Developmental Support Worker (DSW) & Intervention Support Worker (ISW) – Education Overview
The purpose of this information is to provide an overview of the education requirements for the Developmental Support Worker (DSW) & Intervention Support Worker (ISW). As noted in the job description, this position under the direction of the classroom teacher and professional resource staff, will support students with exceptionalities such as physical disabilities, developmental delays, autism, hearing loss and behaviour disorders. Duties and responsibilities of this position also require supporting the physical and hygienic needs of our students.
The education that is required for this position is a Secondary School Graduation Diploma with two (2) years of post-secondary education in a related discipline is required. The following list provides an overview of possible educational programs, but the education requirements are not limited to this list. We also encourage candidates to review Ontario Colleges – Find a Program and/or Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) if you are exploring education requirements and learning opportunities.
Note: The two (2) year post-secondary education requirement could consist of a combination of education of one or more of the following, although must equate to a total of two (2) years completed education.
The two (2) years required education may include, but not limited to:
- Autism and Behavioural Sciences
- Bachelor of Education with Special Education Part 1 and/or Autism AQ
- Brain Disorder Management
- Child and Youth Care (CYC)
- Child and Youth Worker (CYW)
- Community & Justice Services
- Community Worker Program
- Concurrent Disorders Assistant Program
- Developmental Services Worker (DSW)
- Educational Support/Assistant (Special Needs Support)
- Human Services Diploma/Degree
- Mental Health and Addiction Worker
- Psychology
- Social Services Worker (SSW)
- Social Welfare and Development
- Social Work (MSW/BSW)