Operational Leadership for Developmental Services Micro-Credential Program
Overview
Strong operational leadership is essential to delivering safe, effective, and sustainable services in the developmental services sector.
The Operational Leadership in Developmental Services Program is designed to support professionals transitioning into or currently working in operational leadership roles. This program provides a structured, competency-based pathway to build the practical skills required to lead teams, manage performance, navigate change, and make informed operational decisions in complex service environments.
Through applied learning, real-world scenarios, and mentor-supported reflection, learners will develop the confidence, clarity, and tools needed to lead effectively at the operational level.
This program emphasizes practical application over theory, ensuring that all learning can be directly integrated into day-to-day leadership responsibilities.
Learners who complete the program will be equipped to:
- Lead teams with confidence and accountability
- Manage time, priorities, and operational demands effectively
- Make informed financial and staffing decisions
- Navigate conflict, performance challenges, and change
- Build high-performing, inclusive team environments
Who should attend?
This program is designed for professionals in the developmental services sector who are preparing for or currently in leadership roles.
This program is ideal for:
- Direct support professionals transitioning into leadership roles
- New and emerging operational leaders
- Supervisors, team leads, and program managers
- Professionals responsible for staff performance, service delivery, or team operations
- Individuals seeking structured leadership development within developmental services
What you'll learn
Across the program, learners will develop competencies in:
- Leadership transition & identity: Navigating the shift from peer to leader with confidence and clarity
- Time and operational management: Prioritization, delegation, and workload management in fast-paced environments
- Financial literacy: Budgeting, staffing costs, and financial decision-making
- Team leadership: Building trust, psychological safety, and high-performing teams
- Performance management: Supervision, feedback, and continuous performance improvement
- Change management: Implementing and sustaining change in complex environments
- Conflict resolution: Managing interpersonal dynamics and workplace tensions effectively
Micro-credentials
-
Transition to Operational Leadership
The Transition to Operational Leadership course provides a confidential and supportive space for reflection and professional growth. You will engage in self-assessments, leadership scenarios, and structured exercises that allow you to apply time management principles directly to your role. Many activities are completed in collaboration with a mentor, ensuring that your development is grounded in real workplace experience. In addition to the self-paced modules, you will participate in a live one-hour Zoom session to network, brainstorm, and share strategies with fellow leaders. By the end of the course, you will have developed a personalized, mentor-supported plan to strengthen your time management competency in alignment with operational leadership responsibilities.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
-
Time Management in Operational Leadership
The Time Management in Operational Leadership course provides a confidential and supportive space for reflection and professional growth. You will engage in self-assessments, leadership scenarios, and structured exercises that allow you to apply time management principles directly to your role. Many activities are completed in collaboration with a mentor, ensuring that your development is grounded in real workplace experience. In addition to the self-paced modules, you will participate in a live one-hour Zoom session to network, brainstorm, and share strategies with fellow leaders. By the end of the course, you will have developed a personalized, mentor-supported plan to strengthen your time management competency in alignment with operational leadership responsibilities.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 10 to 15 hours.
-
Financial Literacy in Operational Leadership
The Financial Literacy in Operational Development course equips operational leaders with the budgeting knowledge and financial decision-making skills needed to effectively plan, allocate, and monitor departmental resources. Through a self-paced, competency-based structure, you will build practical skills in budgeting, funding models, staffing cost calculations, and financial accountability.
This course provides a confidential space for reflection and growth. You will apply financial concepts directly to real workplace scenarios and collaborate with a mentor to strengthen your professional development and ensure your learning translates into practice.
By the end of the course, you will be able to make informed financial decisions that support both the individuals you serve and your organization’s long-term sustainability.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
-
Building High-Performing Teams in Operational Leadership
The Building High-Performing Teams course is designed to help operational leaders strengthen self-awareness, understand team dynamics, and apply practical leadership strategies that drive trust, inclusion, and performance. Through a structured, competency-based approach, you will explore what defines a high-performing team and how your leadership style directly influences team culture and outcomes.
This course provides a confidential and supportive space for reflection and growth. You will assess your own leadership patterns, explore personality dynamics (including True Colours), and examine how trust, psychological safety, communication, and diversity impact performance.
By the end of the course, you will have a practical action plan to enhance team effectiveness, address dysfunctions, and lead with greater clarity and adaptability.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours. -
Supervision & Performance Evaluation in Operational Leadership
The Supervision & Performance Evaluation in Operational Leadership course is designed to help operational leaders confidently manage employee performance through structured supervision, coaching, and strategic alignment. You will learn how to move beyond annual evaluations toward a continuous performance management cycle that strengthens accountability, engagement, and service quality.
Through applied reflection, real-world scenarios, and practical tools, you will explore how supervision influences organizational outcomes, client safety, compliance, and employee development. You will also learn how to identify root causes of poor performance, address concerns early, and build a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability.
By the end of the course, you will have a repeatable framework to manage performance proactively, fairly, and in alignment with your agency’s mission, vision, and values.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours. -
Conflict Management in Operational Leadership
The Conflict Management in Operational Leadership course is designed to help operational leaders confidently identify, understand, and resolve workplace conflict before it escalates. You will explore the deeper drivers behind conflict, learn how communication impacts tension, and develop structured approaches to manage disagreements productively.
Through reflection, applied scenarios, and practical frameworks, you will examine how conflict affects team morale, performance, service quality, and organizational culture. You will learn to distinguish between constructive and destructive conflict, adapt your leadership approach, and apply both directive and coaching strategies appropriately.
By the end of the course, you will have a clear and repeatable framework to address conflict early, build psychological safety, and strengthen team resilience.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
-
Change Management in Operational Leadership
The Change Management in Operational Leadership course is designed to help operational leaders confidently implement and sustain change in real-world environments where staff are busy, resources are limited, and service quality must be protected. You will learn how to identify root causes (not just symptoms), differentiate types of change, and analyze how change impacts people, processes, and outcomes.
Through applied scenarios and structured planning tools, you will build a practical change management plan that includes communication, training, support strategies, and risk mitigation. You will also learn how to recognize emotional responses to change, reduce resistance, and maintain staff commitment while preventing burnout during transition.
By the end of the course, you will have a repeatable framework to lead change with clarity, empathy, and accountability — ensuring new practices actually stick.
The time commitment to complete this course is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Program information
Spring 2026
| Transition to Operational Leadership | Monday, July 6 to Sunday, August 30, 2026 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Time Management in Operational Leadership | Tuesday, September 8 to Friday, October 2, 2026 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
| Financial Literacy in Operational Development | Tuesday, October 13 to Monday, November 16, 2026 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
| Building High-Performing Teams in Operational Leadership | Monday, November 23 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
| Supervision & Performance Evaluation in Operational Leadership | January 4 to 31, 2027 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
| Conflict Management in Operational Leadership | Monday, February 8 to Friday, March 5, 2027 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
| Change Management in Operational Leadership | Monday, March 15 to Friday, April 9, 2027 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
Online Hybrid Program
This is a hybrid online program.
Courses will be delivered fully online with scheduled lectures (dependent on the course). Learners must complete the seven courses independently within the given timeframe.
Facilitator support
This offering is supported by a facilitator who is available to answer learner inquiries and provide feedback on assessments. Learners will have two opportunities to successfully complete each assessment by the specified deadline(s), after receiving feedback from the facilitator.
Spring 2026
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $3,399.12 CAD + HST (regular) |
|
| NOTE: Individual course fees and registration dates vary. View the relevant course page for more information. | |
Discounts
The Alumni/Staff Discount applies to registration in this program/course.
If you are alumni or staff, contact continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca with your Student/Banner ID before registering for details about how to apply this discount.
Registration
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Online delivery
This offering may include, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Case discussions;
- Individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions;
- Topic reflections;
- Scheduled Zoom sessions.
Requirements
- Program completion
- Technology requirements
- Micro-credentials and digital badges
- OSAP for micro-credentials
To successfully complete the program, you must:
- Register and make full payment for the program;
- Successfully complete all seven (7) courses within the program by the specified due date
Learners will receive a University Certificate upon program completion. Certificate issuance is not automated, please allow for administrative processing.
In addition to receiving a University Certificate upon program completion, learners will also receive a digital badge for individual course completion (Core and Elective).
Please note: The program runs from June 8, 2026 to April 9, 2027; with registration remaining open until July 17, 2026. While late registration is available, learners must complete the program by the listed program end date, regardless of the date they registered.
Technology requirements
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone*
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Optional
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required.
A micro-credential is a digitally-recorded recognition of a specific skill. It is a portable communication tool that represents evidence of your skills for employers, educators, and peers. Micro-credentials are created with industry, so you can be assured that the skills you are learning are in demand and current.
Learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges on the Learning Innovation website.
OSAP for Micro-credentials is available for eligible students taking a ministry-approved micro-credential that is less than 12 weeks. To be eligible for OSAP for Micro-credentials, a student must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person; and, be a resident of Ontario. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for OSAP for Micro-credentials is available here.
For more information please visit the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/OSAP.
