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 date	Campus
Fall 2025	Orillia

*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

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

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 you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page

Apply to the part-time program

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.