The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program prepares graduates to work with children and adults with a range of physical, intellectual, mental or developmental disabilities. During this two-year program, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to develop and implement person-centered plans and interventions for individuals of all ages and abilities in a wide variety of work settings.

Graduates will be able to use their DSW skills, in a professional manner, to carry out their duties and to support the development and empowerment of the people with whom they work.

Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in work placement settings as part of the program. These placements follow the actual work schedules implemented in local agencies, schools and residential homes. Community-based agencies and programs that offer work opportunities typically deliver educational, vocational, residential, accommodation services, and community living services/skills. Students may, under close supervision, have the opportunity to participate in medication administration while on work placements.

Graduates with at least a B+ average upon completion of the DSW program and two years (or equivalent) of related work/advocacy experience may apply to the part-time Bachelor of Applied Arts (Disability Studies) program at Ryerson.

Double Diploma
To receive a second diploma in Educational Assistant, students can complete additional courses*, as well as an additional placement. Fees will be based on the additional courses and placement. (*see list with Program of Studies)

Program Contact:
Des Quinn
Coordinator
705-235-3211 ext. 2258
quinnd@northern.on.ca

Employment Opportunities

As a DSW graduate, you may find employment with boards of education working with students in the classroom, community-based services, group homes, and other support providers.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U) (Minimum 60% GPA required.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and demonstrate equivalency with English admission requirements. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Postsecondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Additional Admissions Requirements

Other Requirements for Admission to Field Work Placement

• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College
• Proof of current immunization*, including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the Mantoux test is positive), measles and mumps.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. - Level B).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
• A recent criminal reference check - (within 3 months) is required prior to the • start of classes in September.***

* Note: Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements may not be allowed into the field work settings and as such may not be able to complete the placements required for graduation from the program.

**Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Students will not be allowed on placement if documentation is not completed.

***Note: To be eligible for participation in field work practice, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in fieldwork practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Note: Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.

It is important to note that this program requires a field work component. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the student’s own community, when this is not possible, alternate communities may have to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from field work placement sites, parking costs, etc. A dress code is in effect during all lab practice sessions and during the field work component of the programs. All theory and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements. Students enrolled in the Developmental Service Worker program through Contact North or elearnnetwork.ca are required to travel to a designated location during the winter semester in the first year of the program and the fall semester of the second year program to attend an Applied Health Care Lab and the Pharmacology Lab.

A passing grade of 60% is required for all Community Services core courses and electives. To succeed in this program, students must be highly motivated, highly committed and physically and mentally fit. Students must also have the ability to handle the physical and emotional demands required of a developmental services worker. Sensitivity, awareness and the ability to value all people, including those with developmental disabilities are essential to work in this field.

Post-acceptance into the program, a questionnaire outlining previous experience, volunteer activities and interests must be completed and returned to the College prior to admission.

Program of Studies

Semester 1
CM1913 Communications I - Module B
DS1002 FWP Orientation (50 Hours)
DS1014 Intro. to Developmental Services
DS2053 Supporting the Instructional Process I
EC4024 Children with Exceptionalities
HS1012 Human Services 1st Year Orientation (6 weeks)
PS1053 Intro. to Social Psychology
PS1163 Developmental Psychology

Semester 2
AA2063 Autism Spectrum Disorders
CM2913 Communications II - Module B
DS1013 Applied Health Care Skills
DS2000 FWP Orientation (50 hours)
DS2033 Behavioural Support
DS2043 Applied Health Care Lab
DS4063 Health & Nutrition
SW2004 Sociology of the Family
SW2033 Crisis Intervention

Semester 3
AA3001 Fieldwork Preparation
AA3004 Pharmacology Theory and Lab
CM3033 Report Writing
DS3001 Developmental Services Support Skills PRACTICUM
DS3003 Developmental Services Support Skills THEORY
DS3023 Working with Families and Teams
PS3033 Abnormal Psychology
SW3023 Interviewing Skills I

Semester 4
DS4001 Fieldwork Placement

Students wishing to complete a double diploma in Educational Assistant require these additional courses:

Semester 1
EA1003
EA2033

Semester 2
DS4053

Semester 3
EC3053

Semester 4
EA4001 (8 weeks)