Current Size: 100%
Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship |
School of Social & Community Services |
2012/2013 Program Availability |
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Type:
Apprenticeship Certificate
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Campus:
Lakeshore
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Program Code:
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Length: Approximately two to three years |
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CONTACT INFORMATION: JoAnne Nugent, EdD, program co-ordinator | 416.675.6622 ext. 3257 | joanne.nugent@humber.ca
Christine Werenich, field placement supervisor | 416.675.6622 ext. 3261 | christine.werenich@humber.ca |
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The DSW Apprenticeship program is available to all staff working in developmental service, agencies or other organizations such as school boards that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
*The program consists of 22 courses that are offered in several locations, including Toronto, Peel Region, Halton Region, and Dufferin Region. Courses can be offered in a variety of ways such as one day per week, one evening per week, one week at a time, etc. As well, the courses are delivered in a variety of formats such as classroom, distance education via the Internet, and video-conferencing.
The pattern of courses, which the student and his or her agency choose, will affect how long it takes to complete the certificate. A reasonable estimate is two to three years.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship from Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning.
This program has partnerships with an extensive list of agencies whose staff are participating in apprenticeships, including Bob Rumball Associations for the Deaf, Brampton-Caledon Community Living, Central West Specialized Developmental Services, Christian Horizons, Community Living Dufferin, Community Living Oakville, Community Living Toronto, Kerry's Place, META Centre, Montage Support Services, and Vita Community Living Services.
Apprenticeship is a program offered through the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU), which provides the opportunity for an individual to work while receiving training. Most of the training happens on the job, but the apprentice also completes courses offered through an approved community college or training organization. After completing training, the apprentice receives a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
MTCU will pay approximately 80 per cent of the registration fees for courses taken by an apprentice towards a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship is available for a number of trades and professions. In June 2008, MTCU approved an apprenticeship for the developmental services worker (DSW) profession.
The developmental services worker is a highly sought-after professional who can obtain meaningful employment supporting people with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, physical challenges, or other special needs, along with their families. Career options for the DSW graduate include residential counsellor, educational assistant, preschool resource staff, day program counsellor with adults or seniors, and recreation integration worker.
Emotional maturity, good interpersonal skills and a commitment to community integration are qualities needed by developmental services workers.
The 2011/2012 fee for this program was $50 for a two-credit course; $75 for a three-credit course.
Module 1: Working in Developmental Services | ||
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSWA 101 | Understanding Human BehaviourUnderstanding Human BehaviourCourse Code: DSWA 101 Credits: 3 In this course students gain knowledge of the biological, psychosocial and sociocultural factors which shape adaption and dysfunction in the general population and amongst those with intellectual disability. A central focus is the role of significant others and the community in the maintenance of emotional well-being. Personal experience and the understanding of others will be emphasized. | 3 |
| DSWA 102 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1Course Code: DSWA 102 Credits: 3 This course examines the broad field of developmental disabilities from many perspectives. Topics covered include: | 3 |
| DSWA 104 | Community OrientationCommunity OrientationCourse Code: DSWA 104 Credits: 3 This course introduces students to a wide variety of formal and informal community support services that work together to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Methods of researching and accessing services are addressed. It also introduces the competencies involved in successfully fulfilling the role of a developmental services worker and encourages students to identify with and demonstrate professional ethics and behaviour. Strong emphasis will be placed on the development of the student's skills in working effectively within a group. Information gathered regarding community support services will also enhance the student's awareness of possible placement opportunities. Students will prepare for their field placement experiences. This course is a prerequisite for all field placements. | 3 |
| DSWA 106 | Educational StrategiesEducational StrategiesCourse Code: DSWA 106 Credits: 3 The aim of this course is to develop in students the skills and techniques to modify teaching activities and materials for students who have developmental, physical and/or learning disabilities. Effective adaptation of teaching plans and strategies for increasing student social skills will be presented throughout the course. The role of the developmental services worker relative to teachers in the Ontario educational system will be examined. | 3 |
| DSWA 204 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2Course Code: DSWA 204 Credits: 3 This is a course that explores ways of promoting the growth and empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and ways of developing inclusive communities. | 3 |
| DSWA 230 | Professionalism in Developmental ServicesProfessionalism in Developmental ServicesCourse Code: DSWA 230 Credits: 2 In fulfilling this role, effective participation as an agency employee, team member, supervisor and as a member of either management or a labour union is examined as basic to the DSW's professional identification and effective service delivery. | 2 |
| DSWA 302 | Community LivingCommunity LivingCourse Code: DSWA 302 Credits: 3 This course explores the developmental services worker's understanding of the community to which they will provide service. The developmental services worker will examine their values and assumptions with respect to those in our community disadvantaged due to culture, intellectual capacity, racial, sexual orientation, gender, and economic factors. Through readings, discussion and experiential exercises, students will engage in ethical, decision-making, and problem solving strategies. Exploration of their own societal attitudes will help students to empower members in their community to seek full access to services. | 3 |
Module 2: Communication | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSWA 105 | Person-Centred PlanningPerson-Centred PlanningCourse Code: DSWA 105 Credits: 2 This course presents the underlying philosophy and basic components of a planning process that will provide co-ordinated, comprehensive and effective support to people who have intellectual disabilities. | 2 |
| DSWA 109 | Responding to AbuseResponding to AbuseCourse Code: DSWA 109 Credits: 2 This course will explore the nature of abuse towards people of all ages in our society. The course will result in greater awareness of the vulnerability of people with intellectual disabilities and the latest approaches in prevention and response to abuse towards this group. It will focus not only on family violence but abuse in support and care environments such as residential, school and day programs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the detection, prevention and reporting of abuse specific to the role of the developmental service worker. In light of society?s increasing commitment to overcoming this problem, the response of the community, laws and protection orders will be examined. | 2 |
| DSWA 202 | Developing Interpersonal SkillsDeveloping Interpersonal SkillsCourse Code: DSWA 202 Credits: 2 This course is designed to introduce students to the theories and concepts that apply to interpersonal communication. The aim is to enhance the development of effective interpersonal skills in formal and informal, professional and non-professional situations. | 2 |
| DSWA 303 | Counselling SkillsCounselling SkillsCourse Code: DSWA 303 Credits: 3 Students will begin with counselling skills for verbal adults. In the second half of the course, students will adapt listening skills and problem solving techniques to individuals with developmental delay. Students will learn verbal and projective techniques to assist individuals to define emotions, communicate information and overcome current emotional challenges and past traumas. | 3 |
| DSWA 304 | Sign Language and Augmentative CommunicationSign Language and Augmentative CommunicationCourse Code: DSWA 304 Credits: 2 This course is designed to introduce you to the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and augmentative communication. Students will learn ASL skills appropriate in a variety of settings and with the different functioning levels of people who have developmental disabilities and/or physical limitations. Augmentative communication options appropriate for people who have developmental disabilities will be discussed in class and researched for an assignment. Students will learn how to design and implement visual tools within developmental services settings. | 2 |
Module 3: Understanding Human Development | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSWA 108 | Human Growth and Development 1Human Growth and Development 1Course Code: DSWA 108 Credits: 3 This course will introduce the developmental process that occurs from fertilization to middle childhood. The main focus will be on normal development, but some attention will be placed on variations from the norm in such areas as physical, developmental and/or learning disabilities. The cognitive, physical, social and emotional aspects of development will be address. | 3 |
| DSWA 201 | Human SexualityHuman SexualityCourse Code: DSWA 201 Credits: 2 This course will examine the impact of biological, psychological and sociocultural forces on human sexual behaviour. Emphasis will be given to the development and expression of sexuality and the education and prevention of sexual abuse in persons with developmental disabilities. | 2 |
| DSWA 203 | Human Growth and Development 2Human Growth and Development 2Course Code: DSWA 203 Credits: 3 The primary purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the developmental issues from puberty to adulthood, and the growth and behavioural patterns in the development of the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of these life stages. | 3 |
| DSWA 208 | Health and Wellness 1Health and Wellness 1Course Code: DSWA 208 Credits: 2 This course introduces students to the relationship of health and wellness to the role of the developmental services worker. It introduces students to body systems and some of the disorders associated with each. Students will also appreciate the interaction of the mind, the body, and the spirit of the people they support in general health promotion and illness prevention. | 2 |
| DSWA 306 | Health and Wellness 2Health and Wellness 2Course Code: DSWA 306 Credits: 3 This course introduces students to specific body systems with special emphasis on disorders associated with each. Students will also appreciate the interaction of the mind, the body, and the spirit of the people they support in general health promotion and illness prevention. The course will also introduce students to physical management strategies and techniques related to life skills for those who have physical exceptionalities. This will include techniques used for handling, positioning, dressing, feeding, toileting and managing equipment and wheelchairs. | 3 |
Module 4: Supporting People with Challenging Behaviour | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSWA 205 | Abnormal Psychology / Dual DiagnosisAbnormal Psychology / Dual DiagnosisCourse Code: DSWA 205 Credits: 3 The purpose of this course is to provide students with information and skills, which will increase their effectiveness in supporting people who have a dual diagnosis (a developmental disability and a mental health problem). The course will review why people who have developmental disabilities are vulnerable to mental illnesses; diagnostic issues; the biopsychosocial model of mental illness; six major types of mental illnesses and how they present in people who have a developmental disability; how to prepare comprehensive information for a mental health consultation; diverse intervention modalities and how to provide comprehensive supports. There will also be a focus on how the mental health system operates and the systemic issues, which act as barriers to accessing services for people with a dual diagnosis. | 3 |
| DSWA 207 | Basic Pharmacology 1Basic Pharmacology 1Course Code: DSWA 207 Credits: 2 This course presents an introductory overview of drug therapy and the role of the developmental services worker in the administration of medications. It will also provide students with a foundation of knowledge about medications that can be supplemented throughout their professional lives. Medications used for the integumentary, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system's diseases and disorders will be examined in more detail. | 2 |
| DSWA 215 | Intervention Techniques 1Intervention Techniques 1Course Code: DSWA 215 Credits: 2 What makes us behave as we do? How can behaviour be changed? This course is a general introduction to the principles of behaviour management. It will provide an overview of theory, plus the major concepts related to positive behavioural approaches, including classical and operant conditioning. The key elements of the ABC Model will be reviewed, in particular the use of reinforcement strategies to promote learning. There will also be an emphasis on the ethical utilization of behavioural techniques to enhance the probability that people who have developmental disabilities will develop effective behaviours that are personally fulfilling, productive and socially acceptable. | 2 |
| DSWA 301 | Basic Pharmacology 2Basic Pharmacology 2Course Code: DSWA 301 Credits: 2 This course presents an overview of drug therapy and provides students with a basic working knowledge of specific medications for the gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, and nervous system diseases and disorders. Students can supplement this knowledge throughout their professional lives. | 2 |
| DSWA 315 | Intervention Techniques 2Intervention Techniques 2Course Code: DSWA 315 Credits: 2 This course builds upon the general principles of behaviour management techniques that were introduced in DSW. 215 Intervention Techniques 1. The emphasis will be upon the utilization of positive behavioural approaches, specifically with people who have developmental disabilities. There will be a focus on conducting functional assessments and developing programs, which will enhance the quality of life of these individuals. There will also be a review of specific behavioural topics that are connected to developmental disabilities. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on supporting individuals to accomplish their goals, while assisting them to attain socially acceptable behaviours. | 2 |
Module 5: DSW Diploma Completion Courses | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| COMM 200 | College Writing SkillsCollege Writing SkillsCourse Code: COMM 200 Credits: 3 College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain.
Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English.
To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills.
To complete COMM 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.
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| COMM 300 | Business Writing SkillsBusiness Writing SkillsCourse Code: COMM 300 Credits: 3 Business Writing Skills introduces students to the strategies of effective written workplace communication. This course is designed to build on and reinforce the writing skills developed in COMM 200 and requires students to apply these skills to vocationally relevant assignments. Students will learn how to select and organize pertinent information according to purpose and audience and will practise presenting their ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively in various written formats. To complete COMM 300 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet. | 3 |
| HUMA 024 | Humanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceHumanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceCourse Code: HUMA 024 Credits: 3 The Humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts.
The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The Humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
ESL students should consider taking the ESL Humanities course. Students may transfer into
ESL Humanities (HESL 024) either at the Registrar?s Office or the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Office (K201) on a first-come, first-served basis before the Last Day to Add. | 3 |
Field Placement (four weeks) | Course Code | Course | Credits |
Course Code: Credits: |
The DSW Apprenticeship program at Humber consists of 22 courses. To attain the DSW diploma at Humber, the apprentice is required to complete an additional four courses (two English courses, one Humanities course, and one Field Placement course).
