1 year

Both full- and part-time jobs are available, with salaries varying widely across the province. See the school board in the area you plan to seek work for contract details. There is an increased demand for assistants to work with students with special needs.

Jobs include the following:

• classroom assistants at all levels from early childhood to adult education
• assistants to students with special needs including private agencies
• library assistants
• playground and lunch room supervisors

Graduates assist teachers and students in both instructional and non-instructional tasks. This program will train you in a wide range of interpersonal and practical skills needed for such work.

Note: The coursework in the Educational Assistant program is offered two ways:  through classes on-campus and through online course. Students may complete the program entirely on-campus, entirely online, or through a blend of on-campus and online courses. The program may be completed through full-time or part-time study in either on-campus or online courses. To complete in one year (10 months) students must start full-time study in September (fall term). These students will be registered in a pre-set schedule of EDAS courses. Students may also start the program in January (winter term) but on a part-time basis only; frequently requiring 1.5 years to complete the Certificate. Students in online courses require regular access to a computer with internet service; please contact the flexible [dot] learning [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Flexible Learning Office) at 403-357-3664 for details.

A minimum of 50% in ELA 30-1 or 65% in ELA 30-2, or equivalent

OR

A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.  

OR

Previous completion of three College-level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Note: Applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Police Information Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is recommended that applicants, with a criminal record, check with employers to determine if they would be eligible for practicum placements or future employment. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the Police Information Check.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

You must pass eleven compulsory courses and 45 hours of optional credits, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Length of program: 10 months (September to June)

• COMM 150 Fundamentals of College and Workplace Writing
• EDAS 170 Classroom Technology
• EDAS 111 Role of the Educational Assistant
• EDAS 114 Field Experience
• EDAS 116 Human Relations
• EDAS 151 Trends in Inclusive Practice
• EDAS 152 Supporting Diverse Learners
• EDAS 153 Fostering Positive Behaviour
• EDAS 160 Supporting Students in Literacy
• EDAS 161 Supporting Students in Numeracy
• EDAS 181 Field Practice
• Option: 45 hours

Note: If they qualify, students are encouraged to replace COMM 150 with a 200 level COMM or ENGL. Students with 50% or greater in ELA 30-1 may take ENGL 219. Students with 60% or greater in ELA 30-1 may take COMM 250. COMM 150 does not have a prerequisite

Note: Students with an academic status of Academic Warning or Probation will not be placed in EDAS 114 (Field Experience practicum) or EDAS 181 (Field Practice practicum) until they have cleared this status.

Options 45 hours:

Students require one of EDAS 156, EDAS 157, EDAS 158 or EDAS 159, or three of EDAS 163, EDAS 164, EDAS 165, EDAS 166, EDAS 167 and EDAS 168. (Students who qualify for Advanced Placement or Transfer Credit may be able to receive credit for one option). Additional credit may be received for course equivalencies.

Students with previous courses taken at accredited post-secondary institutions are advised to submit an application for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to have their transcripts assessed for possible Transfer Credit. Students who previously took RDC courses in a different program may apply for possible Advanced Placement. You are advised to submit your PLAR application as soon as possible after applying to the program. Advanced credit is not given for EDAS 181 (Field Practice)

Courses not open to challenge: EDAS 181(Field Practice)