The purpose of this article is to show the similarities between school and work life of the students in the Developmental Services Worker (1207) program at Centennial College.

1. Make a difference in people’s lives as a
Developmental Services Worker
Are you in search of doing something rewarding and meaningful? A good
area to start is by giving back to the community and helping in the
healthcare sector. Before you can officially become a qualified member of
the working professions in that area, you would need to take a relevant
college education. A college that enhances classroom learning with
passionate teachers, industry-standard courses, and hands-on experience is
the place to enroll. All of these fit into what Centennial College has to offer
with its Developmental Services Workers (1207) program. The college
is built with services and mentorship in mind and the program is tailored for
individuals who want to help the community. As future Developmental
Services Workers (DSW), students are trained with the academic knowledge
to contribute to their field placements.
Why choose the Developmental Services Workers program at Centennial
College?
•
•
•
•
•
Students will develop the soft skills required for communicating and
understanding clients and colleagues, while keeping tactfulness and
empathy in mind.
Scientific courses, such as Supports for Personal Health Care and
Pharmacology, are discussed to enable students to be competent
when administering medications, assessing vital signs, and control
infectious diseases from spreading.
Knowledge regarding the history of disabilities and the care needed
for individuals with disabilities are explored in-depth, as it relates
largely to the work of DSWs.
Centennial College’s program faculty have experience working with
clients with intellectual disabilities, passing on their knowledge and
guidance to their students
The postsecondary institution helps students progress their learning
by allowing eligible graduates to attain a Bachelor of Applied Arts in
Disability Studies degree in two years with its university partner
The program ensures that students are able to respond to the needs of their
clients as they embark their journey to the workplace upon graduation. The
learning outcomes of the program arereflected on the responsibilities of
Developmental Services Workers. Students can expect to complete the
following job duties at the start of their career:

2. •
•
•
•
•
Provide assistance to clients with special needs with their day-to-day
activities, varying from changing dressings to monitoring their health
Prepare meals and menu, with specialized diets for certain clients
Administer correct medications on time and keep track of the client’s
vital signs
Complete housekeeping activities to ensure a safe and clean living
standards for the clients
Supervise clients living in group homes, ensuring that they have
nutritional meals, balanced health, and engaging daily programs
The technical skills involving the day-to-day responsibilities of
Developmental Services Workers can be taught in other schools but
Centennial College emphasizes on inclusion and diversity, starting with its
student population. The Developmental Services Worker program is a
valuable milestone in a path of community involvement and satisfying
career. Students are skilled and experienced as they enter the workforce in
the community services and healthcare sectors.