Educational Assistant Program in Edmonton, Alberta

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.

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.

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 to enhance learning opportunities for students are discussed. Students learn how to work with others to discharge their responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner.

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, with special emphasis on development during school years. Students will understand the factors influencing student behaviour at different ages. The roles of culture and traditional values in determining a child’s sense of belonging are explored.

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 the right terminologies to allow them to work effectively with teachers to ensure exceptional learners achieve set learning outcomes.

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, and 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 develop communication skills to effectively work with teachers, parents and community members.

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.

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 any challenges and/or life changes they may encounter. Development of social skills and promotion of independence and self-esteem are emphasized.

In this course, students learn the stages of 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.

Students acquire basic skills in current Microsoft Windows applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and 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.

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

Students gain an understanding of the role 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 help establish an environment that supports and encourages positive behaviour. Practical techniques to deal with a variety of behavioural problems, including group and individual situations are explored.

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.

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