Dedicated Developmental Support Workers (DSWs) for a Fuller, Happier Life

We believe in every person’s potential. Our Developmental Support Workers help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence, build valuable life skills, and live a fuller, happier life — at home and in the community across Toronto & Ontario.

Empowering Independence with Compassionate DSW Support

Caring for a loved one with a developmental disability requires patience, specialized skills, and genuine understanding. Families often struggle to find consistent support that not only assists with daily activities but also helps individuals build independence, learn new skills, and participate fully in community life. In group homes, day programs, and schools, staff shortages mean individuals don’t get the personalized attention they deserve.

At City Healthcare Services, our Developmental Support Workers (DSWs) step in with heart and expertise.

We are a trusted DSW staffing agency serving families, group homes, schools, and community organizations across Toronto, the GTA, and Ontario. As part of our network that has completed over 100,876 shifts across Canada and serves 67+ facilities, our DSWs are trained professionals who specialize in providing care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. We focus on personal connections and meaningful moments — helping every person reach their potential and live with dignity, choice, and inclusion.

At City Healthcare Services, we’re passionate about helping individuals with disabilities thrive. Our Developmental Support Workers (DSWs) offer incredible support, partnering closely with families and other groups.

We deliver personalized care that truly makes a difference, fostering personal growth, helping individuals feel more in control, and enhancing their overall well-being.

What Our Developmental Support Workers Do

The role of a DSW is multifaceted and varies depending on the needs of the individuals they support. Our DSWs provide holistic support that goes beyond personal care.

Daily Living Skills & Personal Care Support
Respectful assistance with personal care including grooming, dressing, hygiene, meal preparation, and feeding support, while promoting as much independence as possible. Teaching skills step-by-step to build confidence.
Life Skills Development & Independence Building
Helping individuals develop essential life skills — cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, grocery shopping, and personal safety. Our DSWs use positive, person-centred approaches to build valuable skills for independent living.
Behavioural Support & Positive Behaviour Strategies
Trained in positive behaviour support, de-escalation techniques, and understanding triggers for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities. Creating calm, structured environments that reduce anxiety.
Community Inclusion & Social Participation
Supporting individuals to participate fully in community life — accompanying to community events, recreational programs, volunteering, employment support, and social activities. Helping build friendships and community connections.
Communication Support & Advocacy
Assisting individuals who use alternative communication methods, advocating for their rights, choices, and preferences in all settings — ensuring their voice is heard in group homes, schools, and community organizations.
Educational & Day Program Support
Providing one-on-one support in schools, day programs, and vocational settings. Our DSWs help with learning activities, social skills development, and ensuring individuals can access education and employment opportunities.
Medication Reminders & Health Monitoring
Reminding clients to take medications, monitoring general health and well-being, observing changes, and coordinating with families, RNs, and healthcare providers.
Family Respite & Caregiver Relief
Providing temporary relief for families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities — allowing caregivers to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters knowing their loved one is in skilled, compassionate hands.

Our DSWs Support Covers

We’d Love to Hear From You

Looking for more assistance?

+1 (437) 263-2200

Email Support

info@cityhealthcareservices.ca

Who We Support: Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Support Tailored to Unique Needs

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Patient, compassionate, and reliable one-on-one support for children, teens, and adults with autism. We provide structured routines, sensory-sensitive care, and social skills development. We have experience supporting individuals including 15-year-old boys with ASD and adults needing community inclusion.

Down Syndrome

Support that celebrates strengths while building independence in daily living, community participation, and employment readiness.

Cerebral Palsy & Physical Disabilities

Assistance with mobility, personal care, and daily activities while promoting independence and community access.

Intellectual Disabilities

Person-centred support that focuses on abilities, not disabilities — helping individuals develop life skills, build independence, and participate fully in community life.

Where Our DSWs Provide Support

Whether it's one-on-one care at home or reliable coverage for a busy facility, our Development Support adapt to your setting, your schedule, and your standards of care.

For Families – Private DSW Home Care in Toronto & GTA

Our in-home DSW support is tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. We provide flexible support at home — from a few hours a week for life skills training to 24/7 support for individuals needing constant care. We serve Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. Because no two people are the same, our support is personalized to your routine.

For Group Homes, Schools, Day Programs & Community Organizations

We are a trusted DSW staffing partner for group homes, schools, day programs, and community organizations across Ontario. We provide consistent, qualified DSWs for day, evening, and night shifts, covering sick calls, vacations, and long-term vacancies. Our DSWs understand the importance of creating a more inclusive society and work collaboratively with your team.

How to Hire a Developmental Support Worker in 4 Steps

Step 1: Share Your Needs
Call +1 (437) 263-2200 or fill our form. Tell us about the individual’s diagnosis, support needs, routines, preferences, and whether you need home care or facility staffing.

Step 2: Personalized Support Plan
Our team creates a tailored support plan focused on independence, life skills goals, and community inclusion — customized per unique profile.

Step 3: Smart Caregiver Matching
We match you with a qualified DSW from our Toronto pool who has experience with similar needs and fits your family’s values.

Step 4: Ongoing Support & Growth
Support begins with regular check-ins, progress on life skills goals, and 24/7 on-call support. We adjust as needs and goals evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental Support Workers

Have questions about our DSW or home care services? Here's what families and facilities ask us most.

What does a Developmental Support Worker (DSW) do?

A DSW is a trained professional who provides care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. They help with daily living activities, life skills development, community inclusion, behavioural support, and advocacy in homes, group homes, schools, and day programs.

Do your DSWs have experience with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Yes. Many of our DSWs specialize in autism support, including one-on-one support for children, teens, and adults with ASD. We provide structured routines, sensory-sensitive care, positive behaviour support, and social skills development. We have supported individuals from 15-year-old boys with ASD to adults in community programs.

Do you provide DSWs for group homes and schools?

Absolutely. We are a trusted DSW staffing agency for group homes, schools, day programs, and community organizations across Ontario, providing emergency coverage, vacation coverage, and long-term block bookings.

How much does it cost to hire a DSW in Toronto?

DSW costs depend on hours, level of support, and overnight vs. hourly care. We offer transparent, fair pricing with no hidden fees and flexible plans that work around your schedule and budget. Contact us for a free consultation.

What is the difference between a DSW and a PSW?

A PSW focuses on personal care and daily living for seniors and individuals needing physical support. A DSW specializes in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on life skills development, behavioural support, community inclusion, and helping individuals achieve greater independence. Some clients need both.

Are your DSWs certified and background-checked?

Yes. All DSWs hold a Developmental Services Worker diploma or equivalent, have First Aid/CPR, Crisis Prevention Intervention training, are WSIB-insured, and have passed criminal background checks and reference verification.

Can your DSWs provide 24/7 support at home?

Yes. We offer flexible DSW support — from a few hours a week for community inclusion and life skills training to 24/7 live-in support for individuals needing constant care.

How quickly can you arrange a DSW in Toronto?

In Toronto/GTA, we can often arrange a qualified DSW within 24-48 hours for home care and within a few hours for urgent facility coverage.

Beyond Care: Together, We're Building Brighter Tomorrows.

We believe in compassionate care that truly connects. Our Registered Nurses are here to listen, support, and help you or your loved one find more comfort and joy, right in the familiar warmth of home.

Why Clients Love Us

Because we turn staffing into peace of mind.
Because we make residents feel safe with familiar faces.
Because we give families confidence that their loved one is never left alone.
Because we help facilities breathe easier, knowing coverage is guaranteed.

City Healthcare Services provided outstanding care for my mother. The staff was professional, compassionate, and attentive as they created a personalized care plan to meet her needs. Caregivers were skilled, kind, and reliable in assisting with personal care, medication, and companionship. Their flexibility and communication were outstanding, and my mother felt safe and respected.

Ben Jackman

I have been using PSW services from this agency for the past year for my mom, and honestly, they’ve been great. The PSW who comes to our home is really consistent and super nice. Even on the days she’s off, they usually send someone to cover, which is such a relief for us as a family. It’s comforting to know there’s always someone we can count on.

Jula Belkina

My Friend needed the home care service and from very long time we were looking for a good understandable company who can provide us service like a family member and I found city health and here I am recommending to others and I want highlight Angila RN she is very professional and caring, even if we need online she will be available to guide us

Emmanuel Baidoo

My mom requires 24/7 care assistance from both Psw’s and nurses.For more than 6 months I have been blessed to have ,well trained nurses and Psws coming to my house through this company..The consistency , being on time and professionalism makes a huge difference in our lives. I would recommend this company to others

Mary Namu