Education Assistant

This is an entry-level course to introduce students to computers, technology, and Microsoft WORD and  PPT.

This course is an introduction to the professional behaviors and attitudes that each Education Assistant (EA) needs to possess to be an exceptional EA in the school system. Emphasis will be on Inclusion, particularly  Inclusion BC in the generalized classroom. An overview of the various developmental disabilities and behaviors of exceptional students will be presented.

This course examines opportunities and challenges that Inclusivity in a generalized classroom presents for students coming from diverse cultures, different languages, Indigenous backgrounds,  and various degrees of exceptionalities and disabilities. Topics include antiracism,  multiculturalism, and diversity. Politics surrounding education practices in Canada, particularly BC will be explored and how Inclusion BC has influenced Education practices in Canada.

This course introduces the student to the historical theories of early childhood development. The research findings of Child philosophers such as Piaget, Freud, and B. F. Skinner will be explored as to how they set the stage for understanding
childhood development today and its effects in the educational setting.

This course introduces Universal Design for learning assistive technology resources that can be utilized to enhance students with disabilities to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in their learning and work throughout their life. 

This is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). Students will explore the language acquisition of ASL and learn some basic signs.

Students will explore vital aspects of interpersonal communication through listening skills, personal perception, conflict resolution, and understanding verbal/non-verbal and para- verbal messages. Students will explore and participate in personality inventories to gain a better understanding of self- concept and self- esteem. This course focus’ on the student and how their personal communication methods can affect and adjust the environment in which they find themselves at any given moment.

Students will gain an appreciation for diversity and how it affects students in Canadian classrooms. Emphasis will be on how social,  political, and global trends are affecting  Canadian diversity and education.

Students will develop skills of how to provide positive behavioural support to students in generalized inclusive classrooms. Focus will be on positive solutions to adjust behaviour as opposed to negative solutions. Students will learn how to observe and collect data that will help the teachers and other professionals when they need to deal with behavioural issues. Students will explore potential antecedents that affect behaviour and methods/interventions that will help students with complex behavioural needs.

Students will explore the history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and its identifying characteristics. Students will develop effective strategies and support for those on the autism spectrum. Students will compile a portfolio of community-based organizations as available resources to help families and caregivers of those who are on the Autism spectrum. Students will explore various assistive and augmentative technologies that can be utilized to help individuals with ASD succeed now and in their futures. Emphasis will be on developing social skills,  communication skills, behaviour management, and family, sensory, and educational needs of individuals who live with ASD.

Students will explore the history of applied behavioural analysis (ABA) and its controversies when used as a reinforcement method for behavioural or special needs individuals. Students will explore the principles of applied behaviour analysis as reinforcement in increasing, decreasing, or developing new skills with exceptional students. Ethical concerns will be explored and discussed.

Students will explore various intellectual challenges presented by exceptional students. Challenges such as traumatic brain injuries, physical challenges such as spina bifida, and other invasive challenges will be considered as to how to effectively assist individuals with these challenges in an inclusive classroom. Team roles, expectations, and skills will be discussed. The responsibilities of the Education Assistant in supporting students with intellectual and  physical disabilities will be addressed and lab sessions will give the student the opportunity to address transport, lifting, and medical administration in the inclusive classroom.

Students will explore the various challenges society presents to young people. Students will explore topics such as substance use, sexual health, socioeconomic status, gangs,  homelessness, human trafficking, and other issues that affect Canadian youth and their success. Students will devise supports and plans to help keep these young people in school and graduate towards a better future.  Students will gain an understanding of their role in shaping the youth of the future.

Students will explore the various challenges youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder  (FASD) are facing in today’s society.

Earn certifications to enhance your qualifications as an education assistant.

This course focuses on helping students develop an ongoing, flexible portfolio of information  about themselves and work in order to prepare them for satisfying and productive lives in an  ever-changing world. The exercises and writing activities encourage students to take a proactive  role in creating their futures, motivating them to become personally responsible for their life and  to become an active participant in its process.

An opportunity will be offered for students to experience working in an inclusive classroom  environment, observing, and working amongst exceptional students under the supervision of the  classroom teacher and designated Education Assistants. Students are required to complete 180  hours of practicum placement. Ideally, students would complete 90 hours at either an  Elementary, Middle or Secondary school, and then switch until 180 hours are completed.  Throughout the practicum experience, students will be building their professional portfolio to  use when they are ready to apply for a job with the respective school district. Students will be  under the supervision of the College Practicum Facilitator and will complete a final report of what  they learned and what was involved during their Practicum placement.

No, you don’t need prior experience. The program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to work as an education assistant.

International Students- Hybrid
Domestic Students – Hybrid

Contact our admissions advisor for more details.

We provide career support, including resume-building, interview practice, and job search strategies to help you find a role as an education assistant.

Yes, you will complete a practicum placement, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a classroom setting, which is a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned.