Developmental Services Worker

Tuition is Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

This program prepares students to support children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities in daily living activities. Students learn strategies for behaviour support, personal care, and special education. The curriculum includes hands-on field placements across multiple settings. Graduates work in roles such as educational assistants and residential counsellors.

2 years, 600 hours of field placement, Ontario College Diploma.

Graduates work as educational assistants, developmental assistants, residential counsellors, and other support roles in community and educational settings.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; English Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with 65% or higher; IELTS overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT overall 88 with minimum 22 in each component; Duolingo overall 120 with no score below 105.

On-campus, full-time, 2 years.

Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada, is a publicly funded English-language college founded in 1967 that serves about 21,000 students, including roughly 3,000 international learners. The college provides more than 300 programs across business, media and design, health and community studies, hospitality and tourism, technology and trades, and more. With multiple campuses in the Ottawa region, Algonquin combines applied learning with a broad program portfolio to meet diverse career goals.

Algonquin is known for experiential learning, offering co-ops, internships and industry partnerships that place classroom knowledge into real-world contexts. Industry-aligned curriculum, simulation labs and applied research projects give students practical experience valued by employers. The college also emphasizes innovation and sustainability, integrating green practices across facilities and programming to reflect current industry standards.

International students benefit from targeted supports, orientation services and career resources designed to ease transition and enhance employability in Canada and beyond. Ottawa’s bilingual, multicultural environment and proximity to government and tech employers provide additional opportunities for networking and work experience. Prospective students seeking hands-on training, clear career pathways and a supportive campus in Canada’s capital will find Algonquin offers practical programs and strong industry connections.