Taft College OPEID: 00130900
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certificate Programs: Gainful Employment Disclosure
Program Name: Direct Support Education
Required Program Units: 18 Units
The program is designed for those students interested in seeking employment working in the field of developmental disabilities.
The Direct Support Education Program will equip current and future professionals to be more effective communicators with
others and in understanding the system that is part of the developmental disabilities field. Students will learn general guidelines
and documentation methods and the importance of confidentiality as well as how to support people in effectively and safely
managing their basic health needs including self advocacy and safety. Courses will also cover topics that deal with a wide variety
of personal perspectives, cultures and life circumstances and students will examine general learning principles to more
effectively communicate with others in a variety of settings.
Program Type: Certificate of Achievement (an Associate Degree option is also available)
Example of Courses
Intro to Developmental Disabilities
Documentation & Individual Rights & Choices
Intro to Medication Support
Cultural Dependency
Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Maltreatment & Safety at Home and in the Community
Program CIP Code: 13.1001, Special Education, Other
Example of Employment Fields***
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code
25-9041
Other Occupational Choices***
Employment Field
Teacher’s Assistant
Family Services Worker
Counselor
Special Education Teacher
Salary Range
Social & Human Services Assistant
Low
California
$12.65
Kern County
$11.71
Medium
$16.55
$16.62
High
$21.03
$18.92
Avg Annual Opening
1250
29
Medium
$29888
High
$36018
Avg Annual Opening
5580
170
Teacher Assistant
California
Kern County
Low
$23676 (annual)
Not Available
Source: CA Employment Development Dept – Labor Market Information, 2012
*** Additional training or education may be required in some career fields
External Sources and Links for further Occupational Profile Information:
O*Net:
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-9041.00 (Teacher Assistant)
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1093.00 (Social and Human Services Assistant)
California Labor Market
www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
Program Length
Certificate Program:
Students can expect to complete the program in 18 months
Program Costs (Estimated costs and are subject to change)
Certificate Program
Tuition:
18 Units X $46 Per Unit = $828
Student ID:
$30
Taft College OPEID: 00130900
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certificate Programs: Gainful Employment Disclosure
Books & Supplies:
$939 (the cost is an estimated average and is subject to change)
Potential Debt (Incurred at the completion of the program)
N/A: The West Kern Community College District (Taft College) does not participate in any Title IV Federal Student Loan
Programs.
On-Time Completion Rate: N/A
Job Placement Rate: Data information provided by the state
Taft College Link to Student Service Information and Support
(Catalog, Financial Aid, Counseling, Admissions & Records, Class Schedules, Registration, etc)
http://www.taftcollege.edu/student_services/student_services_and_records.shtml
If you:
• Enjoy working with people
• Like to help people with behavioral or developmental challenges
• Enjoy helping others resolve their problems
…then consider a career in the Direct Support Education field.
Program Contact
Susan Vaughan, Learning Disability Specialist
661-763-7927 SVaughan@taftcollege.edu
N/A: Indicates any of the two possible explanations: 1) the program is new and/or recently revised, 2) the low number of completers (<10)
2