Education Assistant

The Education Assistant supports students with a variety of needs from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The work of Education Assistants is increasingly complex and requires flexibility and the ability to think on one's feet, but above all, it is extremely rewarding. The duties of an Education Assistant include a broad range of tasks and skills which are varied according to the particular circumstances they are working in. An Education Assistant provides personal care, provides behaviour and learning support, facilitates inclusion, facilitates communication skills, and teaches and facilitates social interaction.

Our graduates make a difference in the lives of children, in the lives of families, and in the creation of healthy communities.

Who Studies Education Assistant?

Our students are diverse people of all ages, all genders, and all cultures who bring a rich variety of life experiences to the classroom. They want to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of children.

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

There is a high demand for Education Assistants, and KPU graduates are employed by all the school districts in the Lower Mainland including independent schools. Education Assistants work in both elementary and secondary schools in a variety of settings, including regular classrooms, resource rooms, work experience sites, and in life skills activities.

Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.

Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.

EDAS 1101  3 credits  
Including Diverse Learners in Schools  
Students will examine and reflect upon the philosophical, historical, organizational, and daily aspects of inclusive schooling. They will explore the diversity of individual student strengths and needs. Students will examine their own values, beliefs, and attitudes in supporting students and teachers in the school community. They will explore the role of an education assistant, guided by person-centred principles, working within the context of the education system.
Level: UG
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1105  3 credits  
Supporting Learning in Schools  
Students will explore the elements and processes of effective instruction and the role of the education assistant in supporting learning. They will investigate models of instruction and learning, and discuss how they apply to classroom instructional practice. Students will apply strategies and positive approaches to instruct and support diverse school-aged learners based on principles of person-centred-practice.
Level: UG
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1120  3 credits  
Introduction to Practice and Positive Behaviour Support  
Students will examine the principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and classroom management from the core philosophical concept of a person-centered perspective. They will examine their own values, beliefs and attitudes in relation to their role in supporting children and youth with challenging behaviours. Students will focus on observation methods and the recording of observations in different settings. They will develop behaviour support plans based on information acquired from a Functional Assessment.
Level: UG
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1130  2 credits  
Interpersonal Communications 1  
Students will examine basic principles of effective interpersonal communication. They will examine their own style of communicating. Students will demonstrate competency in areas of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Level: UG
Attributes: ASTR, ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1131  3 credits  
Interpersonal Communications  
Students will examine basic principles of effective interpersonal communication. They will also examine communication styles and group roles. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate effective interpersonal communications in a variety of contexts.
Level: UG
Credit Exclusion: EDAS 1130,EDAS 1230
Attributes: ASTR, ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1161  1.5 credits  
Change and Development: Childhood  
Students will explore the human passage from conception through middle childhood. They will draw on theory and personal experience to investigate and reflect on child development, change, and diversity in relation to self and others.
Level: UG
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1162  1.5 credits  
Change and Development: Adolescence Through Middle Adulthood  
Students will explore the human passage from adolescence through middle adulthood. They will draw on theory and personal experience to investigate and reflect on adolescent and adult development, change, and diversity in relation to self and others.
Level: UG
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1163  3 credits  
Themes in Child and Adolescent Development  
Students will explore the human passage from conception to adolescence. They will draw on theory and personal experience to investigate and reflect on themes of childhood and adolescent development, change, and diversity in relation to self and to their practice as Education Assistants.
Level: UG
Credit Exclusion: EDAS 1161,EDAS 1162
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1225  1.5 credits  
Alternative and Augmentative Communication  
Students will examine issues related to the education of individuals who use nonverbal forms of communication. They will explore strategies for the creation and support of technical and non-technical augmentative and alternative systems for communication and written output. Students will examine their role, and the role of other professionals, in enhancing participation and interaction for children with severe communication challenges.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): EDAS 1101, 1105, 1120, and EDAS 1163
Attributes: ASTR, ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1230  2 credits  
Interpersonal Communications 2  
Students will examine the concepts of power and conflict in interpersonal communication. They will demonstrate effective conflict resolution strategies in a variety of contexts.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): EDAS 1130
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1271  3 credits  
Practicum One  
Students will participate in a four-week, full-time practicum in an elementary, middle or secondary school setting. They will observe, assist, and work with children and/or adolescents requiring learning, behavioral, and/or physical support under the guidance and supervision of professional staff. Students will also participate in seminars to discuss self, theory and practice issues.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 7.5 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1281  2 credits  
Health and Personal Care  
Students will explore physical health, mental health and personal care issues and needs for children and adolescents with disabilities, and the role of the education assistant in supporting them.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level.
Attributes: ASTR, ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1282  3 credits  
Health and Personal Care  
Students will explore physical health, mental health and personal care issues and needs for children and adolescents with disabilities, and the role of the education assistant in supporting them.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level
Credit Exclusion: EDAS 1281
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1305  3 credits  
Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools  
Students will examine the philosophy, goals, and content of curriculum in elementary and secondary schools in British Columbia. They will explore the philosophy of inclusive education and their role within the context of curriculum delivery. Students will apply the principles of adapting and modifying curriculum to learning activities based on principles of person-centred-practice. They will identify and develop strategies to facilitate learning, based on students' strengths and needs.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level.
Attributes: ASTR, ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 1371  3 credits  
Practicum Two  
Students will integrate and apply theoretical concepts from their coursework in a final, four-week practicum that is a full-time experience in an elementary, middle or secondary school setting. They will actively observe, assist, and work with children and/or adolescents requiring learning, behavioural, and/or physical support under the guidance and supervision of professional staff. Students will also participate in seminars to discuss self, theory, and practice issues.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): EDAS 1271
Co-requisite(s): EDAS 1282, EDAS 1225, and EDAS 2121
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 2120  2.5 credits  
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders  
Students will develop an understanding of the nature and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. They will examine the current research on best practices for supporting students with autism spectrum disorders in a variety of educational settings. Students will explore functional assessment practices, positive behaviour supports, and a wide range of strategies and materials that enhance learning, communication, and social skills.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level.
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2
EDAS 2121  3 credits  
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders  
Students will develop an understanding of the nature and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. They will examine the current research on best practices for supporting students with autism spectrum disorders in a variety of educational settings. Students will explore functional assessment practices, positive behaviour supports, and a wide range of strategies and materials that enhance learning, communication, and social skills.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from courses in EDAS at the 1100 level
Credit Exclusion: EDAS 2120
Attributes: ARTS, F2A2

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