Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Bridging Program

Program Overview
Human Services • DSW Pathway

A structured workplace-readiness program designed to help learners build practical knowledge aligned with Canadian developmental services environments—focusing on person-centred support, communication, professional boundaries, documentation awareness, and safe, respectful services delivery.

Delivered as an applied training program that supports career readiness for non-regulated and support-focused roles in human services settings.

Format

Hybrid

Online + Live Sessions
Workshop Included

Duration

3 Months

40 Total Hours

Location

Toronto

Hybrid Delivery
Guided Learning

Credential

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Program Overview

Developmental services in Ontario support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community living environments, residential homes, and supported independent living settings. This program introduces participants to the foundational principles used in developmental services, including person-centred support, behavioural awareness, communication strategies, and safety practices.

Learners explore how Developmental Services Workers support daily living activities, community participation, dignity, inclusion, and independence. The program provides applied orientation to the responsibilities of support staff working in group homes and community-based developmental services.

Through guided learning, case discussions, and practical exercises, participants become familiar with workplace expectations such as professional boundaries, documentation standards, incident awareness, and collaboration within multidisciplinary support environments.

Who This Program Is For

Newcomers with healthcare or community support backgrounds
Internationally educated healthcare professionals
Individuals interested in developmental or community support roles
Career changers exploring developmental services work
Individuals seeking orientation to Ontario support services environments

Practical Benefits

Workplace orientation aligned with Ontario developmental services settings
Foundational understanding of developmental disabilities and person-centred support
Introduction to communication strategies and behaviour awareness
Improved safety awareness and professional documentation readiness
Applied exposure through case-based and scenario-focused learning

What You Will Learn

Foundations of Developmental Support Overview of developmental services in Ontario Role and responsibilities of Developmental Services Workers Person-centred support principles Ethical practice and professional boundaries	Understanding Developmental Disabilities Intellectual and developmental disabilities overview Autism spectrum awareness Mental health considerations Behaviour support fundamentals
Communication & Community Support Communication strategies for support environments Supporting families and caregivers Cultural awareness and inclusive support Team collaboration in support settings	Safety & Workplace Awareness Personal support principles and daily living assistance Infection prevention and safety awareness Risk identification and incident awareness Professional workplace conduct

Program Structure

Developmental Services Foundations (8 hours)
Understanding Developmental Disabilities (10 hours)
Communication & Behaviour Support (10 hours)
Safety Awareness & Workplace Documentation (12 hours)

Delivery

Hybrid delivery combining self-paced online learning with guided virtual classes and practical workshop activities in Toronto. The program includes instructor support, scenario discussions, and workplace-focused applied learning designed to introduce real support environments.

Assessment

Online quizzes and knowledge checks
Participation in guided discussions
Applied case scenario exercises
Final practical reflection assignment

Credential

Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Richmond Hill College.

This certificate confirms participation in a professional development bridging program designed for workplace orientation in developmental support environments.

This certificate does not grant professional licensure, regulated certification, or an Ontario College Diploma.

Career Pathway Orientation

Developmental Support Worker (entry-level orientation)
Community Support Worker
Residential Support Staff
Supported Living Assistant

Employment outcomes depend on individual qualifications, employer requirements, and labour market conditions.

Compliance & Important Disclosure

This program is delivered as professional and continuing education.
It is a non-regulated skills bridging course.
The program does not provide government certification or licensure.
Practical components focus on applied workplace learning, case discussions, and workshop-based activities.
Completion of the program does not guarantee employment, wage outcomes, or career placement.

Curriculum

6 Sections
30 Lessons
40 Hours

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

Module1: Overview of Developmental Services System in Ontario
This module introduces the foundations of developmental services in Canada. Learners explore the role of Developmental Service Workers, person-centered support principles, and the values of dignity, inclusion, and independence. The module provides a basic understanding of how developmental services operate in community and residential settings.
6
Module 2: Understanding Developmental Disabilities
This module provides an overview of common developmental disabilities and the support needs associated with them. Learners examine communication differences, behavioural considerations, and emotional well-being. The module helps participants understand how to provide respectful and supportive assistance to individuals with diverse abilities.
7
Module 3: Communication and Relationship Building
Effective communication is essential in developmental services. This module explores communication strategies, relationship-building techniques, and collaboration with families and support teams. Learners develop practical skills for respectful interaction, conflict resolution, and culturally sensitive support.
6
Module 4: Health, Safety, and Personal Support
This module focuses on essential health, hygiene, and safety practices in support environments. Learners review daily living assistance, infection prevention, safe mobility awareness, and risk prevention strategies. The module emphasizes maintaining safe and supportive environments for individuals receiving services.
6
Module 5: Documentation and Workplace Practice
This module introduces professional standards in developmental services. Topics include workplace responsibility, ethical practice, documentation, and incident reporting. Learners develop an understanding of accountability, confidentiality, and professional conduct in support settings.
6
Module 6: Applied Practice and Case Scenarios
This module integrates the knowledge gained throughout the program through practical case studies and applied learning scenarios. Learners analyze real-world support situations involving independent living, group home environments, and community participation. The module helps develop practical decision-making skills for developmental service work.
4

Instructor

Zhila Heidari

0 Students

1 Course

Zhila Heidari is an instructor and rehabilitation support professional with academic training in psychology and developmental services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as college diplomas in Developmental Support Work (DSW) and Community Support Work (CSW).
Zhila has professional experience in mental health, rehabilitation, and community-based support environments. She has worked as a Rehabilitation Therapist Support Services professional at Lawlor Therapy and as a Residential Support Worker with Element Support Services, where she supported individuals living with brain injuries and developmental disabilities in residential care settings.
In addition to her clinical and community support work, Zhila has been actively involved in professional education and workforce training. She has taught Developmental Support Worker (DSW) and Community Support Worker (CSW) programs at Northwest University and Ari Academy, helping prepare students with practical skills and professional knowledge required to work in community and social service roles.
Zhila also brings counseling experience to her teaching practice, having worked as a couple’s counselor in Dubai, where she supported clients in strengthening communication and resolving relationship challenges.
With a multidisciplinary background in psychology, rehabilitation, counseling, and community services education, Zhila is committed to supporting both individuals and learners. Her teaching focuses on practical skills, ethical practice, and compassionate care, helping prepare future support workers for meaningful roles in developmental and community services.

Zhila Heidari

Student:

0 Students

Lesson:

30 Lessons

Duration: 40 Hours

Quiz:

5 Quizzes

Level: All levels

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Developmental Service Worker (DSW) Bridging Program

Curriculum

Instructor

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