This two-year Developmental Services Worker Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to support children, youth and adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities, through their activities of daily living, behaviour support, personal care and special education. You assist these individuals as they improve their existing skills and acquire new ones for independence, citizenship and social living. As a student, you learn strategies for providing support in schools and community settings, in ways that are respectful of the dignity and individuality of each person you work with. This program prepares you to support people of all ages with various developmental and physical disabilities, and mental health disorders. The Developmental Services Worker program uses both experiential and outcome-based theory to help you prepare to work in the variety of settings in the educational as well as the community and social services fields. During your program of study you apply theory and skills in various field placements, with opportunities to work as an Educational Assistant and Community Support/Residential Counsellor. These placements allow you to explore concepts from a hands-on point of view. Field placements are crucial when entering human services and help prepare you for work in the field. Throughout the program, you complete a series of field placements, totaling close to 600 hours of work experience. You may find work in a variety of roles after graduation, including: educational assistant developmental assistant special needs worker residential counsellor employment specialist life skills instructor vocational instructor family support worker support network facilitator