Educational Assistant Diploma

Program Details

Program Phone Number

780-623-5561

Program Description

The Educational Assistant Diploma Program enables the student to enhance their knowledge and skills in children’s programming with a focus on in-depth study of school-age (ECS to Grade 12) educational programs. Building on the foundations of the EA Certificate, learning in this program will: explore the historical and philosophical influences on current best practices in school-age educational programming; examine the sociology of the Canadian family; develop specialized practice in supporting programming for children with exceptionalities and developmental disabilities; expand understanding and strategies in the areas of mathematics and language learning; strengthen insights and approaches for working effectively as a contributing team member in planning and supporting school-age learning. This program offers a combination of theoretical instruction along with practical experience in an educational setting.

Credential

Diploma

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of Educational Assistant Certificate from Portage College or another provincial college, college transcripts, Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Prior Involvement Check. Mature students who lack the required academic background may be granted admission based on mature status. Applications may be required to do an interview with the Program Coordinator and it may be necessary to complete admission testing to assess academic abilities. Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements at our Moodle Site.

Practicum

1.Varies Practicum locations vary. Students may be required to travel to practicum sites and are responsible for arranging their own transportation, accommodation, and childcare.

Career Potential

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

Transferability

Transferability to other provincial colleges is available Some courses are transferable to the Portage College Early Learning and Child Care Diploma and to the Disability Studies program. 60 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

• ECDE210 - CHILD HEALTH

  Course ID: ECDE210

  Name: CHILD HEALTH

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and skills in maintaining and enhancing child health and wellness in a safe and nurturing environment. There is specific emphasis on the health needs of children with developmental disabilities.

  
  
• ECEA201 - EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION

  Course ID: ECEA201

  Name: EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course focuses on the historical perspectives which have contributed to, and have influenced the current philosophies and practices in the early childhood field today. Various contemporary program models are explored with an emphasis on Alberta’s educational system and initiatives.

  
  
• ECEA206 - SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY

  Course ID: ECEA206

  Name: SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course provides students with knowledge of family structures, family dynamics, and the various factors that influence growth and development of the family in Canadian society.

  
  
• ECEA209 - CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

  Course ID: ECEA209

  Name: CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course provides students with knowledge of various types of exceptionalities and with skills to assist in developing appropriate programming strategies for children with exceptional needs and abilities. Students will learn appropriate interventions techniques and how to utilize these when working individually with children and in integrated settings. Inclusive education is studied as it relates to Alberta classrooms. This course will provide in depth study of disabilities common in today’s schools including Autism Spectrum Disorder, FASD, and Emotional and Behavioural Disabilities. Specific programming strategies will be pursued.

  
  
• EDAS203 - FIELD PRACTICUM I

  Course ID: EDAS203

  Name: FIELD PRACTICUM I

  Hours: 140

  Credits: 2

  This practicum provides students with experiences in school-based programs. The practicum focuses on the application of increased knowledge of developmentally appropriate programming, child development theory, and effective communication with children. During the practicum, time is designated for an integration seminar at the College.

  
  
• EDAS211 - ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL GUIDANCE FOR THE EA

  Course ID: EDAS211

  Name: ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL GUIDANCE FOR THE EA

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Students build advanced skills and effective intervention techniques designed to effectively manage persistent problem behavior in school settings. This course will include an in-depth analysis of contemporary theories on child guidance and anti-bias curriculum.

  
  
• EDAS212 - ADVANCED LANGUAGE & LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

  Course ID: EDAS212

  Name: ADVANCED LANGUAGE & LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  In this course students learn appropriate strategies for enhancing reading, writing, speaking and listening. These skills include early literacy intervention, reading comprehension, word attack skills, expressive story reading, and spelling strategies. Students will develop materials and teaching strategies to effectively assist children with reading and writing.

  
  
• EDAS213 - ADVANCED CURRICULUM IN MATH

  Course ID: EDAS213

  Name: ADVANCED CURRICULUM IN MATH

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Students will gain an advanced perspective on numeracy and the development of appropriate curriculum. This course focuses on developing strategies to assist children with math skills in each of the four math strands outlined by Alberta Education. The emphasis will be on the role of the Educational Assistant in selecting effective and appropriate strategies while providing math assistance to students.

  
  
• EDAS221 - ADVANCED PROGRAM DESIGN

  Course ID: EDAS221

  Name: ADVANCED PROGRAM DESIGN

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  
  
• EDAS223 - FIELD PRACTICUM II

  Course ID: EDAS223

  Name: FIELD PRACTICUM II

  Hours: 140

  Credits: 2

  Students are placed in a school setting where they will assume supervised duties and responsibilities as required by the practicum site. During the practicum, time is designated for integration seminar at the college

  
  
• RSER201 - ADVANCED STUDIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Course ID: RSER201

  Name: ADVANCED STUDIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course builds on RSER 101 and focuses on developing a greater understanding and appreciation for the multifaceted aspects of developmental disabilities. This course provides students with knowledge of various types of exceptionalities and with skills to assist in developing appropriate programming strategies for children with exceptional needs and abilities. Students will learn appropriate interventions techniques and how to utilize these when working individually with children and in integrated settings. Inclusive education is studied as it relates to Alberta classrooms.

  
  
• RSER221 - ADVANCED PROGRAM DESIGN I

  Course ID: RSER221

  Name: ADVANCED PROGRAM DESIGN I

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  RSER 221 builds on RSER 102 and 122, allowing students to expand their skills in designing effective programs for challenging behaviours. Emphasis is placed on developing communication-based intervention. Prerequisite - RSER 102 & RSER 122