Diploma in Developmental Services Worker - Alternate Delivery

at Cambrian College - Barrydowne Campus Canada

Interested in the world of business but not sure which career path to take? In just two years, Cambrian’s Business program will expose you to the areas of finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, accounting, personnel management, new business development, and organizational planning. Launch your career or continue into the third year of Cambrian’s Business Administration program when you graduate.

There isn’t a better time to maximize your leadership potential than by expanding your management skills through this one-year program which is intended to provide career advancement into management roles. This is also in response to succession planning, a challenge that most organizations are facing these days as a quarter of the workforce, including managers, are planning retirement within the next five years.

In the program, you will take a series of carefully selected business courses that will build and enhance your skills in critical areas of management such as in accounting for non-financial managers; financial decision making; managerial economics; business ethics and corporate, social, responsibility; organizational behaviour and human resources management; managerial communications; marketing strategy; data analysis using Excel; business strategy; new venture creation; negotiation and leadership; and legal aspects of business.

As a Developmental Services Professional, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities and dual diagnosis. Students will learn how to effectively use a person centered approach and positive behaviour supports to support behavioural, emotional, mental, physical and social needs. Students will also learn about the stages of human development, spectrum of disabilities, modes of communication, basic nursing and medication administration competencies and the range of community supports.

In addition, students will learn the value of working within legislative frameworks as it relates to positive behaviour supports, person centered supports, educational supports, crisis management and the constructing of a safe, respectful and quality life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support individuals who live life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities and dual diagnosis.

Learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through Field Placement opportunities, beginning with a Field Placement block in semester two and continuing with placements in semesters three and four. The Developmental Services Worker - Alternate Delivery Program allows students the flexibility and choice to attend virtual classes in real time or watch video lecture captures at a time that is convenient for them. All course evaluations, tests, assignments, projects, etc. can be completed on Cambrian's Learning Management System, Moodle.

Students will acquire the following skills from this program:

• Communication skills using alternate modes of communication: sign language, braille and a picture exchange communication system
• Professional competencies and the development of core and threshold competencies
• Development of formal and informal person and student centered plans
• Development of positive behaviour supports and instructional strategies
• Understanding and supporting individuals across the diverse spectrum of disabilities
• Advocacy for independence, self-determination, inclusion, belonging and citizenship
• Development of competencies to work collaboratively with inter-professional teams, families and community professionals
• Knowledge of medications, medication administration and basic nursing skills
• Facilitation of employment opportunities and entrepreneurship

This program is offered in an alternate delivery format geared specifically to those who are currently working in the field of early childhood education (must be working for a minimum of six months full time, directly with children). This unique alternate delivery program is the only one of this type in Ontario and allows you to complete your diploma while continuing to work in the field.

As a student in Early Childhood Education at Cambrian College, you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the field of early learning and child care. Your studies will blend the theory of child growth and development with practical application experiences in the field.  Through interactive classroom experiences, you will design, plan, implement, and evaluate play-based learning for young children from birth to twelve years of age.

The program will prepare you to work with and support the diverse needs of the children and families you will encounter in your future work. You will build a foundation of understanding that children learn through play. This learning approach combined with a culturally-relevant environment will reflect that children are curious, capable, competent and rich in potential.

This program includes brief, intensive, in-person learning (Sudbury, ON), online learning, and facilitated learning. Course credits and/or previous work experience may qualify you to receive Cambrian course credits through our Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process (PLAR).

Gain the skills and ability to diagnose, install, and maintain plant machinery in a safe and systematic manner, with a high degree of efficiency.

In the College's millwright shop, you will gain hands-on experience working on industrial equipment as you learn to install, repair, and maintain complex industrial mechanical machinery in existing and new operations. In second year, you will build upon your electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and computer-aided drafting skills while increasing your skills in troubleshooting and repairing industry equipment.

Optional Paid Co-op
Our program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study. During this work-integrated learning experience, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge in an actual work environment, giving you industry training that you can showcase to potential employers when you graduate.

You will be required to complete work preparation sessions prior to the work term to help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills. Cambrian’s Career Centre will support you through this process and will also help you to source and apply for placement opportunities.

International students: Study permits prohibit international students from participating in optional co-ops. However, if you are an international student and are interested in work-integrated learning opportunities, visit Cambrian’s Career Centre to discuss available options with a career advisor. Opportunities may include volunteer positions or part-time or full-time jobs during academic breaks and/or during the academic year.

Many industries, ranging from the resource industries such as mining and forestry, to construction, manufacturing, power generation and health care are seeking specially trained workers to support and promote healthier and safer workplaces. The Workplace Safety & Prevention Technician program is a unique program designed to assist students in understanding current occupational health and safety legislation and then identifying, assessing, and managing risk in a variety of work environments. You will also be trained in areas of workplace wellness and human resource management.  Graduates will be able to conduct risk assessments and common hygiene tests to prevent hazards and harm to workers, property, the environment, and the public. Students will also develop the skills necessary to identify and report on safety and health conditions in a workplace. This program combines on-site courses and synchronous virtual learning courses.

Arm yourself with the necessary skills in human resources, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, and operations in order to play an important role in any small- to large-sized business, as well as entrepreneurial ventures. In your third year, you can choose a specialization in one of two key areas: marketing or management, and will put your skills to work in a field placement in your final semester.

Program Highlights

• Industry experienced professors provide real-world connections to learning
• Flexible learning options (traditional classrooms, online options, and virtual classes)
• Opportunities for experiential learning through clubs and competitions
• 7 to 8-week unpaid placement provides valuable real-world experience and connections to the business world
• Course options allow you to build specialized skills in marketing, management, and/or business planning
• Opportunities to earn a degree through articulation agreements with various universities

Fieldwork/Placement
All Business Administration students are required to complete an unpaid placement in the final semester of the program. The placement provides an opportunity for students to put their business skills to the test in an actual workplace of their choice. This hands-on approach allows students to gain experience in their chosen field while building relationships and their resumes.

Are you ready to be a change maker in our community and justice communities?  Then the Community and Justice Services Program is for you.  This program blends corrections theory with  practical experiences building your skills and confidence to work with hard-to-serve populations, people at risk for being in conflict with the law, offenders in the community, and those incarcerated in our institutions.

From day one, in semester one, we will immerse you in the field.  Your academic journey begins at Wendigo Lake Expeditions - an open custody facility for youth. Here you'll participate in adventure based therapy styled training and activities designed to develop your team-building, facilitation, collaboration, communication and leadership skills. Every semester we bring you to the field or the field experts to you. 

Our concentrated focus on practical application includes simulations and scenario testing to grow your knowledge and skills in:

• Therapeutic intervention and security
• Communication and rapport building
• De-escalation and conflict resolution
• Program development and facilitation
• Report writing and case management  

Your college experience is capped off with a 10-week, 350-hour field placement follow by specialized professional development training in self-defense, suicide intervention, and interprofessional collaborative practices.

Let's get down to business! Business touches every single aspect of our lives. Everything we do, touch, see, and hear has a business associated with it. Your career in business starts with the Business Fundamentals program at Cambrian College. 

Explore traditional business careers by gaining a solid introductory foundation in accounting, finance, management, and marketing, and apply that knowledge in your current career or use it to pursue your passions.

This program is a common year for all business and accounting students, so graduates will be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the following diploma programs at Cambrian: Business, Business - Accounting, Business - Accounting (Online), Business Administration, and Business Administration - Accounting.

Though this is a full-time on campus program, have a discussion with your program coordinator if you are looking to take this program part-time, or even a combination of online and in-class! 

This two-year Social Services Worker - Indigenous Specialization diploma program will offer a culturally relevant, client-centered approach that provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous students with the opportunity to prepare for work in the human services field.  The Social Services Worker is a regulated profession, with standards of practice and established professional ethics regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.  Students will learn to demonstrate consistent ethical, legal, and professional responsibility and adherence to the social work values and principles.  The Indigenous specialization option will provide graduates with enhanced knowledge, skills, and the cultural competencies to work effectively with Indigenous peoples.

Fieldwork/Placement
Students who meet the requirements, will have the opportunity to complete a community placement.  Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement, such as Paramed consultation, transportation, meals and accommodations.

Agencies will require students to have additional medical and non-medical documents prior to the completion of any community based placement.  Paramed will be responsible for the coordination of the required documentation in consultation with the students.

Required documentation includes:

• Criminal Records Check - Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Health documentation (up-to-date immunization, Two-step TB test, freedom for communicable disease)
• First Aid/CPR
• Field certifications - Bill 18 requirements