Image
Developmental Services Worker Apprentice [Apprenticeship]
Image
Program Overview
The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) apprenticeship program allows you to pursue a formal credential on a part-time basis while continuing to work. Your learning will be dynamic with a focus on mental and physical health, interpersonal skills, teaching and positive behaviour supports. You’ll learn how to collaborate and build relationships with family members and to work with the diverse network of professionals who support people with developmental disabilities.
Program Details
Program Code
DSA1
Credential:
Certificate
Your Learning Experience
The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) apprenticeship program allows you to continue being employed while going to school on a part-time basis. This part-time program is conveniently delivered virtually, featuring online classes during the day which means you can learn at your own pace.
Using a biopsychosocial approach to complex physical, intellectual, mental or developmental disabilities needs, you’ll become a highly skilled and reflective developmental support worker supporting people of all ages to live as independently as possible while promoting inclusive communities. You will have a positive and direct impact on people’s lives as well as personal and professional satisfaction.
View Progression Tracking Form
Bridge to Diploma
To be eligible to bridge to a Developmental Services Worker Diploma, students must complete the Developmental Services Worker apprenticeship program and receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A) issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
After the issuance of the Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A), candidates must complete the bridging courses required by the designated College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) that delivered their apprenticeship program courses.
Note: External credits granted for bridging courses do not count toward program residency. It is essential to complete most of your bridging courses at Fanshawe College to meet residency requirements and earn your diploma. Please speak to the Coordinator if you intend to transfer any bridging courses.
For more information on the DSW Practitioner Apprenticeship program, visit skilledtradesontario.ca.
Admissions
This is an apprenticeship program. You cannot apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca. Applicants require a sponsor/ employer. Applicants should contact the nearest Ministry office to ask for an "Application for Apprenticeship", which can be completed online. To speak with a representative at the Ministry, please contact:
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
Apprenticeship/Client Services
72-1200 Commissioners Road East
London, Ontario, N5Z 4R3
519-675-7788
appr.london@ontario.ca
Once signed as an Apprentice your registration is sent to Fanshawe College, we will then contact you regarding your registration.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Development Services Worker program will be employed within community-based agencies and the board of education to support persons with developmental disabilities by promoting life skills, education, employment, and leisure support. Graduates are also trained in counseling, advocacy, health, and pharmacology.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduate employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Development Services Worker program:
Developmental Service Worker
Provide a high quality of service and support to people with developmental disabilities by striving to promote and facilitate community inclusion, meaningful participation, and full citizenship.
Educational Assistant
Assist teachers and resource staff in the planning, development, and implementation of students’ Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.) in school settings
One of the standout features of this program is its focus on providing real-world experience while also fostering a collaborative learning environment. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and they are dedicated to ensuring students are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. I left the program feeling not only more competent but truly empowered to better support individuals in their personal growth and development in my current position as Program Services Manager for Community Living Cambridge.
For anyone seeking to work in this field or who is currently working in this field, the DSW Apprenticeship Program is an exceptional opportunity to expand your skillset and enhance your professional journey. I am truly grateful for everything I gained from this program.
Darlene Keating
Developmental Service Worker (Apprenticeship) graduate 2024
Learning Outcomes
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-1155 | Health & Wellness 1 | 3 | ||
This course introduces the student to the promotion of the health and well-being of people with a developmental disability through the study of healthy body systems, and basic health care promotion skills. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the DSW as a member of an inter-professional health care team. | ||||
| BSCI-1109 | Person-Directed Plans | 3 | ||
This course examines the elements of person-directed planning, including the theories, values, legislation, processes, practices and tools that are used as a means of supporting people who have developmental disabilities. A variety of current person-directed planning tools will be discussed, applied, and evaluated, and comparisons will be made between person-directed planning approaches and other individual planning approaches. Students will synthesize and apply their knowledge of person-directed planning to support and empower people with disabilities to develop and achieve their dreams and goals, and to become valued citizens in their communities. | ||||
| PHIL-1017 | Philosophy of Support | 2 | ||
This course assists students in developing a personal philosophy of support by examining their personal and professional values within the context of labelling theory, advocacy, empowerment, stereotypes, diversity, inclusion and boundaries. | ||||
| DEVL-1056 | Professionalism 1 | 2 | ||
This course introduces Developmental Services Worker students to competencies and skills essential to understanding their role in their professional practice. The student will be able to describe the professional values and ethics of the Developmental Services Worker profession and how their own values and ethics align with the profession. Students will formulate their own personal and professional goals for on-going growth of their skills and competence. | ||||
| BSCI-1222 | Developmental Disabilities 1 | 3 | ||
This course provides a working knowledge of service systems for people with Developmental Disabilities in Ontario including history and its impact on current services. This course also examines marginalization and its impact on the provision of support. | ||||
| BSCI-3042 | Developmental Disabilities 2 | 3 | ||
This course describes the etiology and characteristics of various developmental disabilities and syndromes including the implications for support. Students will learn about causes of common disabilities and methods of prenatal assessment and screening. | ||||