About Developmental Services Worker in Cambrian College

As a Developmental Services Professional and / or Educational Assistant, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Students will learn how to effectively develop a person centered approach to support a child's and adult's emotional, mental, physical, and/or social needs. Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are examples of the content you will study in the program.

Students will learn about the stages of human development, the diversity associated with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, and the range of community supports. In addition, students will learn to work within the legislative frameworks governing the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector as they relate to prevention and intervention techniques, person-centered planning, individual education plans, dual diagnosis, basic nursing, pharmacology, alternate forms of communication, and the constructing of a safe, respectful, and dignified life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support people who experience life with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

In class learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through Field Placement opportunities, beginning with a Field Placement block in semester two and continuing with placements in semesters three and four.

Students will acquire the following skills from this program:

• Communication using alternate communication systems: sign language, braille, and a picture exchange communication system
• Knowledge of medications and basic nursing care
• Advocacy for supports and services in community and educational settings
• Development of effective informal and formal person centered plans and individual education plans
• Development of positive behaviour support plans and positive intervention and instructional strategies
• Supporting individuals across the diverse spectrum of disabilities
• Supporting individuals experiencing life with a physical, developmental, and intellectual disability to integrate into their community of belonging
• Working collaboratively with inter-professional teams, families, and community professionals

Program Highlights

• 2 years - 4 semesters

• Field placement opportunities in semesters two, three, and four

• Classes taught by industry experts who are active in the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector

• Community guest speakers from the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector

• Opportunities for summer and/or part-time employment with agencies in the Developmental Services Sector

• Certifications in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, and Inter-professional Collaboration

• Hands-on experience in advocacy, report writing, developing informal and formal strategies for individuals experiencing life with disabilities and learning needs, crisis management, and much more

• Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Process and/or Advanced Standing for students have related work experience or a related diploma/degree

Fieldwork/Placement

Students who meet the requirements, will have the opportunity to complete a community placement.  Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement, such as Paramed consultation, transportation, meals and accommodations.

Agencies will require students to have additional medical and non-medical documents prior to the completion of any community based placement.  Paramed will be responsible for the coordination of the required documentation in consultation with the students.

Required documentation includes:

• Criminal Records Check - Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Health documentation (up-to-date immunization, Two-step TB test, freedom for communicable disease)
• First Aid/CPR
• Non-violent Crisis intervention
• Field certifications - Bill 18 requirements

Employment Opportunities

Developmental Services Worker graduates make a difference in the lives of children and adults experiencing life with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities and their families. As a skilled and caring Developmental Services Professional, you can support individuals living life with a physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities to live, work, play, and participate in their communities as valued citizens. As a Developmental Services Worker graduate, you can also make a difference as an Educational Assistant in the classroom. You will acquire the knowledge and skills required to work effectively as a support staff in elementary and secondary school classrooms, to assist teachers, and other classroom staff in implementing academic studies and education plans. Your comprehensive understanding of physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, knowledge of teaching and training strategies, skills in the area of positive behaviour supports and individual education plans, and the desire to help others will help you build a rewarding career in the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector.

Developmental Services Worker graduates support children and adults living life with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, and / or dual diagnosis. This can lead to a range of positions, including:

• Developmental Services Professional / Direct Support Professional

• Educational Assistants

• Supported Employment Professional

• Independent Contracting Professional

• Respite Professional

• Community Participation Supports / Day Support Professional; including children, adults, and seniors

Academic qualification equivalents

• Completion of All India or State Board HSC (XII): 60% or higher in relevant subjects.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS:  6.0 (no band under 5.5)
• TOEFL: 550 (paper based test) 80 (internet based test)
• PTE: 58 (minimum 51 in each component)

Cambrain College Highlights

What it costs to study at Cambrian College: Fees & Expenses

Candidates will incur the education cost as tabulated below. The expenses range given below is for each semester for students enrolled for full-time courses.