Peak College
DSW – Developmental Services Worker
Developmental Service Worker Diploma program prepares students for a satisfying career working with Children, youth and adults who have developmental disabilities. As a Developmental Service Worker, you’ll be responsible for advocating for your clients while ensuring they have the skills, resources, and support needed to be involved, supported members of their community.
The courses will focus on disabilities, mental health, interpersonal skills, counseling, health, pharmacology, teaching and intervention strategies.
Graduates are positioned to work in a wide variety of residential, community and educational settings. Work settings include elementary and secondary schools, private homes, recreational programs, community residences, adult life skills programs. Graduates may also work with people who require behavioral support, as well as with those who experience mental illness or brain injury.
Admission Requirements
General Admissions
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Grade 12 Equivalent
- Mature student with Wonderlic SLE test
- Bring Your Own Device(BYOD): A Mobile computing device
- ID card
Prior to Practicum
- Medical Clearance certificate from a Canadian licensed physician stating fitness
- Negative Police check with vulnerable sector
- Standard First Aid certificate and CPR/AED level C
Program Length
DSW Program Subjects
- Introduction to the Field of Developmental Services
- The Nature of Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Grammar and Writing Skills for the Health Professional
- Communications Disorders
- Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan
- Working with Families and Persons with Developmental Disabilities
- Person Directed Supports and Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
- Behavioral Support Techniques
- Health and Wellness PrinciplesHealth and Wellness Principles
- Dual Diagnosis; Mental Health and Persons with Developmental Disabilities
- Building Community
- Adult Development and Aging
- Essentials of Pharmacology
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems
- Practicum Preparation and Placement I Community Setting
- Introduction to Educational Psychology in Canada
- Paraprofessionals (The Role of the Classroom Education Assistant)
- Individual Education Plan
- Communication Strategies for Inclusive Education
- Professional Development; Competencies and Standards of Practice
- Self-Care Strategies for the Developmental Services Worker
- Computer Basics (Word, Excel. PowerPoint)
- Practicum Preparation and Placement II Educational Setting
