DSP Training Stipend Program : CA Department of Developmental Services

The time period has now closed for the DSP Training Stipend Program. DSPs may continue to take training at no cost on the ARCALearn platform using their ordinary registration, however, completion of that training is no longer linked to a stipend payment. Thank you to all the DSPs, Supervisors and Employers who participated.

Closed: Earn up to $1250! Discover how with our DSP Training Stipend Program.
For information click here: English | Spanish

Beginning September 1, 2023, DSPs may receive up to two $625 (before taxes) stipends when they complete online training courses approved by the Department of Developmental Services available in the ARCA Learning Center. The DSP Training Stipend Program will remain open until August 31, 2024, and all courses must be completed by that date.

Department approved courses

Code of Ethics, (required as 1st Training) produced by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
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
LBGTQIA+ Awareness and Understanding

Soft launch April 2023 and fully launched September 2023.

Eligibility and How to Participate

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the DSP Training Stipend Program is voluntary for the DSP. To be eligible for the training stipend, DSPs, including some frontline supervisors and clinical staff, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Work as a paid DSP an average of 10 hours or more per week;
Perform direct support tasks like skills development, guidance, and personal assistance to individuals served by a regional center as a regular part of their job duties;
Spend at least 50% of work hours doing direct support tasks; and
Are employed by a regional center vendor, or by a participant in the Self-Determination Program.

For the purpose of this training stipend program, the following are not eligible even if a portion of their work involves providing direct support:

Staff paid through a funding source other than the regional center, such as Medi-Cal, health insurance or a school district; with the exception of DSPs working in ICF/DD, ICF/DD-H, and ICF/DD-N, and ICF/DD-CN.
Those who only provide intermittent service such as home modification, and/or meal delivery services;
Staff hired through temporary personnel agency;
Contract or 1099 workers;
On-call or PRN workers;
Volunteers; and
Administrative or supervisory staff, unless they spend 50% or more of their time doing direct support work.

If you are eligible to participate in the DSP Training Stipend Program and wish to participate, please scan here: