Diploma in Developmental Services Worker
- Toronto, Canada
- London, Canada
Diploma
DURATION
60 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Developmental Service Worker program is a two-year Ontario college diploma for students interested in having a direct impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities. You will become a highly skilled practitioner able to deliver person-directed support through courses that promote mental and physical health, develop interpersonal and interprofessional skills and foster independence and positive behaviour supports. New graduates are employed as direct supports professionals or educational assistants.
Your Learning Experience
If you believe that having a positive and direct impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities is a career worth pursuing, then the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program is designed for you.
Students will become highly skilled and reflective practitioners while supporting people of all ages to live as independently as possible, while promoting inclusive communities. Your courses will be dynamic with a focus on mental and physical health, interpersonal skills, teaching and positive behaviour supports. You'll learn how to collaborate and build relationships with family members, and to work with the diverse network of professionals who support people with developmental disabilities.
With nearly 700 hours of field experience with community agencies and school partners, you’ll gain the first-hand experience and confidence necessary for success as a developmental support worker.
You'll also have the opportunity to transfer credits for further education at universities such as Ryerson, Windsor, Calgary and Western.
CIP Code: 19.0707
Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- Developmental Disabilities 2
- Developmental Psychology
- Reason & Writing 1 for Community Studies
- Developmental Disabilities 1
- Philosophy of Support
- Health & Wellness 1
- Professionalism 1
- Teaching & Learning in Dev Services 1
Level 2
Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course.
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
Group 1
- Communications for Community Studies
- Health & Wellness 2
- Professionalism 2
- Person-Directed Plans
- Positive Behaviour Interventions 1
- Teaching & Learning Dev Services 2
Group 2
Take the following mandatory course: (minimum grade B)
- Pharmacology in DSW
Level 3
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
Group 1
- Health & Wellness 3
- Field Placement 1
- Professionalism 3
- Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis
Group 2
Take the following mandatory course: (minimum grade C)
- Abuse
Level 4
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
Group 1
- Health & Wellness 4
- Community Building
- Field Placement 2
- Augmentative Communication
- Social Services
Group 2
Take the following mandatory course: (minimum grade C)
- Positive Behaviour Interventions 2
Gen Ed - Elective
Take 3 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Level 2
Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 22 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program.
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Development Services Worker program will be employed within community-based agencies and board of education to support persons with developmental disabilities by promoting life skills, education, employment and leisure support. Graduates are also trained in counselling, advocacy, health and pharmacology.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Development Services Worker program:
- Developmental Service Worker - Provide a high quality of service and support to people with developmental disabilities by striving to promote and facilitate community inclusion, meaningful participation and full citizenship.
- Service Navigator - Work with individuals, their families and community agencies to address the needs of adults living with a developmental disability and/or seeking developmental services to address a diagnosis.
