Educational Assistant Certificate 
Loading... The Educational Assistant program will enable graduates to work in educational settings under the supervision and direction of a teacher, providing support to students who require assistance in developmental, behavioural, and/or learning tasks. Graduates of the Educational Assistant program will be prepared to work with children in the school system from K-12, in both resource rooms and regular classrooms. Graduates will also be employable in a wide range of out-of-school settings such as early intervention, day care, Head Start, or as private educational supports.
Course work will provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work effectively with children and teachers in diverse educational settings. Students will learn about human development, speech and language support, remedial math and reading, behavioural management, exceptionalities, interpersonal communication, and the roles and responsibilities of a paraprofessional in an educational setting.
Practicum is an integral part of this Certificate program and assures that students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Practicum in a community outside of Grande Prairie may be available and will be considered on an individual basis.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into this program, applicants must be 18 years of age or older (or receive special permission from the Department Chairperson) and have a high school diploma with 60% in English 30-2 or 50% in English 30-1.
Students must present a Standard First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (Basic Rescuer) prior to practicum. A Police Information check will be required from the RCMP prior to the first practicum as agencies require this of individuals who work in their organizations. Information about obtaining Police Information Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted. For students' own personal health, they may wish to ensure that their immunizations are current.
Mature Student Admission
If applicants are without a high school diploma in English 30-1 or 30-2, they must arrange with Student Services for pre-admission assessment.
Part-Time Student Admission
Applicants may enrol in up to three courses without admission to the program. Applicants may be considered for admission to the program if they have successfully completed English 30-1 or English 30-2 (as per admission requirements) or a 3-credit College level English course. If applicants do not have the English requirement, they must register in HS1130 English as their first course.
Additional Information
The Educational Assistant Program is offering an “Earn While You Learn” plan for students currently employed as an Educational Assistant (without certification). Students can begin working towards obtaining their certification while continuing to work in the field.
Course Offerings will vary from year to year. Courses will be offered via part time studies and evening and online courses. Credit can also be achieved through challenge exams and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. Students should contact the department for more information.
Program Curriculum
First year (37 credits)
Fall and Winter
- HS1000 Interpersonal Communications (2)
- HS1102 Behavioural and Functional Assessment (3)
- HS1130 English (3)
- HS1202 Behavior Management Strategies (3)
- HS1203 Interpersonal Competence (1)
- HS1217 Language and Literacy (2)
- TA2100 Supporting Inclusion in the Classroom (3)
- HS2440 Human Development: Birth through Adolescence (3)
- TA1231 Speech and Language Interventions (2)
- TA1234 The Role of the Para-professional in the Classroom (2)
- TA1235 Practicum (1)
- TA1236 Remedial Reading and Mathematics (3)
- TA1367 Supporting Technology in the Classroom (2)
- Two of: TA1232 Exploring the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (1) or
TA1237 Exploring the Autism Spectrum (1) or
TA1239 Intro to Mental Health in Schools (1)
Spring
TA1238 Practicum (5)
Progression Criteria
Student academic and practicum performance will be reviewed each semester as required. Students who fail two courses, worth two or more credits, in a semester will be placed on departmental probation for the following semester. Students who fail any practicum course more than once will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Students who fail three courses, worth two or more credits, will be required to withdraw for one full semester from the full-time program. Readmission to the program on a part-time basis will be subject to departmental review. In order to progress in the program, students must achieve a minimum grade of C- on all Educational Assistant courses.
Graduation Requirements
To complete the Certificate requirements, students must achieve a minimum grade of C- in all courses (with the exception of the practicum course in which a grade of CR is required). Students will need to complete the program requirements listed to qualify for a Certificate in Educational Assistant. It is recommended that prior to graduation, students participate in a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training program.
If students meet these requirements, they may apply to graduate.
Contact Information
