Education Assistant

Assiniboine’s nine-month Education Assistant certificate program prepares graduates to help children and youth succeed in a variety of settings. 

Educational assistants support children and youth using a variety of techniques to facilitate learning, communication, rehabilitation, social skills and increased independence. Educational assistants in schools, support inclusive practices by working collaboratively in assisting students with diverse needs and abilities while fostering engagement in the learning environment.
 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate caring and responsive interactions with children and families that respect social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
• Support inclusive learning strategies that promote equitable, accessible, and meaningful participation and well-being for students.
• Follow established procedures and policies to support health, safety, and well-being in educational settings.
• Use established observation, documentation, and communication strategies to support student learning and participation.
• Comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and organizational policies in daily work.
• Collaborate effectively with educators and other professionals to support student learning and well-being.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to enhance performance as an educational assistant.
• Engage respectfully with Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing in ways that support reconciliation and culturally safe educational practice. 

Examples of what education assistants can do: 

• Support and implement individualized education and intervention plans based on special needs of clients.
• Assist individuals with physical, intellectual, visual and hearing disabilities or multiple disorders to develop academic and life skills.
• Support individuals and their families in the use of rehabilitative techniques, prosthetic devices, wheelchairs and other equipment designed to maximize clients' independence and potential.
• Collaborate with specialists, such as rehabilitation counsellors, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, to implement programs for clients' special needs.

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 

• Working with children and youth in school environments.
• Supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• Helping students participate in classroom learning and school activities.
• Working in a collaborative team environment with teachers and school staff.
• Communicating and building positive relationships with students and others in the school community.
• Observing student behaviour and learning and sharing relevant information with the school team.
• Being patient, flexible, and responsive to changing classroom situations.
• Contributing to inclusive learning environments that support the participation of all students. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

• Follow direction from teachers and work within established school and school division policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with students, educators, and other members of the school community.
• Work collaboratively as part of a school-based team.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct when working with students and families.
• Observe and document student behaviour or participation and communicate information appropriately.
• Be reliable, punctual, and prepared to participate fully in
  classroom and school activities.
• Support students in classroom and school environments that may involve standing, moving around the classroom, bending, crouching, or assisting students with activities.
• Adapt to changing classroom routines, student needs, and school schedules.