Educational Assistant Program in Edmonton, Alberta

Do you like making meaningful differences in children’s lives? Do you thrive off busy, energy-filled environments? Are you interested in supporting exceptional learners in the classroom? Then a profession as an education assistant would be a great fit for you. Educational Assistants are valued members of the school team. Educational assistants assist with classroom management, instruction and provide one-on-one support for students. Educational Assistants play a key role in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans as well as Behaviour Support Plans for identified students.

Working in education is not only rewarding for you, but also for each and every student that you have the chance to interact with. You will not only be aiding in the development of successful students, but also in the development of outstanding citizens. The Educational Assistant Diploma Program at Campbell College prepares you with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to thrive as an Educational Assistant by providing all students background on the theoretical and practical components of the job. All students will participate in over 400 hours of instruction, accompanied by 120 hours of hands-on learning through an on-site placement.

Program Description

Educational Assistant (EA) diploma program at Campbell College prepares students for work in the classroom, and for getting a job in the field.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Educational Assistant Diploma Program, you must have your Alberta Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent or have Mature Student Status.

For Mature Student Status, you must be 18 years of age or older and must provide all official transcripts or recognized equivalent GED, a current resume, and a written statement explaining why you are interested in the program. In addition, you must successfully undergo an admission interview administered by the College.

All students must submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) check documents prior to attending the practicum. These must be less than six months old at the start of practicum.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

As English is the language of instruction at Campbell College, it is critical that all applicants demonstrate sufficient English Language Proficiency before they can be admitted into the program. Therefore, if your previous education was completed outside Canada and English may or may not have been the medium of instruction, you must submit proof of English language proficiency.

For admission requirements please contact info@campbellcollege.ca. .

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Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH

Instruction :	680 Hours
Practicum :	320 Hours
Work practicum	8 Weeks (40 hours per Week)
TOTAL :	1,000 Hours

ELIGIBILITY

Canadian high school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status plus successful completion of entrance assessment and admissions interview.

Admissions Requirements

Speak to Admissions at 780.448.1850 for all upcoming start dates or write to us at admissionsinfo@campbellcollege.ca

Career Opportunities

Embarking on a fulfilling journey in the Educational Assistant field opens doors to impactful roles within educational settings. As an Educational Assistant, you become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment. Your responsibilities may include providing crucial support to teachers, assisting students with diverse learning needs, and contributing to the overall success of educational programs. In this dynamic role, you’ll engage with students on a personal level, offering guidance, encouragement, and specialized assistance to promote their academic growth. Whether working in primary, secondary, or special education, a career as an Educational Assistant allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in their educational journey. With a passion for education and a commitment to student welfare, finding a job in the Educational Assistant field promises a rewarding and enriching career dedicated to shaping the future of our next generation.

The spectrum of job roles within the Educational Assistant sector highlights the diverse nature of this career path. Our training program is crafted to reflect this versatility, ensuring that our graduates aren’t limited to a specific niche. Our goal is to furnish them with comprehensive skills spanning the educational support spectrum, empowering them to thrive in any capacity they choose. Through fostering a well-rounded understanding of the educational landscape, our graduates emerge as adept contributors, seamlessly integrating their roles into the broader framework of educational institutions

Job Titles Related to this Program

Teacher’s Assistant
Reading Intervention Assistant
Special Education Assistant
Adaptive Physical Education Assistant
Resource Room Assistant
Technology Support Assistant
Behavioral Support Assistant

Early Childhood Education Assistant (with additional certification)
Speech-Language Assistant
Life Skills Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Art/Music/Drama Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistant
Library Assistant
ESL (English as a Second Language) Assistant

Courses Covered

Orientation

Course Duration: 4 hours

Orientation marks a successful beginning of a college program as it assures new students that they made a good decision in their college choice. They will receive a student handbook and be provided with information about the school, the staff, and their classmates. Program policies and procedures will be clearly communicated, questions answered, we will reiterate the importance of the Student Contract expectations, and provide the first of many Student Loan presentations in a group setting. This prepares students with a clear vision about what lies ahead and what can be achieved at the end of their program.

Inclusive Education

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

In this course students learn to effectively work with children with exceptionalities in a regular classroom setting. Basic terminologies related to inclusive education are discussed to promote an understanding of how one would work independently and collaboratively with a teacher.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand the evolution of inclusive education in the school system
Understand philosophy of inclusion
Follow student’s individual education plan (IEP)
Help children realize their potential
Advocate for student respect, understanding, and dignity
Demonstrate acceptance of and respect for others

The Role of the Educational Assistant

Course Duration: 24 hours

Course Description

In this course students become familiar with the setup and function of the school system. The role and responsibilities of the Educational Assistant in the classroom, as part of the educational support system, and within the entire school system are discussed. Students learn how to work with others to perform their responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Support students in the classroom, lunch room, at play, on the school bus, and with personal care
Understand hierarchy of authority in the school setting
Perform administrative duties (e.g. photocopying, filing)
Work independently with minimal supervision
Consult with the teacher as necessary to facilitate student learning
Assist students in resolving interpersonal conflicts
Motivate and encourage student participation
Demonstrate a basic understanding of appropriate student behaviour and factors that affect behaviour

Growth and Development

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

This course covers the basic principles of human growth and development (in terms of physical, cognitive and behavioural development) and provides students with a basic understanding of the various stages involved. Special emphasis is given regarding development during school years. Students will understand the factors influencing student behaviour at different ages, and the roles of culture and traditional values in determining a child’s sense of belonging are explored.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand the basic principles of growth and development
Describe the different stages of growth and development
Define the normal and typical growth and development of different age groups

Exceptional Learners

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

Students are introduced to factors that lead to an exceptional student designation and the effects of such factors (e.g. disabilities) on the body, health, behaviour, and the learning process. Students learn important strategies and correct terminologies to allow them to work effectively with teachers to ensure exceptional learners achieve set learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand different exceptionalities
Gain and develop skills to work with special needs students
Develop various strategies to communicate with students
Foster a community where everyone feels valued
Ensure a safe and a socially comfortable environment for all students
Follow the clinician’s recommendations

Record Keeping

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

In this course students gain an appreciation for the importance of student evaluation and assessment and develop the skills required to effectively assist with student observation, documentation, record keeping, and reporting to the teacher so as to facilitate the assessment process. Students acquire understanding of the policies related to assessment, diagnosis and evaluation, and further develop communication skills to effectively work with teachers, parents and community members.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Document using different methods (e.g. anecdotal, check list, sampling)
Observe students to assess their achievements and behaviour
Learn to report all incidences to the classroom teacher
Keep comprehensive reports
Gain skills to keep a daily journal for all student activities
Maintain objectivity in observing, documenting, and reporting student matters

Learning Styles

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

This course examines concepts related to the learning process for children at different stages of development, including learning styles, and theories of learning. The influence of such factors as the learning environment and individual versus group learning on the learning process for learners with different needs is discussed. Various management and intervention strategies that can be utilized to improve learning, practical techniques to deal with a variety of behavioral challenges, and supervision and tutorial support skills are explored.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand different learning styles and associated strategies to support student needs
Provide an environment that is conducive for learning
Encourage students to apply their preferred learning style
Apply different learning methods to support student learning

Life Skills and Social Development

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

This course will equip trainees with the knowledge and skills required to effectively help students grow and develop personal skills so that they are better prepared to deal with challenges and/or life changes. Development of social skills and promotion of independence and self-esteem are emphasized.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Evaluate student achievements in life skill activities and report to the teacher
Monitor social behaviours of students and alter them when necessary
Develop skills to promote student independence
Promote student self-esteem
Encourage and support social interactions with other students

Language Development

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

In this course, students learn the stages in language acquisition and development and become familiar with the factors that affect this process. Speech and language disorders and techniques used to improve language development in the classroom are covered.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand different components of language development
Promote students milestone at different stages
Describe different speech and language disorders
Gain skills to communicate with students with language disorders
Demonstrate knowledge of different communication aides and their use

Introduction to Computers

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

Students acquire basic skills in current Microsoft Windows applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and in internet use, including email communication. Word skills include creating and saving documents, tools, tables, tabs, and mail merge. Excel skills include tips for entering data, formulas, functions, and charts. PowerPoint skills include creating and delivering presentations effectively.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand the functions of the computer lab
Gain knowledge on how to enter student data
Create educational templates and other resources for smooth student learning
Use computer applications for job related matters

Learning Disability

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students detailed, yet practical knowledge and skills to work effectively with students with severe learning disabilities. Techniques to help with student learning and how to manage specific behaviours are discussed.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Identify different learning disabilities
Gain an understanding of the different types, and uses of, assistive and adaptive technology
Support students with learning disabilities using various strategies
Accommodate and modify strategies to support student success
Treat students in different way according to their needs

Understanding and Managing Student Behaviour

Course Duration: 50 hours

Course Description

Students gain an understanding of the role that social, sensory, and emotional factors play in the expression of specific behaviours. Students acquire knowledge on how behaviour affects the learning process and develop skills to aid in establishing an environment that supports and encourage positive behaviour. Practical techniques to deal with a variety of behavioural problems, including group and individual situations, are explored.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Develop practical skills to deal with a variety of behavioural problems
Understand the ABC’s of behaviour
Gain an understanding of the different types, and uses of, assistive and adaptive technology
Contribute to an effective behaviour management approach
Support the teacher in providing behavioural and social support to students
Stay calm, and how to assist students during a crisis
Follow instructions from the interdisciplinary team
Follow the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Deal with a variety of behavioural problems one-one-one, or in a group setting
Understand the concepts of power and power struggles

Ethics and Professionalism

Course Duration: 18 hours

Course Description

In this course ethical practices and professional conduct that Educational Assistants have to abide by in dealing with students, teachers, school staff, and community members are discussed. The basic legal frameworks for the provision of education to all students, irrespective of their learning needs, will be discussed. Students become familiar with ethical issues related to maintaining confidentiality and proper handling of student records.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand the importance of ethics and professionalism
Maintain confidentiality in handling student records
Acknowledge students’ right to different opinions and autonomy
Follow instructions as outlined by the teacher or clinician
Be responsible and dependable
Maintain a respectful work environment
Gain basic understanding of the Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools)
Gain basic understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it relates to the provision of education to all students
Maintain conduct appropriate of a school setting

Math and English

Course Duration: 30 hours

Course Description

This course provides information and practical strategies to effectively support student learning in the English Language Arts and Mathematics curriculum areas. Students will acquire knowledge of current Math and English processes and develop positive attitudes towards these subjects that will enable their effective support of students and teachers.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand current Math and English curriculum
Help students to adopt different math strategies as outlined by the classroom teacher
Assist students in reading, comprehension, and writing
Help students experiment with language in expressing ideas

Portfolio Development

Course Duration: 10 hours

Course Description:

Students will learn how to develop a professional portfolio to demonstrate skills, knowledge, and understanding of their experiences and goals. The critical steps in portfolio development to provide a comprehensive picture of one’s accomplishments will be discussed. Students will learn how to use a portfolio to enhance self-awareness and to prepare for job interviews.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand what a portfolio is and how it is used
Know the steps in creating portfolios
Develop a professional portfolio

Wevas

Course Duration: 10 hours

Course Description

In this course students learn how to recognize challenging behaviour and develop different communication strategies to support students in violent and aggressive states to return to a safe learning state. The psychological states that negatively affect a child’s behaviour, interpersonal skills, and ability to learn, are identified.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Understand the importance of WEVAS (Working effectively with violent and aggressive students)
Identify psychological states that produce negative behaviours
Understand the different communication approaches
Develop communication strategies for dealing with various psychological states of a child
Foster a safe and caring environment
Match communication strategies with a child’s psychological state

First AID/CPR

Course Duration: 8 hours

Course Description

Delivered in a workshop setting attended by students to obtain a First AID Certificate and CPR-Basic Rescuer certification.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Recognize and respond to cardiovascular and choking emergencies
Recognize and respond to allergic reactions
Recognize and respond to a seizure episode
Attend to minor injuries

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Course Duration: 8 hours

Course Description

Allows students to develop the confidence needed to deal with and manage disruptive behavior and potentially violent situations in a safe and non-confrontational manner. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is a program designed to help develop and improve communication skills to deescalate potentially dangerous situations. It s an integral part of an overall plan to develop safe and caring environments.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Recognize aggressive behavior that may lead to a crisis
Develop safety techniques when dealing with aggressive clients
Develop therapeutic relationships with aggressive clients
Develop communication skills to de-escalate potentially violent situations

Career Development Strategies

Course Duration: 44 hours

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with strategies they can apply to successful transition into the work force and lead to a successful career. Students will learn how to and where to start the process of searching for a job, and how to develop documents needed for job application. Strategies for effective job application and preparation for a job interview and follow-up are discussed.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Develop and apply job search strategies
Prepare effective resumes and various job application cover letters
Demonstrate confidence in a job interview
Understand the significance and gain the ability to prepare a thank you letter

Computer Applications

Course Duration: 80 hours

Course Description

This course will provide an in-depth, advanced coverage of Microsoft Windows applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Students will become proficient using Microsoft Word as a word processor and a desktop publishing tool. Students will learn how to use Microsoft Excel to create and format spreadsheets that will assist in decision making, financial planning and data analysis. By the end of this course, students will have the ability to create, format, edit, print, and save worksheets with headers and footers, images, and charts. This course will provide students with advanced tools to create professional looking presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Create various documents
Enhance documents by applying styles
Manage long documents
Create tables and columns
Create templates
Use mail merge
Design, format, and edit spreadsheets and charts
Enter formulas and functions
Use logical and financial functions
Work with multiple worksheets, outlines, and consolidation
Use pivot tables
Create, edit, and present slide shows
Work with slide and layout masters
Add audios and videos
Add transitions and animation effects
Prepare a speaker-delivered presentation

Organizational Behaviour

Course Duration: 60 hours

Course Description

This course will cover comprehensive, contemporary organizational behaviour topics through a flexible hybrid of text and online resources. To further apply what is learned, we will approach organizational behavior from an international perspective and provide a number of real-world examples. It includes the basic theories and elements of organizational behavior, and is a study of the core topics of motivation, leader behavior and power, interpersonal communication, group structure and processes, learning, attitude development and perception, change processes, conflict, work design, and work stress.

Professional workshops will provide the tools for enhanced communication, effective team skills, and problemsolving in the workplace. These important skills will build greater confidence and professionalism needed to grasp the concepts of both group and individual performance and activity within an organization, secure employment, and necessary for job maintenance and advancement.

The following topics will be covered in direct correlation with the organizational behaviour text chapters:

Brainstorming and Developing Group Norms
Assumptions and Perceptions
Emotional Management
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Personality Dimensions
Values Clarification
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Developing Teamwork Skills
Becoming an Effective Leader
Developing Assertiveness
Anger/Impulse Management
Stress Management
Resolving Conflicts with Others
Cross Cultural Relations and Diversity Awareness
Using Positive Political Skills
Enhancing Ethical Behaviour

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Identify the important system components of an organization
Describe the cultural differences in motivation
Identify the factors that influence group behaviour
Describe how empowerment relates to self-managed teams
Explain how organizations can improve the quality of decisions through participation
Discuss the differences between leadership and management and between leaders and managers
Identify five styles of conflict management
Gain personal and professional skills directly related to the theoretical content

Two (2) Academic Reviews

Course Duration: 4 hours

Course Description

Twice throughout the program the students will have one-on-one reviews to discuss marks, attendance, and progress. Unscheduled reviews will be performed should there be any issues regarding attendance, progress, etc. They will also participate in a mock interview to prepare them for their practiucm interview.

Practicum

Course Duration: 320 hours

The practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in class to a classroom setting. Students work full time under the supervision of the teaching staff with their progress being monitored closely by the program instructor. Development of positive and collaborative attitudes is emphasized.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Acquire real life experience in a classroom environment
Put concepts learned in class into practice
Gain skills using a variety of in-house software and technology not covered in class
Develop the skills to work and interact with other educators and stakeholders
Develop the skills to work and interact with students
Gain important work experience to support employment opportunities

Program Fee

Registration Fee	:	$ 150 CAD
Tuition Fee	:	$ 11,950 CAD
“Eligible for 1 or 2 years (for longer programs) Alberta and Canada Student Aid where applicable”
Books and Lab Fees	:	$ 1,900 CAD
Total Fees	:	$ 14,000 CAD

Program Starts

XX January 2024

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Educational Assistant (Online)

Educational Assistant Program in Edmonton, Alberta

Program Description

Admission Requirements

Start Your Application Now!

Program Details

Career Opportunities

Job Titles Related to this Program

Courses Covered

Program Fee

Program Starts