Developmental Services Worker at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program Overview

The Developmental Services Worker program is a rewarding two-year Ontario College Diploma designed to equip students with the skills necessary to support individuals of all ages with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. This program emphasizes the importance of facilitating daily living activities, behavior support, personal care, and special education. Students learn to promote independence, citizenship, and social living for those they support. The curriculum combines experiential learning with outcome-based theory, preparing graduates for diverse roles in educational, community, and social service settings.

Program Structure

The Developmental Services Worker program spans a two-year period, during which students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical components. Key features of the program structure include:

Field Placements: Students complete approximately 600 hours of field placements, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world settings.
Experiential Learning: The program utilizes hands-on experiences to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
Flexible Delivery: Courses may be offered in various formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online.
Work Integrated Learning: Students participate in field projects and placements that are integral to their education.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to work as Educational Assistants and Community Support/Residential Counsellors, gaining valuable insights into the field of developmental services.

Featured Experiences

The Developmental Services Worker program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance student learning and professional development:

Field Placements: Students engage in multiple field placements across different settings, providing hands-on experience with individuals with disabilities.
Community Partnerships: The program has strong ties with local organizations, facilitating networking opportunities and job fairs for students.
Experiential Learning: Students learn through practical applications of theory, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
Supportive Environment: The program fosters a community of learners who are passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program can pursue a variety of fulfilling career paths in Canada, including:

Educational Assistant: Support students with disabilities in educational settings, helping them achieve academic success.
Developmental Assistant: Work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, providing support in daily living activities.
Special Needs Worker: Assist individuals with special needs in various environments, promoting their independence and well-being.
Residential Counsellor: Provide care and support in residential settings, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for residents.
Employment Specialist: Help individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment, offering guidance and support throughout the process.
Life Skills Instructor: Teach essential life skills to individuals with disabilities, enhancing their ability to live independently.
Vocational Instructor: Provide training and support to individuals with disabilities in vocational settings.
Family Support Worker: Assist families of individuals with disabilities, providing resources and support to enhance their quality of life.
Support Network Facilitator: Coordinate support services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Algonquin College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Health Requirements: The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management; physical care and self-help skills of children and adults). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

Field Placement Eligibility: To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, Quality Assurance Measures Certification, Worker Safety Standard Certification, PRCSVS and complete immunizations through ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department. Students should plan for extra costs associated with these requirements.

We encourage students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Developmental Services Worker program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22;
Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview