Courses

This course is the first course of the Education Assistant Program and will lay a foundation to the entire certificate, introducing students to the history of Inclusive Education in Canada, a theology of disability from the Christian Worldview and First People Principles of Learning, the Ministry of Education designations and funding, different support models, understanding the roles and responsibilities of Education Assistants as well as school cultures.

The study of the identification, etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of students with exceptional learning needs such as learning and physical disabilities, visual and auditory impairments, behaviour disorders, intellectual delay, and giftedness as related to classroom experiences in schools.

Change and development are central parts of the human experience and this course is designed to foster an understanding in the process of human development. The content of the course is organized chronologically, beginning from preconception to infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, early, middle and late adolescence. The topics to be covered include the dimensions of human development such as the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social, academic, moral, and spiritual aspects.

This course is designed to equip education assistants with essential communication and relationship-building competencies required to excel in their roles. The topics emphasize the significance of strong interpersonal skills in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Students will learn effective communication techniques, develop active listening skills, and enhance their abilities to collaborate with teachers, students, parents, and other education professionals. The importance of the Educational Assistant’s personal self-care, growth and development is also emphasized.

This course equips students as education assistants in the school system by combining theoretical concepts with hands-on experience. Students learn to observe and understand the dynamics between education assistants, classroom teachers, and students with exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on developing competencies for education assistants within the classroom where essential skills such as observation and documentation, guiding and nurturing students, and fostering collaboration with teachers and other staff members are learned. Practicum seminars will offer students guidance and assistance during their field practice while Professional Development Plans will track students’ progress towards their practicum goals.

This course focuses on the design of positive behaviour supports that enhance and motivate student behaviour in the classroom and various school settings. It emphasizes that behaviour is a form of communication and that the key to behaviour support is understanding what students are trying to say with their behaviour. The goal of this approach is less on managing student’s behaviour but helping them to build strong social and emotional skills which will lead to more prosocial behaviour.

This course will focus on the physical and mental health needs of students in K-12 classrooms and the role of the Education Assistant in supporting them. The importance of the physical, mental health and well-being of the Education Assistants will also be explored.

This course is an introduction to assistive technology and how it may support diverse learners in the classroom. Different components of various technologies, related to the needs of the users are explored. Ethical and technological issues that emerge when supporting children who use assistive technology, in K-12 classrooms, are also examined.

This course provides information on Autism Spectrum Disorder, including its causes, diagnosis, prevalence, and characteristics as well as effective, evidence-based strategies and approaches that education assistants can utilize to maximize support for students with ASD.