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California DDS Announces DSP Training Stipend Program

The Department of Developmental Services has announced a training stipend program. The program allows DSPs to earn up to two $625 stipends for training completion. Direct Support Professionals and certain supervisors and clinical staff can take part in the program if they:

  • Spend more than 10 hours a week as a DSP
  • Their job duties include skill development, guidance, and personal assistance to regional center consumers
  • More than half of their work hours are direct support-related, and
  • Are regional center vendor employed or work for an SDP participant

The courses must be approved by the Department of Developmental Services. All the approved courses can be found in the ARCA Learning Center (linked below). They must be completed by June 30, 2024, when the program ends. DSPs have to complete the Code of Ethics training to receive their first stipend before completing a second training of their choosing for the next stipend. Other Department of Developmental Services approved courses include:

  • An Introduction to Informed Decision-Making for Direct Support Professionals
  • DSPs and the Home and Community Based Service Settings Rule (HCBS): What You Need to Know

Regarding the training stipend:

  • The $625 payments are taxable income
  • The courses average about one hour in length and can paused and resumed at any time
  • The courses are considered Continuing Education Units for Community Care Licensing

For more information, read the full DDS release linked below.

Resources

DDS Training Stipend Program

ARCA Learning Center

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