There are numerous colleges in Canada that offer two-year post-secondary developmental services workers programs. However, Centennial College's program incorporates several industry field placements during the term of the program, which is a distinctive benefit.

1. Development Services Worker Diploma
Programs in Canada
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 worker 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

2. 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.