DSPATHS Certificate Program

Nationally, the human service industry is in CRISIS. The aged and disabled population is growing larger each year, living longer and demanding greater quality supports and better services. The number of qualified and trained professionals available to respond to this demand is limited.

In response, Arc Educates has taken a lead role in creating a movement for change in the human services industry. The DSPATHS (Direct Support Professional Advancement through Training and Education in Human Services) Certificate Program provides a high-quality, state-licensed training Program for individuals to enter this field and strengthen the direct support, human services workforce in Broward County, South Florida and the state as a whole, ultimately improving the quality of support offered to children and adults with disabilities.

This Program will:

1. Build skills necessary for persons working with individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and other specialized care needs.
2. Help participants achieve a “competency-based” credential as a Direct Support Professional.
3. Enhance the direct support occupational image and profile with a state recognized professional Certificate Program.
4. Encourage increased commitment of workers to the field and their jobs.
5. Improve recruitment potential and longevity in the critical frontline human/social services direct support workforce.

What is the Certificate Program?

The DSPATHS Certificate Program provides rigorous, comprehensive training and experience-based learning for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to augment the skills of seasoned professionals and develop skill sets for individuals new to human services or to direct care.

The DSPATHS Certificate Program is designed to create a competency-based and credentialed career path for Direct Support Professionals. DSPATHS will support students to find a career in this high-demand field.  Each student who successfully completes the Certification of Initial and Advanced Proficiency class sessions and achieves a passing grade on program assessments will receive a DS PATHS Certificate.

Educational Goals/Training Objectives

The DSPATHS program provides a high-quality, state-licensed training Program for individuals to enter this field and strengthen the direct support, human services workforce in Broward County, South Florida and the state as a whole, ultimately improving the quality of support offered to children and adults with disabilities. The certificate program provides students the opportunity to:

1. Build skills necessary for persons working with individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and other specialized care needs.
2. Enhance the direct support occupational image and profile with a state recognized professional certificate program.
3. Encourage increased commitment of workers to the field and their jobs.
4. Improve longevity/tenure in the critical frontline human/social services direct support workforce.

By the end of the DSPATHS program, students must be able to demonstrate the following performance objectives:

Program Skills

1. Develop proficiency in direct care practices, including professional and ethical standards
2. Explore practical and philosophical issues related to working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges

Academic and Professional Skills

1. Develop skills in communication, crisis management, advocacy and reporting
2. Gain training on workplace essentials such as conflict resolution, stress and anger management, timeliness and personal presentation
3. Integrate practical and theoretical learning 

Personal Development Goals

1. Exhibit focus, flexibility and resourcefulness in diverse situations and settings
2. Demonstrate self-direction through establishment and achievement of personally challenging goals
3. Demonstrate professional responsibility

Arc Broward, Inc. is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.  Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 – Toll Free Telephone Number (888-224-6684) – Fax number (850) 245-3234.