As a Developmental Services Worker (DSW), you will assist people with disabilities to live as valued, contributing members of the community. By providing support and advocacy, you will work towards full inclusion for the betterment of the entire community. The program curriculum promotes individualized and inclusive approaches, reflective of innovative practices in the field. The distance option through online delivery enables students to complete the entire program via distance full-time or part-time and to complete field placements tailored to students’ individual geographical location.
Diploma requirements must be completed within 5 years of starting the program.
Find your career
Developmental services workers support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. Loyalist grads find rewarding positions:
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Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence.
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In community agencies as residential counsellors and vocational coaches, helping people find meaningful activities.
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In schools as educational assistants and with not-for-profit organizations.
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As activation directors in residential programs and long-term care facilities.
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Providing respite support for families.
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Average starting salaries range from $35,000 to $39,999.*
*Source: Employment Profile Provincial Report, Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Is DSW for you?
People who do well in this program are all ages and come from many different backgrounds. What they have in common are:
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A desire to work with people in a caring and compassionate profession.
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An interest in social justice.
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In many cases, a personal connection to someone with a disability – often a friend, family member, colleague or classmate.
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An open mind about what people can contribute and achieve.
PROGRAM ENTRY:
Refer to "Important Dates" link for specific dates
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Required academic preparation
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OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent, AND
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Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
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Mature applicant (19 years of age or older) with successful Accuplacer testing Contact act@loyalistcollege.com for information about Accuplacer testing.
HOW TO APPLY:
**NEW STUDENTS** You must apply for this program through Ontario College Application Services (OCAS), click here.
**RETURNING STUDENTS** Please ensure you have enrolled in the DSW Distance Community Hub and complete the Course Selection form if you plan on taking courses in the Winter 2025 semester (The form will become available Mid-November).
Additional requirements
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Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification.
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If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field placement; please contact the Placement Coordinator to discuss your options.
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All DSW field placements are block placements, six hours per day, two to three days per week. Students entering the program must be able to arrange their schedules to accommodate these blocks. Up-to-date immunizations and a current police record check are required prior to placement.
OSAP:
Those accessing OSAP must apply and be approved first before being able to register for courses (full time OSAP – 4 or more courses/part time OSAP 2 - 3 courses).
Out-of-province residents may make an application for financial assistance to the appropriate government department of their home province. The address can be obtained from the financial aid office at the university or college in their home area or from the Loyalist College Financial Assistance Office at 613-969-1913, ext. 2425 or 2226.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
1.
Courses will be made available on the course start date
Diploma requirements are listed in the Program Manual. Click on the How To Get Started link for access.
If you still have questions, please email cedsw@loyalistcollege.com or contact 613-969-1913 or 1-888-569-2547 ext. 2892.
REQUIRED COURSES:
Program of Study
Take Courses in Listed Order – unless alternate order has been approved by program administrators. *Pre-requisites and co-requisites required (see program Information Guide).
BLOCK 1
COMM 1048
College Writing Skills
DSWP 1019
Philosophy of Support
*DSWP 1014
The Evolution of Developmental Services
*DSWP 1018
Valued Social Roles
DSWP 1025
Nature of Disabilities 1
PROF1032
Professional Practice
GNED
Becoming a Global Changemaker
BLOCK 2
*DSWP1021
Standards of Practice
*DSWP1022
Person Centred Planning
DSWP1020
Positive Behaviour Supports
*DSWP1023
Teaching Strategies
*DSWP1026
Nature of Disabilities 2
*WKPL1026
Field Placement 1
BLOCK 3
DSWP2016
Disability & Ethical Issues
DSWP2020
Inclusive Practice
*DSWP2015
Medication Administration (Pharmacology for DSWs)
*DSWP2014
Promoting Health & Wellbeing
*WKPL2047
Field Placement 2
General Education Course
BLOCK 4
**PROF2013
DSW Career Prep (not required for students who have completed PROF1032)
*DSWP2019
Leadership & Change
*DSWP2018
Supporting Families
*WKPL2018
Field Placement 3
General Education Course
Disclaimer: Applicants must meet all admission requirements, including pre-requisites and co-requisites.
Explore our course descriptions to find detailed information on all available courses for the Fall 2024 semester: Course Descriptions.
