| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Developmental Services Worker
Program Overview
Developmental services workers (DSWs) support people in all stages of life who have a developmental disability. DSWs focus on helping children and adults experience satisfying and rich quality lives as active and valued members of their communities. DSWs have core values which focus on social justice, empowerment, dignity, self-worth, human relationships and integrity.
As a student in this program, you will:
- Learn to develop and implement support plans that encourage the development of meaningful and relevant skills, self-determination, full community participation and healthy lifestyles.
- Learn to work with students with autism and disabilities in a classroom setting.
- Gain the skills to provide family support and build natural connections for people with developmental disabilities. Additionally, you will develop advocacy skills for people with developmental disabilities.
Intakes and Availability
| Date | Domestic Availability | International Availability |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Open | Open |
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
- Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
- Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
- Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
- Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)
Tuition
- Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
- Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)
Semester 1 Courses
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Developmental Disabilities I (DSWD 1500)
- Health & Well Being (DSWH 1503)
- Developmental Psychology (DSWP 1502)
- Introduction to Development Services (DSWS 1501)
- Field Placement Prep (FDPL 1500)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- General Elective Credit (GNED 1000)
Career Options
- Developmental services worker
- Inclusion facilitator
- Employment support worker
- Educational assistant
Experiential Learning
Your learning experience will be complemented by three field placements. These will provide the opportunity to integrate theory with practice in a community setting, under the supervision of an industry professional.
Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates can apply to Durham College’s:
- Behavioural Science – Honours Bachelor (Developmental Services Worker pathway to degree – HBBD) - Durham College
- Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate program
- Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificate program
- Behavioural Science (Honours) Bachelor degree program
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.
Tech Requirements
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements.
- Processor: i3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
- Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
- Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
- Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
- Internet connection
Meet Your Faculty Experts
- Kay Corbier, Faculty Member, Faculty of Social and Community Services (SCS)
Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.
Program Outline
Careers:
- Developmental services worker
- Inclusion facilitator
- Employment support worker
- Educational assistant
Durham College
Overview:
Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships. The college is known for its focus on experiential learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Durham College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers tutoring, workshops, and other resources to help students succeed academically.Career Development:
The Career Development Centre assists students with career planning, job searching, and resume writing.Co-operative Education:
Many programs offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience in their field.Financial Aid:
Durham College offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education.Health and Wellness:
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre provides a range of services, including counselling, health education, and fitness programs.Housing:
Durham College offers on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Student Association:
The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) represents the interests of students and provides a variety of social and recreational activities.Campus Safety:
Durham College has a dedicated Campus Safety department that provides security services and emergency response.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Durham College has a competitive varsity sports program, as well as intramural and extramural sports.Esports:
The college has an Esports Gaming Arena where students can compete in various video games.Student Events:
Durham College hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and guest speakers.Social Media Hub:
The college has a dedicated Social Media Hub where students can connect with each other and stay up-to-date on campus news.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Durham College emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers.Strong Industry Connections:
Durham College has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a variety of resources and services available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Durham College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Full-time Programs:
Diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health care, and the arts.Part-time Programs:
Professional and part-time learning opportunities for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue a new career.Online Learning:
A variety of online programs and courses available for students who prefer to learn remotely.Other:
- Durham College has two campuses: Oshawa and Whitby.
- The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Durham College is a smoke-free campus.
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The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact.
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Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages of studying at Durham College, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to choose this institution.Entry Requirements:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U)
