The Direct Support Certificate Program is available to all DDS staff and Provider employees contracted with DDS. This program is run at 8 Community College Campuses throughout the Commonwealth of MA

Cost:               $50 registration fee, DDS pays the remainder

                        Often paid by your employer - ask for details

Date:               New classes begin each semester

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The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Massachusetts Community Colleges Executive Office (MCCEO) are proud to offer the Direct Support Certificate Program (DSCP) through eight community colleges in the Commonwealth (Bristol, Holyoke, MassBay, Massasoit, Middlesex, Northern Essex, North Shore and Quinsigamond). The DDS DSCP in Human Services is a seven-course educational program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of direct support workers in DDS settings (both private and public).  The program is made possible with funding from the Department and provides a grant for students to attend.  This covers the cost incurred by taking classes at the above mentioned locations with the exception of a $50 fee paid by each student attending.  All credits are eligible for transfer to Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree Commonwealth-wide.  

For more information click here >>> DSCP Brochure

 An example of one of the program is BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DIRECT SUPPORT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM HUMAN SERVICES

New classes begin soon!!

Take classes on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons and begin to learn more about people with intellectual disabilities. Topics covered include: defining developmental disabilities, prevalence of various conditions and theoretical perspectives and causes.  Direct support workers who are employed at a state agency or an agency under contract with DDS, have a GED or high school diploma, and have the support of their employer are eligible to apply. The entire program is based on the National Community Support Skill Standards, a set of skills and competencies used by outstanding direct support staff in their work.  This program is affordable because of the financial support from DDS and its partnership with the community colleges.

Cost:               $50 registration fee/course/books

                        Often paid by your employer

Date:               New classes begin each semester

Location:        Fall River Campus/ Bristol Community College

* Courses:      College Writing

                        General Psychology

                        Introduction to Social Welfare

                        Developmental Disabilities

                        Special Topics

                       Field Experience/Internship & Seminar

For Additional Information Contact:  Paul F.Correia, Bristol Community College, 508 678-2811, extension 3765 or paul.correia@bristolcc.edu

* All courses apply to BCC’s 63 credit Human Services Associates Degree

The information on this site remains the property of The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or the person who created it.  You may use this information in a classroom for training purposes only.  No materials may be sold for more than the cost of reproduction without the explicit consent of The Department.  Where effective use of the materials requires training, do not use or support their use without the required training being provided. (For example, providing facilitator training without having successfully completed the course for facilitator trainers.)  Training information can be obtained from any Regional Learning and Development Director.