Development Services Worker Diploma Programs in Canada
April 15, 2014
The developmental services worker diploma programs teach students
essential skills to provide support and care to people with development
or intellectual disabilities. The programs are designed in such a way
that the students can learn to establish healing relationships with
clients and promote their physical, mental and emotional health.
These programs typically run for two years through four semesters and
provide students with in-depth knowledge of current issues and
developments in this field while helping them build strong theoretical
foundations. In addition to this, a wide variety of field placements are
also provided to students that play an integral role in their
development, enabling them put their classroom learning into practice.
The developmental services workers programs place a strong emphasis on helping students
- Understand the nature of developmental/intellectual disabilities
- Identify personal support requirements of individuals
- Communicate with clients of all age groups with respect and dignity
- Learn the techniques and activities that promote professional growth
- Learn to empower people and bring a positive change in their lives
The learning is promoted through classroom sessions, seminars, team and
individual projects, community observations, and industry field
placements. The ultimate aim of the program is help students promote
independence and physical, mental and emotional well-being among people
with intellectual disabilities.
The program graduates are able to:
- Help people in filling valued social roles
- Build natural community supports
- Create valued social roles for people with developmental disabilities
- Provide personal support to people in need
In addition to this, they also gain essential interpersonal, teamwork, critical thinking, facilitation and management skills.
Available Career Options
The developmental services workers (DSWs) are highly regarded in the
Canadian society because of the work they undertake. Providing support
to people in need in it is an immensely satisfying job. Moreover, it's a
stable career option as DSWs are recognized for their valuable
knowledge and skills for meeting special needs of intellectually disable
people.
Upon course completion, they can be employed with schools, colleges,
community organizations, private facilities and special homes as
residential service workers, employment support workers, educational
assistants, integration facilitators and family supporters. For more
advanced career opportunities, students can consider studying further by
enrolling in a degree program at the university.
Eligibility Criteria
Those interested in enrolling in a developmental services worker program
in Canada must complete their secondary education and possess English
proficiency. They need to complete an application form while providing
all the required supporting, such as a copy of secondary school diploma
certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or
equivalent. Students currently in high school can also apply for this
program.
Choosing the Right College
Numerous Canadian colleges offer post-secondary programs in development
services worker. Unfortunately, not all offer hands-on experience, which
is a necessary requirement for finding employment upon course
completion.
Centennial College's program offers a wide variety of industry field
placements to students. it incorporates two-days-a-week placements in
semester three and three-days-a-week placements in semester four. This
helps students put their classroom learning into practice and gain
valuable contacts for future.
Posted by Jason White. Posted In : College Education
