Developmental Services Worker
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Community Services
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Program Duration
6 Semesters / 3 YearsProgram Contacts
Robert Montgomery
Program Coordinator / Professor
robert.montgomery@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Community Services
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Guide at-risk youth and their families with real-world training
Through this nationally accredited program, you will gain the knowledge and placement experiences you need to launch a career working with at-risk youth and their families experiencing complex emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues.
You will learn to navigate correctional facilities, mental health, educational, and child welfare agencies and services. Through theory, lab courses, and hands-on fieldwork, you will develop the skills to facilitate positive change for children, adolescents, and their families. Please note: You must follow the shift work schedules and routines of your fieldwork placements, which could include nights and weekends.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Accelerated program so you can earn a three-year advanced diploma in two years (study 10 months per year)
- First Canadian program to receive national accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board (CYCEAB)
- Two placements give you real-world experience
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Before commencing placement (Semesters 3 and 6 only), all students must have current:
- First Aid Certificate
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
Recommendations
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Spring 2026
- Semester 4: Fall 2026
- Semester 5: Winter 2027
- Semester 6: Spring 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CCW 1110 | Fundamentals of Child & Youth Care | 3 |
| CCW 1040 | Group Process & Pers. Devel. | 3 |
| CCW 1250 | Behaviour Management Skills | 3 |
| CCW 1121 | Child and Adolescent Development | 4 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSY 1050 | Introduction To Psychology I | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CCW 1013 | Field Placement Seminar I | 1 |
| CCW 2431 | Neglect & Abuse | 3 |
| CCW 1221 | Intro to Mental Health and Diversity | 3 |
| PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
| CCW 1000 | Therapeutic Play | 4 |
| CCW 1240 | Counselling and Interviewing I | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CCW 1011 | Field Placement I | 15 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CCW 1006 | Behaviour Programming | 3 |
| CCW 1225 | Child Law and Legislation | 3 |
| CCW 3520 | Family Intervention | 3 |
| CCW 1009 | Field Placement Seminar II | 1 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| Two General Education courses. 1 | 6 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| CCW 1012 | Field Placement II | 15 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| CCW 1007 | CYC In The Education Sector | 3 |
| CCW 1010 | Rights and Advocacy | 3 |
| CCW 3040 | Counselling and Interviewing II | 3 |
| CCW 3500 | Trauma and Trends in CYC | 4 |
| CCW 1191 | Supporting Special Populations in CYC | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 105 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Child and Community Resources – During this Child and Youth Care placement, students got to learn more about services that focus on applied behaviour analysis, early child development, and supporting children and youth with transitioning to various settings and life stages. Child & Community Resources offers a wide range of services for children, youth, families, and professionals, to support the inclusion, integration, and well-being of children and youth throughout the North Region of Ontario.
Better Beginnings Better Futures – This placement offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience with a prevention program for high-risk communities with a holistic model that provides child-centered activities and community development.
Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY) – This Child and Youth Care placement offered students practical, relevant work experience with SACY that offers services for youth aged 16-24 who are wanting additional support with housing, employment, and the many risks youth face during these years.
Field of Study
School of Community Services
Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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