Sciences  
WRIT 200: Workplace Writing Skills  
DSW 251: Health and Wellness 2  
DSW 252: Home and Community Practicum  
DSW 253: Basic Pharmacology 2  
DSW 254: Life Skills/Seniors Practicum  
DSW 256: Education and Employment Support Practicum  
DSW 257: Integrative Seminar  

Semester 1

DSW 101: Understanding Human Behaviour DSW 111: Intervention Techniques 1 DSW 112: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1 DSW 113: Community Orientation DSW 114: Human Growth and Development DSW 140: Interpersonal Communication DSW 153: Educational Strategies WRIT 100: College Reading and Writing Skills

Semester 2

DSW 152: Person-Centred Planning DSW 154: Responding to Abuse DSW 157: Health and Wellness 1 DSW 158: Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2 DSW 159: Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis DSW 160: Field Placement DSW 161: Field Placement Seminar DSW 163: Professionalism in Developmental Services

Semester 3

DSW 201: Human Sexuality DSW 217: Autism and Other Complex Needs DSW 218: Sign Language and Augmentative Communication DSW 219: Community Building DSW 220: Basic Pharmacology 1 DSW 221: Intervention Techniques 2 DSW 224: Interpersonal Relationships and Problem Solving GNED 101: An Introduction to Arts and Sciences WRIT 200: Workplace Writing Skills

Semester 4

DSW 251: Health and Wellness 2 DSW 252: Home and Community Practicum DSW 253: Basic Pharmacology 2 DSW 254: Life Skills/Seniors Practicum DSW 256: Education and Employment Support Practicum DSW 257: Integrative Seminar


Close

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 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 June 29, 2018, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Both names may appear on this website.