Requests for Approval of Online DSP Training

Requests for Approval of Online DSP Training

NOTE:  Please follow the requirements under "Approval Process for DHS-approved Online DSP Classroom Training" below before enrolling DSPs.  When enrolled, trainees will have access to the materials, activities and assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Providers who choose to use online training programs must ensure the DSPs are receiving 40 hours of classroom training that covers the required elements of the DHS approved training program. Providers who utilize any of the online curriculum sources need to follow the same DSP training approval process as providers who develop their own curriculum. This includes completing Checklist H and submitting a training plan to BQM at DHS.BQMQE@illinois.gov. DSPs must also complete an 80-hour, DHS-approved On-the-Job (OJT) training program in their employing agency as part of an approved DSP training program.

The following online training programs have been approved as meeting all DSP classroom training requirements:

Changing from DSP Classroom Training to Online Classroom Training

To change, Providers must inform DHS in writing that they plan to use one of the approved online DSP classroom training programs listed above. The notice must also include the effective date of the change.  Providers can make a change to online classroom training at any time. Providers who utilize any of the online curriculum sources need to follow the same DSP training approval process as providers who develop their own curriculum. This includes completing Checklist H and submitting a training plan to BQM at DHS.BQMQE@illinois.gov 

Online training requires periodic interactions between trainees and DSP instructors.  During these interactions, other information can be required of the trainees in order for DSP instructors or Course Coordinators to monitor progress competently. Documentation of completing the classroom portion of DSP training must include a Certificate of Completion from the online training program.

Using the SIU Online Curriculum

DSP instructors or Course Coordinators should refer to the PowerPoint instructor tutorial integrating SIU Online Learning into your DSP Training Program (pdf) for information and suggestions on how to integrate SIU online classroom training into their DSP training program.

NOTE: The SIU online classroom curriculum is structured exactly like the DHS-approved curriculum.  For this reason, Providers may elect to mix online and instructor-led classroom curricula for DSPs to meet the 40-hour DSP classroom training requirement.

Using the Relias Learning Online Curriculum

DSP instructors or Course Coordinators should refer to the PowerPoint instructor tutorial integrating Relias Online Learning into your DSP Training Program (pdf) for information and suggestions on how to integrate Relias online classroom training into their DSP training program.

NOTE: The Relias Learning online classroom curriculum teaches all required DSP competencies, but it is NOT structured like the DHS-approved curriculum.  For that reason, providers may NOT mix online and instructor-led classroom lessons for DSPs to meet the 40-hour DSP classroom training requirement.  The Relias Learning online curriculum must be used in its entirety.

Exception: For providers seeking to have a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) complete the abbreviated DSP training program to become a DSP, the Provider may use Relias Learning's "Illinois Abuse, Neglect Recognition, Prevention and Intervention" lesson in lieu of Module 3, Prevention/Intervention of Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation, of the DHS-approved DSP training program to meet this classroom training requirement.

Infinitec Online Curriculum

NOTE: Infinitec's DSP Online Training Curriculum is a product of Infinitec Social Services Coalition.  The Infinitec Social Services Coalition is a non for profit membership based organization of social service agencies providing online solutions for required training and professional development. The Infinitec Online DSP curriculum teaches all required DSP competencies and is structured like DHS-approved curriculum. For this reason, Providers may elect to mix online and instructor-led classroom curricula for DSPs to meet the 40-hour DSP classroom training requirement.

For more information on Infinitec  email them at Infinitec

Using the College of Direct Support Online Curriculum

DSP instructors or Course Coordinators should refer to the PowerPoint instructor tutorial integrating Elsevier College of Direct Support Online Learning into your DSP Training Program for information and suggestions on how to integrate this online classroom training into their DSP training program.

NOTE: The College of Direct Support online classroom curriculum teaches all required DSP competencies, but it is NOT structured like the DHS-approved curriculum. For that reason, providers may NOT mix online and instructor-led classroom lessons for DSPs to meet the 40-hour DSP classroom training requirement. The College of Direct Support online curriculum must be used in its entirety.

Exception: For providers seeking to have a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) complete the abbreviated DSP training program to become a DSP, the Provider may use the College of Direct Support's "Illinois Abuse, Neglect Recognition, Prevention and Intervention" lesson in lieu of Module 3, Prevention/Intervention of Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation, of the DHS-approved DSP training program to meet this classroom training requirement.

Approval Process for Online DSP Classroom Training

DSPs must complete at least 40 hours of DHS-approved classroom training and 80 hours of approved OJT activities within 120 days of hire or being assigned DSP responsibilities.  This time frame can be extended if the approved classroom training is provided by an educational institution.  In these cases, the end of classroom training can coincide with the end of a semester, quarter or trimester.

  1. Using the entire DHS-approved online DSP classroom training 

    This training meets all Illinois requirements for a 40-hour DSP classroom training program.  The application for approval must:

    • Identify which vendor developed the online training program to be used.
    • Describe how the trained informational competencies will be used with completion of interventional competencies OJT activities.
    • Describe the process for the DSP Instructor ensuring trainees understand how to use the online program effectively and address questions timely.
    • Include all forms and documents required for DSP training program approval process.  See DSP Training Program Approval Process for a list of required forms and documents that must accompany applications.

      Note: Completion of a Direct Support Person Training Program Informational Competencies Evaluation Form is NEEDED when using a DHS-approved online DSP training program in its entirety or one of the already approved online DSP training programs identified above. 

  2. Using a Blended DHS-approved DSP classroom and DHS-approved Online Training 

    The training must be evaluated by the DHS to ensure all Illinois requirements are met for a 40-hour DSP classroom training program.

    The training must supplement DHS-approved instructor-led or approved online DSP classroom training by using selected online modules to train topics or competencies.

    The application for approval must:

    • Identify which DHS-approved online DSP training program is used.
    • Specify the modules that will be part of the Provider's DSP classroom training.
    • Include a completed Direct Support Person Training Program Informational Competencies Evaluation Form This Competency Evaluation helps the Provider and DHS ensure that all required DSP competency areas are trained. 
    • Describe how the informational competencies trained in the online program will be integrated with completion of the corresponding interventional competencies trained in on-the-job training (OJT) activities.
    • Describe the process for DSP Instructor interaction with trainees and how the interaction will ensure trainees understand how to use the online program effectively and address questions timely.
    • Include forms and supporting documents required for DSP training program approval process.  See DSP Training Program Approval Process for a list of required forms and documents that must accompany applications.

  3. Using an Online DSP training proposed by the Provider

  • All proposed online DSP training programs must be evaluated by the DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities to ensure all Illinois requirements are met for a 40-hour DSP classroom training program.  The application must:
    • Describe the content, how to access the online training and identify the ownership of the online training program.
    • Specify whether the online curriculum will be used in its entirety or if only selected lessons or modules will be used to train specific topics or competencies.
    • If not used in its entirety, specify which modules of the online training program will be part of the Provider's DSP classroom training program and identify the informational competencies that will be covered by the online lessons or modules.
    • Include a completed Direct Support Person Training Program Informational Competencies Evaluation Form  This Competency Evaluation helps Providers and DHS ensure that all DSP competency areas are trained.
    • Describe how the informational competencies will be integrated with completion of the interventional competencies OJT activities.
    • Describe the DSP Instructor interaction with trainees and how the interaction will ensure trainees understand how to use the online program effectively and address questions timely.
    • Identify how the Provider will ensure trainees comprehend the online informational competencies at the 80% level of accuracy testing or other objective evaluation.  Include copies of proposed testing instruments.
    • Include temporary electronic access to the online training program, i.e., web site or CD, or include screen prints of all online training lessons or modules that will be a part of the Provider's DSP classroom training program.
    • Ensure the online program works as intended and DHS can fully understand it.
    • Include forms and documents required for DSP training program approval process.  See DSP Training Program Approval Process for a list of required forms and documents that must accompany applications.

Submit Online Training Program Approval Requests to:

  • Illinois Department of Human Services
    Division of Developmental Disabilities
    600 East Ash, Building 400, Mail Stop 2 North
    Springfield, IL 62703
    Attention: DSP or QIDP Training Program Review

If you have any questions about this process, please email: DHS.BQMQE@illinois.gov or call (217) 558.1511.

Reimbursement for Online Training:

  • Online training must be approved by DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities.
  • Must not be expired.  DSP training programs must be renewed by the DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities every 2 years.
  • Reimbursement rates and processes are the same as those for instructor-led DSP training.