Program Overview

Education Assistant Program

The Education Assistant program prepares students for a career in the education field, focusing on inclusion, child development, and practical support for students. Students gain skills to assist teachers, support diverse learning needs, and create a positive learning environment for students. With a mix of classroom and hands-on learning, students are ready for various education support roles.

Program Details

• Duration: 11 months
• Format: In-Class, Distance, Combined
• Total program hours: 980
• Total weeks: 49

Admission Requirements

Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:

• Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages
• Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction
• Evidence of graduation from a language program with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada
• Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Courses

• Introduction to MS Word and MS PowerPoint
• Role of an Education Assistant
• Inclusive Education in Canada
• Adolescent Child Development
• Assistive Technology & PEC Book Design/Functionality
• Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)
• Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace
• Diversity in the Canadian Classroom
• Behavioural Differences in the Classroom
• Exceptional Students and Autism
• Introduction to Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Exceptional Students and Personal Care
• Youth at Risk
• Exceptional Students & FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
• Industry Certifications – POPARD/NVCI/CPR/First Aid/WHMIS
• Career Strategies
• Practicum

Career Opportunities

• Teaching Assistant
• Special Education Assistant
• Homework Assistant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need any experience working in education to enroll in this program? 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.
• Will I get hands-on experience during the program? Yes, you will complete a practicum placement, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a classroom setting.
• What do education assistants do? Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants support students, and assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They assist in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary and special needs schools and treatment centres.