ObjectivesThis two year Educational Assistant Certificate Program of 387 hours, combines classroom instruction and practical experience through field placements. The program was designed with input from local school boards to provide the knowledge and skills required to work with children with special needs at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively as team members in a variety of settings, supporting teachers and students with a range of learning needs and strengths. Emphasis is placed on practical application, current educational theories and practices, behavioural strategies, learning and classroom strategies and the role and responsibilities of the Educational Assistant. Boards of Education are increasingly requiring Educational Assistants to have certification prior to working in a school environment.
Practical experienceThere are various field placement components associated with this program.
Academic titleEducational Assistant Ontario College Certificate
Course descriptionEDUC1010 Student Growth And Development In Educational Settings
Description: Admission: Student must be enrolled in the Educational Assistant Program. This course expands on human development theories, covering concepts of child and youth development related to social, cognitive, physical, emotional and communication domains. The contribution of philosophies and practices for special needs students and special education will be examined. The application of theory to lesson planning will be discussed.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
EDUC1020 Students With Special Needs
Description: Prerequisite: Student Growth and Development in Educational Settings. Providing the Educational Assistant with the knowledge required to assist students with a variety of special needs, this course discusses the referral process, assessment and program planning to meet individual needs.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
EDUC1030 Role Of An Educational Assistant
Description: This course will examine the role and responsibilities of the Educational Assistant as a member of the multi-disciplinary educational team. It will include practical aspects of an Educational Assistant's working environment such as professional relationships, communication and legal and ethical issues and reponsiblities.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
EDUC1040 Field Placement I (Educational Assistant)
Description: During Field Placement I the student will apply knowledge, skills and attitudes to practical situations with special needs children. This experience will be under the supervision of a designated Education Assistant or teacher who will observe, guide, advise, evaluate and gradually increase the independence of the student.
Hours: 50
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: EDUC1020
EDUC1050 Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
Description: This course focuses on managing potential crisis situations. Techniques acquired will allow participants to recognize the signs of escalating behaviours and to safely and effectively de-escalate these behaviours.
Hours: 12
Credits: 1
EDUC1075 Work Skills I
Description: Held before (part A) and after (part B) Field Placement I, the first half of this course provides students with an orientation to the Field Placement I experience and a review of the expectations to be achieved. The second half of the course will be a follow-up session at the end of the Field Placement with the opportunity to synthesize learning through shared experiences, instruction and handing in of assignments.
Hours: 10
Credits: 1
EDUC1085 Work Skills II
Description: This course is held before (part A) and after (part B) Field Placement II. The first half of this course provides students with an orientation to the Field Placement II experience and a review of the expectations to be achieved. The second half of the course will be a follow-up session at the end of the Field Placement with an opportunity to synthesize learning through shared experiences, presentation by a School Board panel and returning of assignments.
Hours: 10
Credits: 1
EDUC2010 Approaches to Autism
Description: This course explores the nature of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder. It then focuses on shaping environments to promote positive change in these children through practical proven strategies to decrease the change of aggression and help prevent crisis situations from developing.
Hours: 18
Credits: 1
EDUC2020 Learning And Classroom Strategies
Description: Recommendation: Student must have completed Year One of the Educational Assistant Program. Providing a variety of strategies and interventions used by the Educational Assistant, this class explores different styles of learning. Basic principles of learning ranging from motivation to conflict resolution will also be discussed.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: EDUC1040
EDUC2030 Speech And Language Development
Description: This course will cover basic areas such as the acquisition of language, language disorders and appropriate interventions as they may be applied by an Educational Assistant.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: EDUC2020
EDUC2040 Field Placement II (Educational Assistant)
Description: Recommended: Students have successfully completed all courses in the Educational Assistant Program. In this course students, who will be under the guidance of a designated Education Assistant or teacher, will apply the full range of knowledge they've learned throughout the course to practical situations.
Hours: 50
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: EDUC2030
EDUC2060 Practical Handling Techniques For Physically Disabled Children
Description: This course will provide the Educational Assistant with knowledge and techniques to use when working with physically disabled children. Students will practice safe handling, positioning and transferring techniques including body mechanics. The care and use of assistive devices and mobility aids are also included in this course.
Hours: 18
Credits: 1
EDUC2100 Creative Strategies for Managing Behaviour
Description: Providing an overview of challenging behaviour, this course covers such topics as pinpointing challenging and appropriate alternative behaviours, setting goals and objectives, and assessing the triggers and consequences of behaviour. Practical strategies for an Educational Assistant for managing challenging behaviour will be emphasized.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
EDUC2110 Computer Applications for Special Needs Students
Description: This course provides students with a brief review of common computer software (word processing, internet access) and then introduces them to specific software applications used in classrooms to enhance the learning of students with special needs. Students will need a set of earphones for this course.
Hours: 18
Credits: 1