Developmental Services Worker

Program Overview

Centennial College's Developmental Services Worker program equips students to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various settings. The program emphasizes understanding disabilities, advocacy, communication, and personal support techniques. Graduates are prepared for careers as developmental services workers, support workers, and respite care workers, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Centennial College's Developmental Services Worker program is a highly regarded program that provides a strong foundation in the field of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The program emphasizes a deep understanding of the life experiences of people with disabilities, the nature of intellectual and developmental disabilities, valued social roles, advocacy, critical and reflective thinking, problem-solving, effecting positive change, communication and teamwork, personal support requirements and techniques, teaching skills, time management, and accessing resources.
• Objectives: The program's objectives are to prepare students to support individuals of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities in their homes, at work, in schools, and with their families.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program can work in various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, and community organizations.
They can work with individuals of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Some common job titles for graduates include developmental services worker, support worker, personal support worker, and respite care worker.
• Opportunities: Developmental services workers have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
They can help people to live more independently, participate in community activities, and reach their full potential.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program are prepared to work in a variety of settings and support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
They have the skills and knowledge to provide person-directed supports and services, ensure the safety of people with developmental disabilities, support the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities, employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities, provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities, develop strategies and plans that lead to improved personal job performance and the maintenance of their own well-being, and apply entrepreneurial strategies and skills to allow them to plan for their future and the changing needs in the Developmental Services Sector.