Childhood and Youth Studies courses

About Developmental Services Worker in Algonquin College

Enhance functioning of people of all ages with this truly rewarding career helping others.

This two-year Developmental Services Worker Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to support children, youth and adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities, through their activities of daily living, behaviour support, personal care and special education. You assist these individuals as they improve their existing skills and acquire new ones for independence, citizenship and social living.

As a student, you learn strategies for providing support in schools and community settings, in ways that are respectful of the dignity and individuality of each person you work with.

This program prepares you to support people of all ages with various developmental and physical disabilities, and mental health disorders. The Developmental Services Worker program uses both experiential and outcome-based theory to help you prepare to work in the variety of settings in the educational as well as the community and social services fields.

During your program of study you apply theory and skills in various field placements, with opportunities to work as an Educational Assistant and Community Support/Residential Counsellor. These placements allow you to explore concepts from a hands-on point of view. Field placements are crucial when entering human services and help prepare you for work in the field. Throughout the program, you complete a series of field placements, totaling close to 600 hours of work experience.

You may find work in a variety of roles after graduation, including:

• educational assistant
• developmental assistant
• special needs worker
• residential counsellor
• employment specialist
• life skills instructor
• vocational instructor
• family support worker
• support network facilitator

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Want to work in challenging environments which are physically demanding.
• Have fine motor skills required for writing and administering medications.
• Are advocates for social justice.
• Show integrity, are honest and trustworthy.
• Display a positive attitude.

Careers

More than 90% of graduates from this program are employed within six months of graduating.

You may find work in a variety of roles after graduation, including:

• educational assistant
• developmental assistant
• special needs worker
• residential counsellor
• employment specialist
• life skills instructor
• vocational instructor
• family support worker
• support network facilitator

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Conduct oneself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships.
2. Provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
3. Provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
4. Support health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.
5. Employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities.
6. Provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities.
7. Develop professional and personal plans that enhance job performance and well-being.
8. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

Health Requirements:

The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management; physical care and self-help skills of children and adults). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

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