The California State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is continuously improving the quality of care for people with developmental disabilities. DDS has called upon the state Department of Education (DOE) to assist in this mission and the DOE, in turn, has turned to ROPs statewide.

  There are 20,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities residing in 4,400 licensed Community Care Facilities (CCFs). CCFs are the backbone of DDS's community residential care system A trained and competent staff is vital to the provision of quality care. DDS has implemented a two-year, 70-hour standardized statewide competency-based training program, which is mandatory for all CCF staff, including both direct support professionals (DSPs) and administrators who provide direct care.

  The training began in 1999. It is divided into two equal parts of 35 hours each to be completed in successive years. Those required to take the training have the opportunity to take a challenge test for each of the 35-hour segments. Those who pass the challenge test for either of the 35-hour training segments will not be required to take that segment. Testing and training are based upon core competencies or skills necessary for satisfactory direct support professionals' job performance.

  DSPs have one year from the date of hire to complete Year One and a second year to complete Year Two. Those who do not successfully complete this requirement in time will not be permitted to continue working as a DSP.

  For more information on the (DSP) program please call 626 472-5162 or (626) 472-5119.