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.? 

If you’re planning to start college this fall, there’s still time to apply to select programs at Fleming College and secure your spot for September 2026. 

Why starting this fall is a smart move 

Fall is one of the most exciting times to begin your college experience. From welcoming campus events to hands-on learning opportunities, starting in September sets you up for success from day one. You’ll have the chance to join in on the excitement of Orientation, student events, varsity sports, clubs, and campus activities alongside thousands of new students.  

Six programs still accepting applications for Fall 2026: 

1. Developmental Services Worker (DSW): Make a meaningful difference by supporting individuals in social service, community, and healthcare settings through inclusive and person-centered care. Gain hands-on placement experience and graduate ready to work in community and support settings.

2. Police Foundations: Build the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in policing, community safety, and justice services. Train in areas including investigations, fitness, communication, and Canadian law.   

3. Blasting Techniques: Train in Canada’s only college blasting program and develop specialized skills for careers in mining, construction, drilling, and resource sectors using industry-standard equipment and facilities.  

4. Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing: Learn the fundamentals of plumbing systems, pipefitting, and mechanical installations through hands-on shop experience that prepares you for apprenticeship pathways and skilled trades careers.  

5. Computer Security and Investigations (CSI): Prepare for a career in security, investigations, and public safety through hands-on training in surveillance, risk assessment, interviewing techniques, and cybersecurity fundamentals. Gain practical skills for a rapidly growing field focused on protecting people, information, and organizations.  

6. Graphic Design – Visual Communication: Turn your creativity into a career while building skills in branding, digital media, illustration, typography, and design software used throughout the industry. Graduate with a professional portfolio that stands out.

Don’t miss your chance to start this fall 

Your future doesn’t have to wait. Apply now for Fall 2026 and take the next step toward a rewarding career, hands-on learning, and an unforgettable college experience. Visit the program pages above to apply or explore more fall offerings here. 

If you’re someone who finds meaning in helping others—and you're looking for a career that reflects that—working as a Developmental Service Worker (DSW) might be a path worth exploring. 

At Fleming College, the DSW program is designed to prepare students to support individuals with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. But beyond the textbooks and classroom learning, it’s about building real relationships, creating inclusive communities, and helping people live full and independent lives. 

What does a Developmental Service Worker actually do? 

It’s a big question and the short answer is: a lot. 

Graduates of the program go on to work with children, youth, and adults who have disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, acquired brain injuries, or learning and physical disabilities. In this line of work, every day looks a little different. You might be: 

• Supporting someone in a classroom 

• Helping build life skills at home or in the community 

• Facilitating person-directed planning (helping people set and work toward their goals) 

• Supporting someone with employment or volunteering 

• Working at a summer camp or in a recreation program 

• Some even use individualized funding to start their own support businesses. 

At its core, the work is about meeting people where they’re at, understanding their strengths, and helping them navigate systems and communities that aren’t always built with accessibility in mind. 

What’s the program like at Fleming? 

Fleming’s DSW program runs for two years and is offered in a hybrid format at the Sutherland Campus. That means you’ll have the flexibility of online learning with the benefit of in-person labs, simulations, and hands-on activities. 

Courses cover topics like: 

• Person-Centered Planning 

• Fostering Inclusive Communities 

• Counselling Interventions 

• Case Management 

• Intro to Psychology 

In semester three, you’ll begin a field placement and by the time you graduate, you’ll have completed over 685 hours of hands-on experience in the field. That real-world exposure is a big part of why graduates leave feeling confident, connected, and ready to work. 

Bonus perk: Students in this program often get to take part in fun, meaningful activities with the individuals they support—like cheering on the Blue Jays in Toronto or heading out on exciting day trips. 

Why students choose this path 

What draws people to this field isn’t flashy job titles or high-pressure competition, it’s a desire to make a real impact. Students often talk about how fulfilling it is to build trust with someone, advocate for their needs, or be part of small, everyday victories that mean everything to the person they’re supporting. 

The program is grounded in values like dignity, empowerment, social justice, integrity, and the importance of healthy human relationships. If these ideas resonate with you, there’s a good chance you’ll find purpose in this kind of work. 

What happens after graduation? 

DSWs are in demand across Ontario—and there’s a wide range of settings where you can work. Some graduates stay local, while others take their skills across the country or even internationally. 

You might find yourself supporting mental health initiatives, working in school boards, building community inclusion programs, or joining an organization that offers home- and community-based services. There’s even growing opportunity in self-employment, where you can offer one-on-one support through personalized funding models. 

The work can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding—and it allows you to make a meaningful impact every single day. 

Is the Developmental Support Worker program a good fit for you? 

If you're drawn to a career that combines compassion, advocacy, social justice, human rights, and action, the Developmental Service Worker program at Fleming College could be a great place to start. You don’t need to have all the answers now but if you’re curious, asking questions, or imagining yourself in this kind of role, it’s worth exploring further.  

To learn more about the program, visit the DSW program page or connect with the admissions team. Your future career could start with one conversation and one choice to do something that matters. 

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