Developmental Services Worker

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Developmental Services Worker

The Developmental Services Worker program focuses on providing practical and meaningful services and support with individuals of all ages who have intellectual, physical and learning disabilities with a focus on human rights social justice, community inclusion and health.

Program Information

Start Date

September 02, 2025

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Accepting Applications

CIP Code

19.0710

Program Code

DSW

Delivery

Hybrid, In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Contact

Ann Hines

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$2499.6 per semester*

International Tuition

$8826.1 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

View Curriculum

January 05, 2026

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

CIP Code

19.0710

Program Code

DSW

Delivery

Hybrid, In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Contact

Ann Hines

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$2499.6 per semester*

International Tuition

$8826.1 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

Gradates of the Developmental Services Worker program have the specialized knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes to support the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities and their family. They demonstrate leadership in promoting social inclusion and helping people live their best lives. Graduates provide support and services to children, youth, and adults with various intellectual disabilities, such as autism, neurocognitive disorders, down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, acquired brain injury, physical disabilities or learning disabilities.

These four semesters (two years) give students the knowledge and skills required for professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of children, youth and adults who have disabilities, and their support network, at home and in their communities. This includes specific skills to support people with disabilities in schools, recreation, mental health and addictions, the justice system, employment support and other places in our communities. Students also have the option to focus more on First nations, Inuit and Metis peoples through the Indigenous Perspectives Designation. Curriculum and field placements align with provincial and industry standards for the developmental services sector and is:

  • Focused on person-centered, strength-based assessments and develop strategies for individuals, their families, and community inclusion.
  • Grounded in professional competencies, ethics and values such as social justice, empowerment, dignity, self-worth, the importance of healthy human relationships, and integrity.
  • Dynamic with hands-on and applied learning labs, simulation, and community-based projects.
  • Connected to organizations that hire graduates with 685 hours in field placements beginning in semester 3
  • Responsible through sustainability outcomes

Are you working in an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities and have related education (Personal Support Worker, Educational Support, Social Service Worker, etc.)? Contact us for more information about how your education and experience may reduce the time it takes to complete the Developmental Services Worker diploma. You can also use our “Fast Pass” to see if you qualify for course credits through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

  • Small class sizes and individual attention enhance your learning experience
  • Applied learning projects in partnership with local agencies allows for hands-on skill building in developmental services, contribution to the community and professional networking
  • In-depth training, academic and work placement experience necessary to be successful in this rewarding field
  • You will be supported by our knowledgeable and caring faculty who are experts in the developmental service field
  • See what DSW students are up to by following us on Facebook
  • Learn basic food safety and food preparation skills to prepare you for teaching life skills and supporting the wellbeing of people you work with.

An essential component of your education will include experiential learning through course work as well as field placements. Three supervised field placements provide students with varied practical and networking experience where many students receive job offers. Students also have the option of international placements in their fourth semester; however, this should be discussed with the program coordinator as early as possible (and prior to the end of semester 2) in order to assist in facilitating it.

Career Opportunities providing supports and services to those with intellectual or physical disabilities is highly rewarding work. There is a shortage of skilled and qualified workers to meet the demand in the developmental services and disability sectors, as well as related employment.​

For greater employability options, a Class G Drivers license prior to graduation is highly recommended. Graduates will have the required expertise to work with people of all ages in a variety of diverse settings in Ontario, across Canada or abroad, including:

  • Mental health/Dual Diagnosis
  • Self-employment through individualized funding
  • Facilitating Person-Directed Planning
  • Educational Support in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools
  • Employment supports
  • Community inclusion initiatives and teaching life skills
  • Home based supports.
  • Behavioural supports
  • Various camps

Program graduates can be employed in a variety of locations, including:

These qualities are helpful for a Developmental Service Worker:

  • Change maker
  • Emotional Maturity
  • Empathy
  • Self-Awareness
  • Passionate About Human Rights and inclusion
  • Creative
  • Problem Solver

Do You Want To:

  • Make a difference every day?
  • Have variety in the work I can do and opportunities for new roles/ advancement?
  • Have a rewarding job but be challenged at the same time?
  • Find part-time work in my chosen career by second semester?
  • Help people live their best lives?
  • Have fun in your job?

Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with a program coordinator prior to admissions.

Immunization Requirements

Your program has mandatory immunization requirements that include a "pre-entry" deadline date for submission. For more information, and to print a copy of the immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

Non Academic Requirements

Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.

  • Conduct oneself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships.
  • Provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
  • Support health and well-being of people with developmental 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 own well-being.

Students applying to Developmental Services Worker must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD including Gr 12 C English

Recommended (but not required for admission)

  • Note that students are encouraged to use their time during their diploma to obtain their G driver’s license. Employers are often looking for students who have or are close to obtaining their license and it is an asset for employment.

PC / Windows

  • Operating System:
    Windows 10
  • Processor:
    Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
  • Memory:
    8GB minimum
  • Hard Disk:
    160GB minimum

Apple / MacOS

  • Operating System:
    MacOS 10.12 or newer
  • Processor:
    Core i5 6th Gen or better
  • Memory:
    8GB minimum
  • Hard Disk:
    160GB minimum

Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)

Students are required to have their own computer, internet access, webcam and microphone.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Behavioural Science
Requirement
  • Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 24 out of a 114-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Durham College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Child, Youth and Family Practice (3YR)
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • The program is offered face-to-face (Logan campus).
Transfer Credit
  • 120 credit points out of a 240 credit point degree.
  • Review the articulation agreement for further details.

To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Human Services (3Yr)
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • The program is offered face-to-face (Gold Coast campus or Logan campus) or online.
Transfer Credit
  • 120 credit points out of a 240-credit point degree.
  • Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.

To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Behavioural Science
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • Possess ENG4U (Grade 12 University English) or equivalent with a course grade of 65%.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Humber College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • Possess ENG4U (Grade 12 University English) or equivalent with a course grade of 65%.
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Humber College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Social Work
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
  • Minimum 70% (or 'P') in field placements.
Transfer Credit
  • 5 out of a 20-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Lakehead University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Arts (General) in Gerontology
Requirement
  • Minimum 80% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 42 out of a 90-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Laurentian University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Social Work in Indigenous Social Work
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 42 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Laurentian University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Nipissing University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Social Work
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
  • Students must apply for admission consideration to the professional years (Years 3 & 4) of the program. Admission to the first or second year of the Bachelor of Social Work program does not guarantee acceptance into the professional years.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Nipissing University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
  • Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
  • Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies
Requirement
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative program Grade Point Average (GPA).
  • The diploma must include a one-year introductory university-level humanity or social science course or equivalent.
  • A personal letter explaining how attending this program will benefit the applicant and Disability Communities. The letter should not exceed two pages, double spaced.
Transfer Credit
  • Refer to TMU's website for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Toronto Metropolitan University website for further articulation and program information.

Bachelor of Arts
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Based on transfer credits received, students are encouraged to enroll in the following programs for a smoother transition to Trent: Anthropology, Archaeology, Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, English Literature, History, Indigenous Studies, International Development Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Policing and Community Well-being, Political Studies, or Social Work.
Transfer Credit
  • 5.0 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2019 - January 2023).
  • 6.0 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2023 - January 2024).
  • 6.5 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2024 - Present).
  • 7.0 out of a 20-credit degree with completion of the Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) for Cohort: Fall 2024 - Present.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 10 out of a 20-credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the University of Guelph-Humber website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

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CIP: 43.0100

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