Certificate in Education Assistant

The next available intake for the part-time program will be Fall (September) 2024.
Full-time intake is available for Fall 2023. 

Description

Graduates work with Kindergarten through Grade 12 students and assist teachers in providing personal care and behavioural and learning support to a variety of students in public and independent schools.

There is a high demand for Education Assistants and they are employed by every school district throughout the province. The graduates work in a variety of settings, including regular classrooms, resource rooms, work experience sites, and in life-skills activities.

To integrate the knowledge and skills learned in the program, all students complete two four-week, full-time practicums in the schools over the course of their studies, one in an elementary school and one in a secondary school. During this time, a student will observe, assist, and work with children and adolescents with diverse needs under the guidance and supervision of professional staff. This certificate allows for progression into BA programs at KPU. Contact Arts Degree Advising for details.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/arts

Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/edap

On September 25, 2023 changes to the admission requirements for this program were approved by Senate. Effective Fall (September) 2024 the following conditions will apply: 

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

  •  A letter of intent, of about 500 words in length, addressing:
    • Your understanding of the role of an Education Assistant in K-12 schools
    • The qualities you possess that make you a good candidate for this work
  • One reference letter from a referee who can speak to your suitability for the work of an Education Assistant

All newly admitted students to the Education Assistant program will be required to provide:

  • An acceptable Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Program within 6 months of the start of the program.
  • If you are not a Canadian citizen, you are required to secure a Criminal Record Search with the Vulnerable Sector from your country of origin. 

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

  • Approximately 100 hours of successful experience volunteering or working with children or youth, preferably in the schools. (Applicants must submit two letters from employers or responsible persons in the community, indicating the hours of experience completed.)
  • Attendance at an information session (for further information, see kpu.ca/arts/edas)
  • Criminal Record review issued by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. To be requested once an offer of admission has been made.

If you are not a Canadian citizen, you are required to secure a Criminal Record Search with the Vulnerable Sector from your country of origin. Note that your Criminal Record Search must be mailed directly from the issuing agency to the KPU Admissions Office.

Curricular Requirements

Note: EDAS courses are assessed at Tuition Category 2.a.2 for domestic students.

EDAS 1101Including Diverse Learners in Schools3
EDAS 1105Supporting Learning in Schools3
EDAS 1120Introduction to Practice and Positive Behaviour Support3
EDAS 1131Interpersonal Communications3
EDAS 1225Alternative and Augmentative Communication1.5
EDAS 1271Practicum One3
EDAS 1282Health and Personal Care3
EDAS 1305Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools3
EDAS 1371Practicum Two3
EDAS 2121Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to University Writing 1
Reading and Writing Skills for Educational Assistants 1
Introduction to Professional Communication
Select either:3-6
Themes in Child and Adolescent Development
or both of the following:
Developmental Psychology: Childhood 2
PSYC 2321
2
Total Credits34.5-37.5
1

ENGL 1104 is specific to the Education Assistant program. Students that continue into a bachelor’s degree at KPU, in order to become a teacher in the future, will be required to take ENGL 1100.

2

Students who choose PSYC 2320 and PSYC 2321 in lieu of EDAS 1163 would need to complete additional courses in PSYC to meet prerequisites, increasing the overall credit total.

Some local school districts require that Education Assistants have both a high school graduation diploma and an Education Assistant Certificate. Check the BC Transfer Guide for up-to-date information about transfer opportunities to degree programs in B.C.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate in Education Assistant.

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca

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