COURSE CURRICULUM

The Developmental Services Worker program spans four semesters, blending hybrid and in-person delivery to equip students with comprehensive skills and knowledge. In Semester 1, students focus on foundational topics such as communications for community development, counselling interventions, person-centred planning, human services, and introductions to psychology and Indigenous studies. Semester 2 expands into specialized areas including developmental services professionalism, positive behavioural support strategies, holistic health supports, mental health and addiction intersections, fostering inclusive communities, neurodiversity, and abuse prevention. The third semester shifts towards practical skills with courses in augmentative communication, case management, pharmacology, healthy relationships, employment facilitation, and complex behaviour understanding. This semester also introduces a significant field placement component (195 hours), offering hands-on experience in real-world settings. Semester 4 is fully dedicated to extensive field placements (490 hours across two courses), allowing students to apply their learning directly in community environments. Additionally, students explore foundations of self-employment to support career versatility. The program emphasizes person-centred, strength-based approaches, with a strong focus on ethics, inclusion, and Indigenous perspectives—students can pursue an Indigenous Perspectives designation by selecting the relevant general education elective. Overall, this curriculum integrates theory with practical application to prepare graduates to support individuals with developmental disabilities across various community contexts effectively.