Developmental Services Worker
Overview
Lambton College’s Developmental Services Worker program blends classroom learning with hands-on field placements, preparing graduates to support individuals with developmental disabilities through advocacy, care, and community inclusion.
The Lambton College Developmental Services Worker, Ontario College Diploma program is designed to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in leading meaningful and inclusive lives. Students in the program gain the practical expertise to provide professional, person-centred care and advocacy while promoting dignity, independence, and community participation across a wide range of settings.
Central to the program is a focus on fostering empowerment and self-determination while upholding human rights and advancing social justice. The curriculum emphasizes communication strategies, behaviour supports, health and wellness practices, community integration, and evidence-informed approaches to working with individuals across the lifespan. Additional learning also includes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which is integrated throughout courses and placements to ensure graduates are equipped to work respectfully with diverse individuals and communities. Students engage in applied learning through classroom instruction, simulations, and participate in two field placements in residential, educational, vocational, and community-based settings, collaborating with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
Graduates may find employment in group homes, schools, day programs, residential facilities, employment support services, or community organizations in roles such as developmental services worker, support staff, educational assistant, or community living facilitator. Program graduates may also pursue additional education and apply for admission to advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, or degree programs in related fields such as social work, disability studies, psychology, or related human services fields.
Disclaimer: This program is pending ministry funding and OSAP eligibility approval
Program Highlights
Field Placement
The field placement component allows students to apply the theories and skills they have learned in the classroom in a practical setting. It is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that help students develop professional competence, establish sound work habits, and enhance interpersonal communication and teamwork skills necessary for effectively supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,156.71
- Year 2 $4,066.68
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Contact
School of Fire Science, Health & Community Services
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates have diverse and meaningful career opportunities in community agencies, schools, and residential settings. Common roles include developmental services worker, educational assistant, community support worker, and life skills instructor, where graduates help individuals with developmental disabilities build independence, communication, and social inclusion.
Many also pursue specialized paths such as vocational coaching, respite care, or dual diagnosis programs, with opportunities to advance into supervisory or advocacy roles over time. Some graduates continue their studies in fields like social work, psychology, or counselling.
Placement
Vaccinations & Police Record Checks
Students considering this program should be aware that there are field placement requirements. All placements require students to have police record checks. Proof of immunizations is also required and must be cleared through Passport to Placement.
Once you’ve applied, you can log in to mylambton.ca and view the program-specific Field & Clinical Placement Requirements. If you need information about these requirements before applying, please contact placementinfo@lambtoncollege.ca.
Schedules
Students in this program participate in two placements with two different organizations or employers.
The first takes place in Term 2, and the second happens throughout the second year of the program.
Obtaining a Placement
Students considering this program are required to have a vulnerable sector criminal reference check. Records that are not clear may result in an inability to obtain a placement. Some placement sites do require proof of vaccination.
Building Strong Partnerships that Strengthen Communities
Placements in our Community
Over the years, Lambton College has developed a strong relationship with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton. This partnership creates a number of placement opportunities for Lambton College students and it allows the community to access a number of programs that wouldn't exist without this collaboration.
- 15 - 20 students placed in field placements or internships each year
- Representing the Child & Youth Care, Social Service Worker, and Office Administration programs
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.