North West Regional College

Educational Assistant Certificate

Offered in partnership with SIAST and North West Regional College.

Educational Assistant is a certificate program. The program (formerly known as the Teacher Assistant Program) provides the knowledge and skill development needed to assist the classroom teacher in inclusive educational settings with children and youth who have diverse learning needs. It combines theory and practical application for elementary and secondary age students in the K-12 school system.

You will be introduced to various learning styles and the adaptations required in assisting special needs students to reach their full educational potential. You will be prepared to reinforce student learning and support developmental and behavioural tasks. You will also learn how to address the personal needs of students.

You will study social, emotional and cognitive development, health and wellness promotion, the role and responsibilities of being an educational assistant, how to support the teacher in particular subject areas (through lesson plans and materials), communication skills, classroom management techniques and crisis prevention, awareness of cultures, family dynamics, and exceptionalities (causes, characteristics and accommodations).

As an educational assistant, you will support and assist in establishing a healthy learning environment so that all children and youth may achieve their potential. A practicum provides hands-on experience and assures that you have the opportunity to use your skills in a real world setting.

Prerequisites:
Grade 12

original transcript required before application is considered

Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a criminal record prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical ow work placement based on the contents of the criminal records check. The cost of the criminal records check is your responsibility.

Special Admission May Apply If you do not possess the academic qualifications for the program and have been out of school for at least one year, you may be admitted with evidence supporting probable success. This evidence may include additional adult admission assessment.
Application Fee: $25.00
Tuition: $3,329.00 (Subject to Change)
Books: $1,150.00 (Approx.)

First Qualified ... First Admitted!

Educational Assistant Certificate
Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for employment in educational settings (elementary, junior high and high school levels). Generally, this is in the classroom in a school; however, it may include out-of-school settings that provide educational support to children and youth in care or alternative educational programs in youth centres.
They may be employed in traditional classrooms, resource rooms, community centres, before and after school programs, and/or lunch programs.

Required Courses

CLTR 180 (Culture & Diversity)
You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of differences in society.

EDUC 180 (Supporting Instruction I)
The course provides an introduction to individual learning styles, basic strategies that facilitate student learning, effective observation and recording.

EDUC 181 (Supporting Instruction II)
The course focuses on providing assistance in language arts (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and basic mathematics. You will expand your knowledge of strategies to provide developmental and remedial programs under a teacher's supervision.

FMLY 181 (Family Dynamics I)
You will examine the dynamics of the Canadian family, the influence of family background on the individual's and the challenges faced by families of today.

HLTH 184 (Health Promotion)
The course presents a holistic approach to wellness with a focus on personal health. You will receive instruction in the lifestyle practices that promote health and wellness. You will study work place safety practices and have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in practical skills necessary for worker and client safety.

HUMD 181 (Lifespan Development A)
Your studies will focus on the period from conception to pre-adolescence. You will receive information about the effect of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and the methods of studying human behaviour. Equivalent Course(s): ECD 121.

HUMD 280 (Lifespan Development B)
You will examine adolescence and adulthood. This includes the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes of youth, middle age, and later life. You will also explore current research about death and dying. Pre-requisites: HUMD 181 Minimum Grade: 60. Equivalent Course(s): ECD 227 or PSYC 185.

HUMR 180 (Roles and Responsibilities)
Your studies will focus on the responsibilities of teacher assistants and their relationship with classroom teachers and other professionals. You will explore the legal and ethical implications of your role as a teacher assistant and develop an understanding of the importance of professional behaviour.

HUMR 186 (Interpersonal Skills)
You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviors that facilitate client interactions. Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103 or COMM 291 or COMM 295.

MGMT 281 (Behavioural Principles and Practices)
The course provides an introduction to behavioral intervention strategies and their use in managing behavior. You will study practical guidelines for working with normal and exceptional children and youth. You will have the opportunity to apply these guidelines in a selected practical situation. Equivalent Course(s): ECD 222.

PERS 180 (Basic Care Skills)
You will study fundamental personal care skills for daily living while integrating basic concepts of respect, safety and rehabilitation. Opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills will be provided. You will study skills needed to assisting in feeding, toileting, grooming, lifting and transferring. You will be introduced to skills needed which support individuals to maintain optimal levels of independence. Pre-requisites: HLTH 184 Minimum Grade: 60. Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 186 or SPCR 182.

SFTY 184 (Crisis Prevention)
You will learn strategies for crisis prevention. The importance of developing self awareness and establishing a safe environment is emphasized. You will learn techniques to resolve conflict without the use of physical force. Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 194.

SPSY 281 (Studies of Exceptionality A)
You will be provided with an introduction to the area of exceptionalities. You will discuss issues and trends in the field and problems associated with defining and identifying individuals with exceptionalities. You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: speech and language differences, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and giftedness. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities. Equivalent Course(s): ECD 223.

SPSY 282 (Studies of Exceptionality B)
The course is a continuation of SPSY 281 (Studies of Exceptionality A). You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: behavioural disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, special health care needs, neurological disabilities, pervasive development disorders, and severe and multiple disabilities. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities. You will review the needs of adolescents and young adults as they make the transition from schools and family homes into the community. Pre-requisites: SPSY 281 Minimum Grade: 60. Equivalent Course(s): ECD 224.

WORK 187 (Practicum I)
You will participate in a six-week practicum in a K-12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, you will work in basic subject areas with individuals or small groups. Pre-requisites: EDUC 180 Minimum Grade: 60 and HUMR 180 Minimum Grade: 60.

WORK 188 (Practicum 2)
You will participate in a six-week practicum in a K-12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of classroom teachers, you will work with students who have challenging needs. Pre-requisites: CLTR 180 Minimum Grade: 60 and EDUC 181 Minimum Grade: 60 and FMLY 181 Minimum Grade: 60 and HLTH 184 Minimum Grade: 60 and HUMD 181 Minimum Grade: 60 and HUMD 280 Minimum Grade: 60 and MGMT 281 Minimum Grade: 60 and PERS 180 Minimum Grade: 60 and SFTY 184 Minimum Grade: 60 and SPSY 281 Minimum Grade: 60 and SPSY 282 Minimum Grade: 60 and WORK 187 Minimum Grade: CR.

Applications for Educational Assistant Certificate

You may pick up an application form for Educational Assistant Certificate at any North West Regional College location or you may inquire about the course HERE and have an application sent to you. You can also download and print a copy of the Educational Assistant Certificate Application Form.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the Portable Document Form (PDF). An online guide has been created to help you in the event that you experience difficulties downloading and viewing the form. To receive help with PDFs, click HERE.

Please, remember to include your application fee of $25.00 when submitting or returning your application. All North West Regional College Technical programs are 'First Qualified ... First Admitted', so get your application in early!

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