Duration: The cohort is 20 weeks long (class is held once a week from 8:00am – 4:30pm). Cohorts are held twice each calendar year

Cost: $2,000 with $55 refundable Level Two Background Check

The aged and disabled population grows larger every year, living longer and demanding greater quality support and better services. The number of qualified and trained professionals available to respond continues to be limited when compared to the demand.

Arc Educates wants to lead the movement for change in the human services industry. Our Direct Support Professional Advancement through Training and Education in Human Services (DSPaths) 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:

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

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 DSPaths Certificate.

The certificate program provides students with 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.

Contact our office at (954) 746-9400 to inquire further or ask about group rates. To register online, check our Training Calendar for the next APD classes and other opportunities to grow professionally.

How to Apply

First, complete the Quick Apply entry form to answer some preliminary questions about yourself! Our office will be in touch upon receiving your initial application.

We’ll then send over a program application either manually or electronically.  Please submit at least 15 business days prior to the session start date.  Please Note: a completed application does not guarantee admission or enrollment in the desired session.

Admission Requirements

• Completed Application
• Minimum age of 18 years old; validated by current driver’s license, passport, or photo I.D.
• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or certificate of completion from private, specialized school
• Admissions interview with the Arc Educates Manager and or VP Workforce Services
• At least one year of successful employment in a DSP role
• **For internal agency applicants only – a recommendation from current direct supervisor and next level supervisor/manager is also required
• **For all external agency applicants, the institution requires a background check and drug test prior to acceptance

Once all steps are completed and all required documents are reviewed, the Admissions Committee will render its decision of acceptance, denial, or waitlist. Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their admission decision. Arc Broward reserves the right to reject applicants if the items listed above are not successfully completed or submitted.

Priority hiring consideration is given to external candidates who successfully complete the DSPaths program. However, our candidate selection process considers many factors and completion of the DSPaths program does not guarantee employment with Arc Broward.

Arc Broward, Inc. (DBA Arc Educates) 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

Telephone Number: (888) 224-6684

Fax Number: (850) 245-3234

Arc Broward, Inc. (DBA Arc Educates) is accredited by ACCET, ID #1502. Additional information regarding the institution may be obtained by contacting ACCET at:

1722 N St. N.W.
Washington, DC, 20036

Telephone Number: (202) 955-1113

Fax Number: (202) 955-1118

The following programs are accredited through ACCET:

• Entry-Level Culinary Arts
• DSPaths
• Material Handler
• Animal Care

Contact our office at (954) 746-9400 to inquire further.  Check our Training Calendar for the next APD classes and other opportunities to grow professionally.