Certificate in Education Assistant
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
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.
Curricular Requirements
Note: EDAS courses are assessed at Tuition Category 2.a.2 for domestic students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDAS 1101 | Including Diverse Learners in Schools | 3 |
| EDAS 1105 | Supporting Learning in Schools | 3 |
| EDAS 1120 | Introduction to Practice and Positive Behaviour Support | 3 |
| EDAS 1131 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| EDAS 1225 | Alternative and Augmentative Communication | 1.5 |
| EDAS 1271 | Practicum One | 3 |
| EDAS 1282 | Health and Personal Care | 3 |
| EDAS 1305 | Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools | 3 |
| EDAS 1371 | Practicum Two | 3 |
| EDAS 2121 | Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| 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 | ||
| Developmental Psychology: Adolescence 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 34.5-37.5 | |
- 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 3321 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.
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