Developmental Services Worker Program
Making a difference in the lives of people faced with challenges
- The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Program is a Diploma Program.
- The program offers a rewarding and fulfilling career in the provision of quality care and support services to individuals with Developmental Disabilities and other challenges.
- It is an eight-month full-time intensive program.
- Instructions are provided in 23 topic areas including job search preparations, presentations and group discussions.
- It has as a vital component hands-on work experience through off-site practicum placements with social services agencies and organizations.
- The program is ideal for those endowed with caring attributes and empathy and who are desirous of making a difference in the lives of people faced with challenges.
- Opportunities for graduates of the program include, but are not limited, to the following: Educational Assistants, Residential Counsellors, Day Program Coordinators, Family Support Workers, Seniors' Support Workers, and Community Service Coordinators.
- The program is delivered by a team of highly motivated, experienced and qualified instructors with robust industry background.
PROGRAM MODULES FOR DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES WORKER PROGRAM
- Module 1: Introduction to Developmental Services
Course Code Description DSW 101 Introduction to Developmental Services Worker Program
An overview of the program is explored with emphasis on the scope of the courses and competencies needed to work in the field of services for individuals with developmental disabilities.DSW 102 Introduction to the Nature of Developmental Disabilities (1)
Students explore the nature of developmental disabilities and their contributory factors. Issues arising from the various perspectives of those who work in the field that lead to different definitions are discussed. The common types and their characteristics are examined.DSW 206 Introduction to the Nature of Developmental Disabilities 2:
Students learn about the more complicated developmental disabilities and their contributory factors. The common types and their characteristics are examined.
Factors of assessment of individuals with the selected types are addressed; e.g. Current concept of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Prader Willi Syndrome, etc.DSW 106 Professionalism in Developmental Services:
Focus will be on attitudes and behaviours that convey professionalism. Special emphasis is placed on avoiding stigmatization of the individuals with disabilities.
Discussion of ethical principles, implications of the legislative acts, discriminating between professional and non-professional behaviours.DSW 204 Family Involvement and Support:
The course focuses on the importance of families and their involvement in the care and life of their members with developmental disabilities. Strategies for the inclusion of family members as part of the team are explored.
Basic family support strategies are addressed and emphasized.DSW 107 Psychosocial Issues: Stress Management, Abuse, Neglect and Workplace Violence:
The course deals with psychosocial issues and concerns in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities, Stress management and caregiver stress, strategies for coping and dealing with stress, reduction of risk of abuse, neglect and workplace violence. The course also includes Quality Assurance Measures Training and Health and Safety Awareness Training. - Module 2: Essential Communication Skills in Developmental Services
- Module 3: Human Growth and Development
- Module 4: Supporting Persons with Challenging Behaviours
- Module 5: DSW Completion Courses