A Developmental Services Worker providing support to a youth client using a laptop

Embark on a rewarding career helping individuals with disabilities

Developmental Services Worker Ontario College Diploma program

100% graduate satisfaction. Small class sizes. Caring, knowledgeable faculty. Lots of hands-on learning. Active community partners/employers.

Program code DSWR
Duration 2 Years
Credential Ontario College Diploma
Program Delivery Full-time +
Part-time
Program delivery method(s) Hybrid +
In person
What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

Students develop the knowledge and skills to support children, youth and adults who have a developmental disability in all aspects of life across the lifespan. Respecting an individual’s right to direct their life, students develop advocacy skills that promote self-determination and assist individuals in the development of skills that encourage independence, community engagement, and citizenship. 

In the counselling and apartment labs, students practice sign language, medication administration, health care skills, counselling supports, and use of assistive devices and technology. In collaboration with community partners, students plan and implement activities that promote inclusion and self-determination. Other areas of study include intellectual, physical and mental disabilities, autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, support options, health and well-being, social relationships, and teaching strategies. 

Students consolidate this learning in fourteen weeks of supervised field placements in their preferred geographical location.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Orillia, Owen Sound

*Program delivery methods apply to full-time programs only. Please contact recruitment for more information about the delivery method at the campus you’re interested in.

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Developmental Services Worker program?

Developmental Services Worker admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR level C or HCP certification before proceeding on field placement. It is recommended that First Aid training is completed prior to program entry.

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Services Worker and Personal Support Worker programs may be eligible for Advanced Standing in the Developmental Services Worker program.

What career paths can I take in developmental services?

Your Developmental Services Worker diploma gives you many career opportunities

Diverse opportunities within the field of developmental services are available in educational, community living, and day services organizations. Job titles include direct support professional, educational assistant, community support worker, community living counsellor, vocational coach, senior’s program counsellor, developmental services advocate, supported independent living counsellor, home care provider, life skills instructor, specialized care provider, employment coach, family support worker, and recreation inclusion counsellor.

Flex MORE. Study Developmental Services Worker part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

  • Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
  • MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What courses are included in the Developmental Services Worker diploma program?

Course overview

19 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
2 Field Placements

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Developmental Services Worker program outline.

  • DEVS 1009 – Augmentative Communication
  • DEVS 1010 – Teaching Strategies
  • DEVS 1011 – Person-Directed Planning
  • DEVS 1019 – Introduction to Developmental Services
  • DEVS 1020 – Community Building and Active Living
  • HUMN 1016 – Human Lifespan Development
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

A Child and Youth Care practitioner engaging in a discussion with a youth client while taking notes

Child and Youth Care

Practise your skills in our interactive simulation labs. Cutting-edge community placements. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.

An Early Childhood Educator (ECE) reading to a group of young children in a daycare centre

Early Childhood Education

Enjoy engaging faculty. Experience exciting, project-based classes. Choose a variety of hands-on experiences in the ECE field.

A group therapy session with the counsellor and five attendees sitting in a circle and chatting

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology

Broad range of counselling theories and techniques. Promote mental health in diverse populations. Strong foundation in research and theory. Field placements to practise skills.

Personal Support Worker in scrubs holding a tablet while relaying medication instructions to an elderly patient in a care home

Personal Support Worker

Develop your skills during placements. Become an integral part of a health-care team. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.

Do you have questions about Developmental Services Worker? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Ways to connect

Open House

Visit us in person at Open House on Saturday, Nov. 16 at all campuses.
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One-on-one appointments

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