Educational Assistant Diploma (Full-time)

Program Description

This innovative program provides valuable training to educational assistants within the school system. Focusing on the role of the educational assistant, it offers a practical understanding of exceptional children and the strategies to assist them. Since its inception in 1987, the Educational Assistant Diploma has equipped students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to become confident and effective contributors in the classroom. Participants have the opportunity to share experiences with fellow educational assistants and gain insights into contemporary practices in education. Key subjects explored within the program include development, resiliency, language, and behavior.

Students who are enrolled full-time in the Educational Assistant Diploma Program will be required to complete a 4-week practicum at the conclusion of the program. This necessitates applying for a Criminal Record Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) and a Child Abuse Registry Check within the program's initial month. Detailed instructions and additional information will be provided by PACE at the program's commencement regarding practicum requirements.

Currently Only Available For
Domestic Students

Program Format
Hybrid

Tuition & Fees

• Tuition: $6,250
  Includes books and required materials.
  Note: Costs are tentative and subject to change.

Duration

• Total Duration: Six months plus a four-week practicum
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM
• Format: Hybrid (mostly in-person with some online courses)

Hybrid Program Overview

The Educational Assistant Diploma follows a blended learning model, effectively combining in-class sessions, live online instruction, and scheduled online coursework. This structure creates a dynamic and adaptable educational experience.

Courses are designed to maintain a balance between personal interaction and the flexibility of online learning. Students partake in live online sessions, allowing for real-time engagement with instructors and classmates, while scheduled online activities provide flexibility for assignments.

This multifaceted approach enables students to stay connected with peers and educators while cultivating essential workplace skills, including digital collaboration, adaptability, accountability, and effective communication.

Objectives & Outcomes

Objectives

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the school system.
• Gain knowledge of current educational and legal issues impacting the role of the educational assistant.
• Develop practical insights into exceptional children and methods of assistance.
• Attain knowledge regarding language development, human development, and learning processes.

Outcomes

• Effective study strategies and ability to integrate varied learning styles into classroom settings.
• Skills in learning disability remediation.
• Capability to support exceptional students with targeted strategies.
• Proficiency in math, reading, and writing remediation.
• Competence in observing and documenting student behavior.
• Ability to address concerns with aggressive or violent students through behavior management techniques.

Admission Requirements

• Option 1: Be a high school graduate or hold a Mature Status Diploma.
  Must provide High School Transcript or recognized equivalent GED or Mature Grade 12 Diploma.
• Option 2: Be 18 years of age or older and have completed a minimum of 90 hours of coursework at a recognized post-secondary institution (including UWPACE), with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  Must submit an official transcript for all previous post-secondary studies (including university, CEGEP, or private college).

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose previous education was completed outside Canada, where English may or may not have been the primary medium of instruction, are required to submit proof of meeting one of the accepted English language proficiency measures.

Courses & Descriptions

• Bullyproofing our Schools
• Cross Cultural Awareness
• Helping Children Learn in a School Setting
• Helping the EAL Child in the Classroom
• Human Development
• Indigenous Insights
• Introduction to the Educational Assistant Diploma Program
• Language & Learning
• Learning Disabilities I
• Learning Disabilities II
• Math Preparation
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
• Observation Skills & Record Keeping
• Resiliency: Nurturing Students to Face Reality
• Resume Building
• Supporting the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Supporting the Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD)
• First Aid/CPR
• Working with Challenging Behaviours
• Working with Exceptional Children
• Writing for Academic Success
• Basic English Grammar & Writing Strategies

Career Opportunities

• Educational Assistant

Articulation for Credit

Graduates of the Educational Assistant Diploma program may be eligible for a maximum of 12 credit hours within the Faculty of Education at The University of Winnipeg.

Additional Comments

This program does not accept international students, as the duration is insufficient to obtain a study visa.

The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is the continuing and professional education division of The University of Winnipeg, one of Canada's leading liberal arts and sciences universities. Since 1972, PACE has been nurturing minds and advancing careers through high quality, dynamic and innovative programs, offering more than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across a wide range of career and academic fields.

PACE is located in Buhler Centre in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It operates under the academic umbrella and outstanding reputation of The University of Winnipeg, which is recognised nationally for academics, inclusion and socially just values. PACE students have access to UWinnipeg's broader campus community, facilities and student services while benefiting from PACE's focused, career-aligned and flexible programming.

Mission and educational philosophy

In a world of constant change, lifelong learning is a means to success. PACE's mission is to expand the potential of every student through a unique education model that blends university-level academics with practical, hands-on experience. Programs are designed in high-growth career fields with strong employment prospects, and are continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the job market.

The success of students is at the heart of everything PACE does. PACE provides unparalleled advantages including small class sizes and industry-aligned programs taught by accomplished professionals who bring real-world knowledge directly into the classroom. PACE's connections to industry leaders, professional associations and the local community provide additional benefits and often serve as a bridge to employment. 96% of PACE students reported satisfaction with the quality of their education.

Full-time diploma programs

PACE's full-time diploma programs are designed in collaboration with industry to prepare graduates for in-demand careers, delivered in just over one year. They combine applied learning, experienced instructors and real-world projects to enable graduates to transition confidently into the workforce. Current full-time programs include:

• Advanced Project Management and Technology Diploma (Hybrid)
• Applied Data Analytics Diploma (In-Class)
• Artificial Intelligence Diploma (In-Class)
• Business Analysis and Transformation Program (Hybrid)
• Construction Project Management Diploma (Hybrid)
• Educational Assistant Diploma (Hybrid)
• Human Resource Management Diploma — Accelerated (Hybrid)
• Strategic Communications and Digital Marketing Diploma (Hybrid)
• Supply Chain Management Diploma (Hybrid)

Part-time programs and courses

PACE's part-time offer spans evening, weekend and online formats, making it accessible to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners at every stage. Over 600 part-time programs, courses and seminars are available across areas including project management, human resources, business management, network and ICT security, big data and machine learning, marketing, public relations and strategic communication. A dedicated Part-Time Timetable and online registration system allow students to plan and manage their studies flexibly.

Corporate Solutions

PACE's Corporate Solutions division works directly with organisations to design and deliver customised workplace training. From skill upgrading to leadership development and sector-specific professional development, Corporate Solutions provides tailored programmes that meet the needs of Manitoba employers and their teams, delivered on-site or at PACE facilities.

55 Plus Program

In partnership with The University of Winnipeg, PACE supports the 55 Plus Program, which offers mature learners the opportunity to audit regular UWinnipeg courses and engage in lifelong learning at the university level.

International students

PACE welcomes international students from around the world to its full-time diploma programs, offering a pathway to career-focused Canadian post-secondary education in Winnipeg. Dedicated support covers admission requirements, the study permit and immigration process, tuition and fees for international students, homestay and accommodation, student life and living in Winnipeg, and graduation and future pathways. PACE also runs regular live webinars for prospective international students and publishes detailed fact sheets and publications. International student success stories are featured on the PACE website, highlighting the career outcomes of graduates from a wide range of countries.

Pathways to UWinnipeg

PACE provides formal pathways for students to continue from PACE diploma programs into degree programs at The University of Winnipeg. Transfer credit arrangements allow eligible PACE graduates to apply their completed coursework towards a UWinnipeg undergraduate degree, extending the academic value of a PACE qualification and opening doors to further university-level study.

Internships and career development

Work-integrated learning is a core feature of PACE's full-time programs. Students have access to internship placements with industry partners, career development activities including résumé writing, interview preparation and job search support, networking opportunities, guest speakers and career fairs. PACE's industry connections across Manitoba mean that internship partners and employer contacts are embedded into program design from the start.

Industry partners

PACE works with a broad network of industry and community partners across Manitoba to ensure programs remain current, relevant and directly connected to the job market. Partners contribute to curriculum development, provide internship placements and participate in networking and career events. Current partners include:

• ACI Manitoba (Creative Manitoba)
• Winnipeg Harvest
• Investors Group
• People First HR Services
• CPA (Canadian Payroll Association)
• Great-West Life
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation
• Vine Multimedia
• George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation
• Pinnacle
• Pembina Trails School Division
• Seven Oaks School Division
• Organization and Staff Development, Government of Manitoba (with a formal articulation agreement for credit transfer toward UW Professional Studies programs)

Why UWinnipeg PACE

1. Over 50 years of professional, applied and continuing education since 1972, under the academic umbrella of The University of Winnipeg
2. More than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across high-growth career fields, delivered full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends and online
3. Full-time diploma programs designed with industry and delivered in just over one year, combining applied learning, real-world projects and career development
4. Small class sizes taught by experienced industry practitioners, with a 96% student satisfaction rate
5. A clear pathway from PACE diploma programs into undergraduate degrees at The University of Winnipeg through formal transfer credit arrangements
6. Internship programmes and employer connections built into full-time programs, with a broad Manitoba industry partner network
7. A welcoming, inclusive and socially just university environment in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, one of Canada's most multicultural cities