Education Assistant program
Program Duration: 1000 hours = 50 weeks (Based on a full-time program of 20 hours per week; average 4 week courses)

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and completion of high school studies and/or commencement of post-secondary studies OR have achieved MATURE STUDENT STATUS: 19 years of age, out of secondary school for a minimum of 1 year with program industry experience minimum of 100 hours
Brief Program Description
There is increasing demand for Education Assistants (EAs) in the province of BC, and they are employed by every school district throughout the province. SELC Career College prepares students to work as EAs in a school setting where they will be supporting the development of individual students, participating in school-based team meetings, and helping design and implement Individualized Education Plans. The program includes both theoretical studies, observation and practical applications. More specifically, EAs assist school teachers and other staff as they work with students who may require additional support for academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs. For example, students who are facing various learning challenges: cognitive barriers, physical/mobility issues, severe/complex mental health conditions, and autism-related disorders.
Career Occupation
- educational assistant
- educational resources assistant
- elementary school teacher's aide
- homework assistant
- remedial education aide
- school lunchroom supervisor
- secondary school teacher's assistant
- special education assistant
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students require ONE of the following:
- IELTS: 6
- Duolingo: 95
- TOEIC: 700
- TOEFL (Paper): 537
- TOEFL (IBT): 75
- Cambridge : FCE
- CELPIP : 7
- Cael: 50
Students require ALL of the following:
Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency for domestic students
Criminal Record check required for Work Experience
About This Program
Program Duration
1000 hours = 50 weeks (Based on a full-time program of 20 hours per week; average 4 week courses)
Homework Hours
On average, students should expect to receive approximately 10 additional hours of homework per week depending on the course expectations.
Completion Requirements*
EA candidates must complete all courses in the program, and successfully complete two practicums in a public or private school in BC; other placement contexts may be considered (detailed practicum information provided).
Courses
QUICK LINKS
Program Organization
Title of Course/Work Experience Component
Block A
- EA 100: Foundations of Child & Adolescent Development - 100(# of Hours)
- EA 101: Interpersonal Communication for Education Assistants - 100 (# of Hours)
- EA 102: Professional Practice of Educational Assistants - 100 (# of Hours)
- EA 103: Practicum I - 60 (3 weeks; 20 hr/week)
- Total Instructional Hours (Block A & B) - 860 Hours
- Total Practicum Hours (Work Experience) - 140 Hours
- Total Program Hours And Length - 1000 Hours = 50 Weeks
Block B
- EA 200: BC’s New Curriculum for Diverse Learners - 40(# of Hours)
- EA 201: Supporting Indigenous Learners in the Classroom - 40 (# of Hours)
- EA 202: Foundations of Inclusive Education in BC - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 203: Positive Behavior Support Strategies for EA’s - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 204: Autism & Related Disorders (ABA & POPARD) - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 205: Assistive & Adaptive Technology for Education Assistants - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 206: Supporting Students with Mental Health Challenges - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 207: Selected Topics in Special Education - 80 (# of Hours)
- EA 208: Practicum II - 80 (4 weeks; 20 hr/week)
Additional Courses & Certifications
- Emergency First Aid & CPR C (equivalent to OFA Level 1) - 8.5 (# of Hours)
- WHMIS Online Certification - 2 (# of Hours)
- Food Safe Level 1 - 8 (# of Hours)
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification (NCI for educators) - 8 (# of Hours)
- ASIST Suicide Prevention Training Certification - 1.5 (# of Hours)
Method(s) of Evaluation*
Delivery Method(s)
- In-class instruction
- Distance education
- Combined delivery (both in-class and distance)
Combination Delivery explanation
Instructional Methods
- Lecture (with discussion)
- Group discussion
- Instructor led/supervised Lab Time

