Webinar Wednesday Recap: Developmental Services Worker
We recently hosted a Webinar Wednesday session shining a spotlight on Fleming College’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program. If you couldn’t join us virtually, don’t worry. Below are some of the highlights from the session, along with the full recording to watch at your convenience.
Fleming College’s Developmental Services Worker program prepares students for meaningful careers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across a wide range of settings. During the webinar, prospective students heard from Fleming faculty and recruitment staff about the program, experiential learning opportunities, placements, career options, transfer credits and pathways for further education.
Why Developmental Services Worker at Fleming?
One diploma can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Fleming’s Developmental Services Worker program prepares students to support people of all ages while promoting inclusion, human rights, accessibility, belonging and person-directed support.
The two-year, four-semester hybrid program combines classroom learning with hands-on simulations, community projects and extensive placement experience. Students develop practical skills while learning how to empower the people they support to make choices, participate in their communities and achieve their goals.
Three Key Takeaways
1. One program can lead to many different career paths
A major theme throughout the webinar was the variety of opportunities available to DSW graduates.
Developmental Services Workers can build careers across health services, social services, mental health, education and community-based settings. Potential areas of employment include group living, community programs, employment supports, dual diagnosis and mental health services, transitional support, person-directed planning, family and independent supports, seniors’ services and educational assistance.
This flexibility allows students to explore different areas of the field and discover where their interests and strengths fit best.
The program can also serve as a foundation for further education. Graduates may choose to explore pathways in areas such as social work, child and youth care, psychology, disability studies, autism and behavioural science, nursing and other related fields.
2. Hands-on learning is built throughout the program
Students don’t just learn about developmental services in the classroom. They have opportunities to practise what they’re learning through simulations, community projects and placements.
On campus, students learn in spaces such as sensory and health skills labs. Sensory labs give students experience with tools and environments designed to support sensory needs and emotional regulation, while health skills labs provide opportunities to practise personal care, mobility assistance, communication, safety and basic clinical support skills.
Students also participate in community projects that promote inclusion and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Placement becomes an important part of the program in later semesters. In Semester 3, students typically spend two days each week at placement while continuing their classroom studies. In Semester 4, students complete two seven-week placement experiences, giving them the opportunity to explore different settings and build significant experience before graduation.
These experiences can also help students build professional connections and explore potential career paths.
3. Your previous education and experience may help you get ahead
Students entering the DSW program with previous post-secondary education or relevant work experience may be able to receive credit for what they already know.
Transfer credits may be available for courses completed through previous college or university studies, potentially reducing a student’s course load.
Fleming also offers Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), which may allow eligible students to demonstrate knowledge and skills gained through relevant work experience. Experience in areas such as group homes, education, long-term care or other related support settings may be considered toward courses or placements.
Students interested in these options can connect with the program team to explore how their previous learning and experience may fit into their individual academic plan.
What if I need additional learning support?
Students who had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or other accommodations in high school can connect with Fleming’s accessibility supports to discuss their needs in college.
Students work confidentially with accessibility staff to develop an accommodation plan based on their current needs. Students are encouraged to connect with available supports and advocate for what they need throughout their college experience.
Fleming also offers additional student supports, including tutoring and Student Success Advisors.
Can I take the DSW program part-time?
Students interested in completing the program on a part-time basis can connect with the program team to discuss their individual circumstances.
Previous education, work experience, transfer credits and PLAR opportunities may all affect what an individual academic plan looks like. Students should also consider how part-time studies could affect financial assistance.
Financial support is available
Students are encouraged to explore financial assistance, bursaries and awards available through Fleming College.
After beginning their studies, students can complete an application through myCampus that considers them for the majority of Fleming bursaries and awards for which they may be eligible.
There are also awards specifically available to DSW students, as well as opportunities students may be able to access through organizations in their own communities.
Check Out The Full Webinar:
HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If this session sparked your interest or you’re considering a future as a Pharmacy Technician, we’d love to connect with you. Our Student Recruitment team and program representatives are here to answer questions, help you explore admission pathways, or guide you toward the right next step. Be sure to check out our upcoming Webinar Wednesday sessions online. We’re hosting new topics in the months ahead and it’s a great way to learn more about programs that excite you.
CAN’T MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR WEDNESDAY EVENT?
No problem! We’ll save video recordings on Fleming’s official YouTube channel. And don’t worry, Program Coordinators are always available to answer your questions!
For more information about Webinar Wednesdays, please contact Student Recruitment.