Developmental Services Worker at Fanshawe College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-06

Program overview

Program Overview

The Developmental Services Worker program at Fanshawe College is a two-year Ontario college diploma designed for students who aspire to make a direct impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. This program equips students with essential skills to provide person-directed support, focusing on promoting mental and physical health, enhancing interpersonal and interprofessional skills, and fostering independence and positive behavior supports. Graduates are prepared to work as direct support professionals or educational assistants, making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Program Structure

The Developmental Services Worker program spans a duration of 60 weeks, providing a comprehensive educational experience. The program is structured as follows:

Full-time offerings available in September, January, and May.
Includes nearly 700 hours of field experience with community agencies and school partners.
Focuses on dynamic courses that promote mental and physical health, interpersonal skills, and positive behavior supports.
Opportunities for credit transfer to universities such as Ryerson, Windsor, Calgary, and Western.

Students will engage in hands-on training and field placements, which are integral to the curriculum, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Featured Experiences

Extensive field experience with community agencies and school partners, totaling nearly 700 hours.
Hands-on training opportunities with both children and adults.
Collaboration with a diverse network of professionals to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dynamic courses that emphasize mental and physical health, interpersonal skills, and teaching strategies.

Career Options

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

Developmental Service Worker: Provide high-quality support to individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting community inclusion and meaningful participation.
Service Navigator: Assist individuals and their families in accessing developmental services and addressing their needs.
Educational Assistant: Support students with developmental disabilities in educational settings, fostering their learning and development.
Case Manager/Service Coordinator: Coordinate services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary resources.
Advocate: Work to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard in the community.

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

Visit Fanshawe College official website

Last updated on 2025-08-06

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Developmental Services Worker program at Fanshawe College, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following course:

- Grade 12 English (C or U)

Students who do not meet the Academic Requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment. Alternatively, applicants may choose to do the one-year Human Services Foundation preparatory program to meet all the Academic Requirements for this program.

For international students, admission equivalencies depend on the country of study. Please contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding specific requirements based on your location.

Additionally, the following prerequisite courses are recommended for better preparation:

Any Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
Grade 11 Raising Healthy Children (O)
Grade 11 Working with Infants and Young Children (C)
Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society (U)
Grade 12 Families in Canada (C) or (U)
Grade 12 Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (M)

For international students, it is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

English Language Requirements

To apply for the Developmental Services Worker program at Fanshawe College, applicants must meet specific English language requirements. The following tests and scores are accepted:

TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL: Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic: 53
Cambridge English: Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5: Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo: Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

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

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	London
May 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	London
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	London
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	London
May 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	London