Educational Support

Program Overview

The Educational Support program at Conestoga College equips students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with learners of all ages with exceptionalities. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical activities, and hands-on work-integrated learning experiences, students gain a deep understanding of exceptionalities, assessment and intervention strategies, communication and collaboration, inclusive practices, and professional development. Graduates are prepared for various career paths in the field of educational support, including educational assistant, special education teacher's assistant, and behavior interventionist.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop educational interventions and techniques, allowing them to become valuable members of educational teams supporting learners with special needs. Through in-class projects and engaging work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, students bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining real-world experience in the field.

Outline:

The Educational Support program is a two-year full-time program delivered over four semesters. The program's curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Understanding exceptionalities: This module delves into various types of exceptionalities, including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Inclusive practices: This module explores inclusive educational practices and strategies for creating accessible learning environments for all learners.
• Professional development: This module prepares students for professional practice in the field of educational support, covering topics such as ethics, legal considerations, and career development.
The program's structure includes a combination of theoretical instruction, practical activities, and hands-on WIL experiences. Students participate in various courses throughout the program, including:
• Introduction to Educational Support
• Understanding Exceptionalities
• Assessment and Intervention Strategies
• Communication and Collaboration in Inclusive Settings
• Inclusive Education Practices
• Professional Development for Educational Support Workers
• Work-Integrated Learning I & II

Assessment:

The Educational Support program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Assignments and projects: Students complete individual and group assignments and projects to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Quizzes and exams: Quizzes and exams are used to assess students' knowledge and compreensão of theoretical concepts and principles.
• Presentations: Students deliver presentations to showcase their research, analysis, and communication skills.
• Work-integrated learning: Students are evaluated based on their performance during their WIL placements, including their ability to apply their skills and knowledge in a practical setting.

Teaching:

The Educational Support program boasts experienced and dedicated faculty members who are passionate about supporting learners with exceptionalities. The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver engaging lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Group discussions: Students actively participate in discussions to share their perspectives and deepen their understanding of various topics.
• Case studies: Students analyze real-world case studies to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios and develop problem-solving skills.
• Simulations: Students participate in simulated activities to practice their skills and gain experience in interacting with learners with exceptionalities.
• Technology integration: The program utilizes various technologies to enhance learning, including online resources, simulations, and assistive technologies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Educational Support program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue various career paths in the field of educational support. Potential career opportunities include:

• Educational assistant
• Special education teacher's assistant
• Behavior interventionist
• Autism support worker
• Learning support specialist
• Inclusive education consultant
• Early childhood educator
• After-school program facilitator

Other:

The Educational Support program offers students a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience through work-integrated learning (WIL) placements. These placements allow students to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable insights into the field of educational support. The program's curriculum, teaching methods, and WIL opportunities prepare students for success in various roles within the field of educational support.