Education Assistant
Overview
Assiniboine’s six-month Educational 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
- Engage in caring, responsive relationships with children and families that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Implement inclusive learning and care strategies that support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities.
- Follow established procedures and policies to maintain health and safety practices that support healthy development and wellbeing.
- Use established observation strategies, documentation and communication skills.
- Comply with current legislation, regulations and agency policies and procedures in daily work.
- Work collaboratively with others to maintain quality education and care.
- Develop and implement an ongoing professional learning plan to enhance performance as an educational assistant.
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:
- A short program leading to employment in an educational setting.
- Assisting English language learners as well as individuals with behavioural, physical, intellectual, visual and hearing disabilities or multiple disorders to develop academic and life skills.
- Continually learning and adapting to changing conditions and advancements in the field.
- Working with children under the guidance of teachers and an multidisciplinary team.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C.
- Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with others such as teachers, rehabilitation counsellors, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists.
- Complete responsibilities requiring stooping, bending, sitting, and standing.
- Comply with current legislation, regulations and policies and procedures.
- Follow standardized work methods and processes while working with individuals to support learning and function in the language of classroom instruction and at the level of knowledge required of the students (e.g., in English, Mathematics, etc.).
- Listen to direction and act on that accordingly.
- Move around and work within the learning environment.
Admissions
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- Current criminal record vulnerable sector check
- Current child abuse registry check
- Proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary
- Resuscitation (CPR) Level C
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
Program Application Checklist
Please use the Education Assistant Application Checklist to help you submit a complete application for this program.
Criminal Record Check/Abuse Registry Checks
Many agencies where students are placed for practicum experience require students to disclose convictions for any offenses. In some instances, applicants with a criminal record or listed on the Child Abuse Registry and/or Adult Abuse Registry may not be admitted to the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the School of Health and Human Services prior to applying.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Elementary, middle years and high schools
- Direct aides for students with special needs
- Social service agency youth workers
- Private aides for children requiring additional assistance
Connections
Graduates may be eligible to receive advanced standing in several other programs, including Early Childhood Education at Assiniboine.
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
During this 16-week program, you will have the unique experience of participating in elementary school activities one day per week throughout the final 12 weeks of the program.
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms for all of our programs and courses may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Assiniboine Bookstore’s website to learn more.
Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.
Program Checklist & Textbooks
Booklists:
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs
| Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Assistant | 32 | $1,870 | $400 | $370 | $760 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Courses
To graduate with an Education Assistant certificate, students must successfully complete 30 academic credits and 2 practical credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Child Development (PSSY-0066)This course involves the study of the development of the school age child, through theory, research and observation. Students apply their knowledge of physical, social/emotional, language and cognitive development to plan developmentally appropriate, stimulating activities for children from kindergarten to grade 12. Information is provided on child development theorists. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Children's Special Needs (PSSY-0067)This course provides an overview of the inclusion of children with extra support needs in school settings. It examines the causes and characteristics of a variety of exceptionalities, as well as their effect on the child's development. Existing practices of assessment, referral and treatment of school-age children are explored. The focus is on practices and procedures necessary for including children with diverse abilities in school settings. |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Computer Skills (COMP-0353)In this course, students learn file management, email and Internet concepts. They use a popular word processing package to prepare professional documents. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Cross-Cultural Education (PSSY-0024)This course explores cultural and ethnic diversity in a broad way and illustrates how this impacts on the lives and attitudes of growing children. Multi-cultural, anti-bias and global education philosophies are explored, enabling students to develop a program that is inclusive and both respects and celebrates diversity. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Guiding Children's Behaviour 1 (ECED-0040)Prerequisite: COMM-0189 Observation & Report Writing |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Interpersonal Communications (COMM-0035)This course provides students with a general introduction to the theory and principles of interpersonal communication. Students develop and practice skills to improve communication effectiveness. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Learning Styles (PSSY-0054)This course assists students in understanding learning styles and the effects learning styles have on the individuals' ability to learn. It also explores learning disabilities. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Observation & Report Writing (COMM-0189)Educators need to know that accurate written observation is required in order to understand and report the behaviour of children. This course provides an opportunity for students to become skilled in writing observations, research papers, reports, summaries and analyses. Appropriate documentation for the workplace is covered in this course. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Practicum - EDAST (PRAC-0165)Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater |
2 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Professionalism (PEDV-0132)This course provides educational assistants, functioning as team members, with the knowledge essential to provide quality education, demonstrating professional and ethical behaviour in the educational setting. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Distance Education
The Education Assistant certificate program is available for study through distance education. Apply online at www.assiniboine.net/applynow. To see when courses are being offered throughout the year, the costs and how long you have to complete them, click on the schedule below.
Applications are also being accepted for the full-time, on-campus, day program.
2023-24 Distance Education Schedule
Please note, the 2024-25 Distance Schedule will be available by May 31, 2024.
Registration options:
- If you are an active Assiniboine student in the Education Assistant program, you can register and pay online for your next course using MyACC. You can also register directly with the Registrar’s Office by calling 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.
- If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Education Assistant certificate program but wish to enrol in the program, you may do so by applying online at www.assiniboine.net/applynow
- If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Education Assistant certificate program, but you are interested in taking a few courses, you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. You can also register directly with the Registrar’s Office by calling 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.
The deadline to register is the 20th of the prior month however, you can register at any time - you don’t need to wait for the deadline. For example, for February 1st courses, the deadline to register is January 20th.
Once you have registered for your course, you’ll get information about your instructor, how to purchase your textbook(s) and course delivery.
We recommend that you start with one course to get a feel for the course load. After that, it's up to you how many courses you take.
Please ensure that you review our academic policies, including policy A20: Registering, Adding and Dropping Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses; and A10: Maintaining Active Student Status, which details how often you need to complete a course to remain active in your program. You have five years to complete a program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a course?
Once you are accepted into the program, you will receive information about how to register & pay for courses online via MyACC. You will need a Visa, Visa Debit or MasterCard to pay online.
If you are paying by any other method, please complete a registration form and mail it in with your payment or drop off at the Registrar's Office at Victoria Avenue East, Brandon.
If you are a sponsored student and we have your sponsorship confirmation on file, you can register online and we will submit your fees to your sponsor. You can check that we have your sponsorship information in notifications in MyACC.
What are the course start dates and costs?
Once you are accepted to the program, you can register for a course at any time (as long as you have the pre-requisite course). Please refer to the schedule located on the Distance Education tab on the Education Assistant program page for a listing of upcoming courses and prices.
What resources will I require for the course?
Please refer to the 'tools and supplies' tab on this program page for information related to course materials.
Which courses are available online?
All theory courses are delivered online through Moodle. If you have never used Moodle, enrol for the free New to Moodle course and also access other tutorials/help through the site.
Who do I contact for EA practicum?
Please contact hhs@assiniboine.net. Don’t forget to include your name and student number in the email.
How do I make contact with my EA instructor?
By the first day of the course start date, the instructor will contact you with a getting started email that includes your Moodle enrolment key to get started in the course. This email provides detail about your instructor and how to contact them. All emails will be sent to your username@assiniboine.net email. It is important that you check this email regularly.
Where do I get an enrolment key?
Your instructor will send you a getting started email at the start of the course. This email includes the enrolment key that you will need to access your course in Moodle.
How do I know which course to register for next?
Some courses have pre-requisite and/or co-requisite requirements. The Student Course Completion form shows those details.