Educational Assistant Certificate

Credential

Certificate

Duration

1 year

Location

-Main Campus

-Online

The Program

The Educational Assistant Program will prepare you for a rewarding career making a difference in students’ lives. Educational Assistants are a vital part of the educational team in today’s schools and classrooms. Educational Assistants work alongside teachers and other professionals to support student learning. With a focus on working in inclusive settings, EA students will learn the theory, skills and strategies to provide effective academic, behavioral and emotional student support. The program includes two practicums where you will apply theory to practice under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher.

Courses are offered both online and on-campus, providing you with choice and flexibility, based on how you prefer to learn. Full-time or part-time study is available.

To complete the program in one year, full time study must begin in Fall term. Part-time study can begin in Fall, Winter or Spring terms.

Program Content

Length of program: 10 months (September to June)

COMM 150 - Fundamentals of College and Workplace Writing
EDAS 111 - Role of the Educational Assistant
EDAS 116 - Human Relations
EDAS 160 - Supporting Students in Literacy
EDAS 151 - Trends in Inclusive Practice
EDAS 152 - Physical and Emotional Support
EDAS 160 - Supporting Students in Literacy
EDAS 161 - Supporting Students in Numeracy
EDAS 153 - Fostering Positive Behaviour
EDAS 154 - Neurodevelopmental Support
EDAS 170 - Classroom Technology
EDAS 181 - Field Practice
EDAS 114 - Field Experience

Visit RDP’s Course Catalogue/Timetable to read detailed course descriptions.

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.

Delivery Options

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.

Program Cost Estimates

Admission Requirements

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 requirements in addition to the program admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning/Experience

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 RDP 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)

Other 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.

Graduation Requirements

You must pass all required classes and achieve an overall GPA of 2.00.

Related Careers

Educational assistants at all levels in the K-12 education system
Respite care
Child and youth care
Community disability programs
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.
Library assistants
Playground and lunch room supervisors

> > > >