ObjectivesThe Special Education Assistant (SEA) evening/weekend program prepares students to work in inclusive educational settings with children and adolescents, Kindergarten to Grade 12, who have diverse learning needs. SEA students are trained to support children with special needs so that these children can participate fully as members of a community of learners.
SEA 100 History, Philosophy and Issues in Special Education 1.50
SEA 101 Working in Schools 1.50
SEA 102 Interpersonal Skills for Special Education Assistants 1.50
SEA 103 Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviours 1.50
SEA 104 Child Growth and Development for SEAs 1.50
SEA 105 Developmental Challenges for SEAs 3.00
SEA 106 Technology and Communications Systems for SEAs 2.00
SEA 107 Strategies 1: Supporting Students in High Incidence Areas 3.00
SEA 108 Strategies 2: Supporting Students in Low Incidence Areas 1.50
SEA 109 Practicum for SEAs 6.00
SEA 110 Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders 2.25
Credits 25.25 Total Program Credits 25.25
SEA 100 History, Philosophy and Issues in Special Education
1.50 credits (5,0,0) hrs 06 wks
Prerequisite: SEA 102
The student will gain an understanding of the historical and philosophical issues in the field of special education.
SEA 101 Working in Schools
1.50 credits (5,0,0) hrs 06 wks
Corequisite: SEA 100
The student will have gained an understanding of the school system and the SEA role within that setting.
SEA 102 Interpersonal Skills for Special Education Assistants
1.50 credits (3,0,0) hrs 10 wks
The emphasis of this course is practicing the application of basic communication principles, interpersonal and problem solving skills.
SEA 103 Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviours
1.50 credits (3.6,0,0) hrs 10 wks
Students will gain knowledge of various behavior profiles and develop an understanding of how to support children with behavioral difficulties in a school setting.
SEA 104 Child Growth and Development for SEAs
1.50 credits (3,0,0) hrs 10 wks
The student will gain knowledge of changes in child development from birth to adolescent; exploring social, emotional, physical, language, expressive and cognitive stages. The SEA student will be able to relate this knowledge to professional situations in the regular classroom or special education field by developing observation and recording methods used to support critical documentation in school-based team meetings, Integrated case management Plans (ICMP) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) regarding the growth and development of children with special needs in any of the various stages.
SEA 105 Developmental Challenges for SEAs
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The student will explore philosophical and current issues emphasized in inclusive education through definition, etiology, prevalence and implications for learning in the various areas of exceptionality. The student will also gain an understanding of the challenges to child growth and development in the various areas of exceptionality. A practical skills introduction is included.
SEA 106 Technology and Communications Systems for SEAs
2.00 credits (3,0,0) hrs 13 wks
Prerequisite: SEA 110
SEA students will become familiar with a wide range of low and high technology adaptations for students with disabilities. Common computer hardware and software that are used in school will be explored. Students will learn how the school system and related agencies assess the needs of students with special needs and provide appropriate adaptations. Also covered will be the relationship between teachers, related professionals, and the special education assistants in term of educational planning and implementation of plans regarding technology. Ten hours of basic signing is also included.
Note: Familiarity with and demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills/word processing on both MAC and PC.
SEA 107 Strategies 1: Supporting Students in High Incidence Areas
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: SEA 103 and 104
The student will gain knowledge of and experience with a range of instructional strategies suitable for inclusion of high incidence students in mainstream settings.
SEA 108 Strategies 2: Supporting Students in Low Incidence Areas
1.50 credits (3,0,0) hrs 10 wks
Prerequisite: SEA 107
The student will gain knowledge of and experience with a range of instructional strategies suitable for inclusion of low incidence students in mainstream settings.
SEA 109 Practicum for SEAs
6.00 credits (0,0,8) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: SEA 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 and 110
The Student will gain the practical experience necessary to work effectively in the classroom assisting teachers in the support of students with special needs. The student will have an opportunity to work at a level comparable to that of employable special education assistants.
Note: Current TB test, Criminal Record check and first aid/CPR certificate must be on college file.
SEA 110 Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2.25 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Corequisite: SEA 107
Students will gain knowledge of best practices in autism and develop an understanding of how to support students with autism spectrum disorders in a wide range of school environments.