Students who attend the Developmental Services Workers program at Centennial College go onto become educational assistants, support workers, residential support workers and employment supporters.

1. Developmental Services Workers Are at the
Forefront of Community Inclusiveness
Do you believe that individuals who have intellectual disabilities
should be supported in their homes, at work and school, and in leisure
roles in the community? Are you interested in helping to build natural
community supports, networks and valued social roles for individuals
with intellectual disabilities? Have you completed at minimum an
Ontario College Diploma or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older?
In addition, have you taken English 12C or U or skills assessment, or
equivalent? If you answered yes to these questions, the field of
developmental services workers by way of Centennial College may be
for you.
The two-year Developmental Services Worker program is highly
regarded by established professionals, graduates, families and
agencies as its curriculum reflects current issues and developments.
Emphasis is placed on in-depth analysis and critical thinking,
managing and affecting change, interpersonal communication and
leadership skills as well as clarification of values. Helping people to fill
valued social roles, teaching and the provision of personal support are
some of the skills developed within this curriculum. Course work
includes: projects, seminars, community observations, Internet
searches, teamwork and electronic communication. Specific courses
within the program for developmental services workers include:
Health Promotion and Personal Well-Being (actions that contribute to
optimal quality living are discussed along with the importance of
health and well-being for all Canadians, especially those with
intellectual and/or physical disabilities, students and support
workers); Policy and Social Welfare Systems (in particular, social
policy, legislation and the models of service delivery that affects
persons who have intellectual disability in Ontario are explored);
Introduction to Disability (terms and assumptions underlying models
of care and supports and services for every day life challenges for
individuals with disabilities are explored. Social issues of poverty,
abuse, discrimination, oppression and social justice are studied for
their impact on people with a disability); and more.
Students of the Developmental Services Worker program are also
exposed to a wide variety of field placement opportunities, which is an
integral part of the program. In semesters three and four, students
participate in two placements to gain applied experiences supporting
people who have intellectual disabilities within different contexts.

2. Students have the opportunity to take the responsibility for designing
and implementing plans or strategies to teach and support individuals
and/or work with communities. Facilitation and leadership skills,
community development and, positive imagining and competencies for
holistic the personal well-being and community inclusion for
individuals whom students support are some of the areas they pursue
in the placements. Some field placement agencies may require a
criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal
convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program
completion may not be possible.
Lastly, students of the Development Services Worker undertaking will
develop a portfolio documenting their engagement with the College’s
signature Institute of Global Citizenship and Equity. The Institute will
bring together research and activities related to global citizenship and
social justice education at the College. It will provide leadership in
facilitating engagement by faculty, students and staff.
Upon graduation, students obtain titles such as educational assistant,
support worker, residential support worker and employment
supporter.
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Summary: Students who attend the Developmental Services Workers
program at Centennial College go onto become educational assistants,
support workers, residential support workers and employment
supporters.
Author: Here, Jason wrote about the Development Services Worker
program, which complements in-class learning with two different field
placements.
Keywords: Developmental Services Workers