MISSOURI COLLEGE OF DIRECT SUPPORT

The Missouri College of Direct Support (MoCDS) is a pilot training program that uses the College of Direct Support (CDS) online learning management system and curriculum to educate and build careers for Direct Support Professionals. In November 2005, community providers serving persons with developmental disabilities joined the Missouri Pilot , which is projected to run to June 30, 2009.

The College of Direct Support system is currently being used in 32 states, Canada and Australia. At any one time of the day, approximately 70,000 learners access the online curriculum. CDS is a collaborative work of the University of Minnesota and Elsevier/Mc Strategies. CDS is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and its curriculum is developed by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration The curriculum is based on a comprehensive job analysis of the content of direct care roles and is guided by a national board of experts. For more information about CDS visit: www.collegeofdirectsupport.com.

Goals of the Missouri Pilot

determine if the CDS online learning management system and curriculum is an efficient, economical and effective means of training staff who support persons with developmental disabilities in the community and
determine if the training and certification of individuals will provide a competently trained direct care workforce available to support people in the community and reduce direct support professional turnover in Missouri.

Participation

Over 2300 individuals representing thirty-four (34) of Missouri’s community providers, six (6) state-operated habilitation centers and staff supporting five (5) families who self-direct their own supports have enrolled in the training Pilot. Participation Report.pdf

Training Certificates

Basic Training Certificate: Trainee completes six (6) CDS courses and demonstrates on-the-job competence. The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities recognizes the six CDS courses as approved curriculum to meet basic direct support training.
Advanced Training Certificate: Trainee completes seven (7) additional CDS courses and demonstrates on-the-job competence.

Currently, four hundred and sixty-seven (467) individuals have earned the Basic and/or the Advanced Training Certificates and designation as a Direct Support Professional. Certificate Status Report.pdf
Trainee Feedback Report on the Basic and Advanced Training Courses 10-2008.pdf

Missouri College of Direct Support Training Program Approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Training Program Overview.pdf

Approved Training Sites.pdf

Contact Information

For information about the Missouri College of Direct Support Pilot Program contact:

JACKIE COLEMAN
Statewide Project Coordinator
Toll Free 1-800-207-9329
jackie.coleman@dmh.mo.gov or colemanjac@umkc.edu