Developmental Services Worker (DSWP)

As a Developmental Services Professional, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with a developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students will learn how to effectively develop a person centered approach to support a child's and adult's emotional, mental, physical, and/or social needs. Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are examples of the content you will study in the program.

Students will learn about the stages of human development, the diversity associated with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and the range of community supports. In addition, students will learn to work within the legislative frameworks governing the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector as they relate to prevention and intervention techniques, person-centered planning, individual education plans, dual diagnosis, basic nursing, pharmacology, alternate forms of communication, and the constructing of a safe, respectful, and dignified life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support people who experience life with developmental and intellectual disabilities.