Educational Assistant Certificate

Program Details

Program Phone Number

780-623-5561

Program Description

The Educational Assistant program prepares the student to work in formal school settings, assisting teachers in the development and delivery of effective educational experiences for school aged children. Course content provides the student with knowledge and skills in the areas of: child growth and development; learning strategies to support curriculum for diverse learners; interpersonal skills and working as a professional team member. This program offers a combination of theoretical instruction along with practical experience in an educational setting.

Credential

Certificate

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent including English 30-1 or 30-2 (30 or 33), Math 10C or 10-3, Math 10 (Applied or Pure), Math 10 or 13
• Criminal Record Check Waiver
• Child Welfare Involvement Check.

Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements at our Moodle Site.

Practicum

Varies

Career Potential

Graduates of the Educational Assistant Certificate program are prepared to work in school environments and other agencies providing educational services to children and youth.

Transferability

Portage College Educational Assistant Diploma Program Transferability to other provincial colleges is available Some courses are transferable to the Early Learning and Childcare Certificate and to the Disability Studies program. 30 block credit transfer to the Athabasca University BPA program

Program Schedule, Fees & Locations:

Please refer to the link below for current schedule and fees.

Program Schedule & Fees 2011 - 2012

Program Schedule & Fees 2012 - 2013

Course List

• ECDE100 - HUMAN DEVELOPMENT I

  Course ID: ECDE100

  Name: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT I

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  In this course the student will explore the major theories of human development and will focus specifically on birth to age 12 18. Areas of study will include physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

  
  
• ECDE103 - FIELD PRACTICUM I/INTEGRATION

  Course ID: ECDE103

  Name: FIELD PRACTICUM I/INTEGRATION

  Hours: 140

  Credits: 2

  This field practicum consists of full-time supervised placements for four-weeks in early childhood programs. Students are placed in daycares, kindergartens, Head Start Programs and other preschool environments. During the practicum, time is designated for an integration seminar at the college. Students integrate class theory with field placement experiences through discussion and group activities.

  
  
• ECDE111 - GUIDING BEHAVIOUR

  Course ID: ECDE111

  Name: GUIDING BEHAVIOUR

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Students learn skills and effective intervention techniques designed to positively and appropriately guide the behaviour of preschool and school-age children, and to nurture a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.

  
  
• ECDE123 - FIELD PRACTICUM II/INTEGRATION

  Course ID: ECDE123

  Name: FIELD PRACTICUM II/INTEGRATION

  Hours: 140

  Credits: 2

  This practicum is a four-week placement (140 hours) in an assigned educational setting. Students assume duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the practicum on-site supervisor and are responsible for arrangements necessary to complete College expectations and assignments. There is time required for the Integration Seminar at the college.

  
  
• EDAS112 - INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE & LITERACY FOR EDUCATION ASSISTANTS

  Course ID: EDAS112

  Name: INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE & LITERACY FOR EDUCATION ASSISTANTS

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course will focus on how children develop language and literacy skills in school settings. It will include a history of philosophy in language and literacy learning as well as current practice and trends. Developmentally appropriate practice, language in diverse families, and the role of reading, writing, speaking and listening in literacy will be explored.

  
  
• EDAS113 - INTRODUCTORY MATH LEARNING

  Course ID: EDAS113

  Name: INTRODUCTORY MATH LEARNING

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course will focus on developing mathematical concepts, skills and abilities at the pre-math, early math, elementary, middle school math levels and some high school level math. The emphasis will be on the role of the educational assistant in the selection of effective and appropriate strategies used when providing math assistance to students. Curriculum design and programming will include a specific emphasis on mathematical experience.

  
  
• EDAS122 - ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EA

  Course ID: EDAS122

  Name: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EA

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course provides students with the knowledge required to work professionally and effectively with classroom teachers and in the overall school environment. Students become knowledgeable about professional ethics, ATA policy regarding assistants in the school, school policies and related operational matters, code of conduct, job descriptions, and role clarifications.

  
  
• ENGL100 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

  Course ID: ENGL100

  Name: WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  ENGL 100 concentrates on the development and improvement of academic writing skills that meet post-secondary college standards. The course reviews effective essay writing skills and considers the summary, report, and critique. The focus of ENGL 100 is the research paper and APA style. The course projects effective writing and avoidance of plagiarism as intrinsic professional competencies. Job search considerations include the cover letter, targeted electronic resume, and portfolio. Students develop computer skills to augment composition, formatting, and proofing of all scholastic papers.

  
  
• RSER101 - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Course ID: RSER101

  Name: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This is an introductory course to disability studies and provides students with an opportunity to explore the lives of persons with disabilities including families, special needs, diverse characteristics, and life styles.

  
  
• RSER102 - OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT

  Course ID: RSER102

  Name: OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Learning in this course involves the study and development of basic behavioural observation, assessment and individual program planning (IPP) strategies that are fundamental to the habilitation and rehabilitation of persons with developmental disabilities. Techniques of objective behavioural descriptions, observation and recording of behaviour are emphasized.

  
  
• RSER103 - INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

  Course ID: RSER103

  Name: INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  In this course interpersonal communication skills are emphasized as a vital part of human services. This course provides students with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the basic communication concepts and skills, to examine their everyday communication behaviours, and to apply their new knowledge and self-awareness to their own experience. The main goal of this experience is to help students expand their repertoire of skills for communicating more effectively.

  
  
• RSER122 - PROGRAM DESIGN

  Course ID: RSER122

  Name: PROGRAM DESIGN

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Study in this course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the principles of applied behaviour analysis and its utility in designing behavioural plans within the context of individual program plans (IPP). Students are taught to design and implement programs that assist persons with disabilities to learn new, or adapt existing behaviours. Programming strategies considered are transferable to a wide variety of settings, ages and abilities. It is expected that students will utilize their observation and assessment skills (RSER 102) as a pre-requisite to effective program design.