Educational Assistance and Adult Supports Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Educational Assistance and Adult Supports Program is a 2-year diploma that prepares students for careers as Educational Support Workers or Developmental Support Workers. The program includes 400 hours of practical field placement experience and certifications in Person Centred Training and Non Violent Crisis Intervention/Prevention. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support individuals of all ages with exceptionalities in both educational and community settings.

Program Outline

Educational Assistance and Adult Supports Program at Niagara College

Degree Overview:

This program is a 2-year diploma offered at the Welland campus of Niagara College. It prepares students for two career paths: Educational Support Worker and Developmental Support Worker. The program focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and abilities to support individuals of all ages with exceptionalities in both educational and community settings.

Key Highlights:

• Develops skills to support individuals with a range of special needs.
• Includes 400 hours of practical field placement experience in both educational and community settings.
• Graduates receive certifications in Person Centred Training and Non Violent Crisis Intervention/Prevention.
• Offers professional networking opportunities through school boards and community agencies.

Outline:

The program is structured over four terms, with a total of 36 credits.

Term 1 (2024 Fall):

• CAPL1199 - Computer Applications (3 credits): This course introduces students to basic computer skills and applications relevant to the field.
• COMM1140 - Essential Communication Skills for Community Services (3 credits): This course focuses on developing effective communication skills for working in community services settings.
• EDUC1124 - Educational Foundations and Strategies (3 credits): This course provides an overview of educational theories and strategies relevant to supporting students with exceptionalities.
• EDUC1240 - Professional Roles of the Educational Assistant/Support Worker (3 credits): This course explores the roles and responsibilities of Educational Assistants and Support Workers in various settings.
• RHAB1104 - Activities of Daily Living Supports (3 credits): This course focuses on supporting individuals with exceptionalities in performing daily living activities.

Term 2 (2025 Winter):

• EDUC1125 - Numeracy Support and Strategies (3 credits): This course focuses on numeracy development and strategies for supporting students with numeracy challenges.
• EDUC1226 - Exceptionalities I (3 credits): This course delves deeper into specific exceptionalities and their impact on learning and development.
• EDUC1321 - Person Directed Planning (3 credits): This course focuses on person-centered planning and its role in supporting individuals with exceptionalities.
• PSYC1100 - Introductory Psychology (3 credits): This course provides an introduction to the principles of psychology.
• RECL1221 - Recreation for Inclusive Communities (3 credits): This course explores the role of recreation in promoting inclusion and supporting individuals with exceptionalities.
• PRAC1222 - Field Placement I (3 credits): This course provides students with their first practical experience in an educational or community setting.

Term 3 (2025 Fall):

• COUN1221 - Positive Behaviour Supports (3 credits): This course focuses on strategies for promoting positive behavior and managing challenging behaviors in individuals with exceptionalities.
• COUN1425 - Advocacy, Empowerment and Choice (3 credits): This course explores the principles of advocacy, empowerment, and choice in supporting individuals with exceptionalities.
• EDUC1324 - Differentiated Instruction (3 credits): This course focuses on strategies for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners with exceptionalities.
• EDUC1344 - Personal Development for the Workplace (3 credits): This course focuses on developing personal and professional skills for success in the workplace.
• SOCL1430 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada (3 credits): This course explores issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian society.
• PRAC1322 - Field Placement II (3 credits): This course provides students with further practical experience in an educational or community setting.

Term 4 (2026 Winter):

• EDUC1398 - Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effective Strategies (3 credits): This course focuses on strategies for supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• EDUC1425 - Exceptionalities II (3 credits): This course continues the exploration of specific exceptionalities and their impact on learning and development.
• EDUC1448 - Professional Reporting (3 credits): This course focuses on developing skills in professional reporting and documentation.
• PSYC1323 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits): This course explores the principles of developmental psychology.
• PRAC1422 - Field Placement III (3 credits): This course provides students with their final practical experience in an educational or community setting.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, research papers, and case studies.
• Presentations: Oral presentations and group projects.
• Exams: Written exams and quizzes.
• Field Placement: Practical experience and observations in real-world settings.
• Portfolio: A collection of student work demonstrating their skills and knowledge.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Traditional lectures delivered by faculty.
• Discussions: Interactive discussions and group activities.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios and case studies.
• Guest Speakers: Presentations by professionals in the field.
• Field Placement: Practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Educational Support Worker: Providing support to students with exceptionalities in schools and other educational settings.
• Community Participation Support Worker: Supporting individuals with disabilities to participate in community activities.
• Private School Teacher: Teaching in private schools that cater to students with exceptionalities.
• Specialized Agency or Association Worker: Working with specialized agencies or associations that support individuals with disabilities.
• Self-Employment Opportunities: Starting their own businesses or organizations that provide support services to individuals with disabilities.

Other:

• The program requires a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) before the start of Term 2.
• Students must obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) to be cleared for placement/clinical.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements.
• Students are required to have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets specific technology requirements.
• The program grants preferred admission to qualified graduates of the Pre-Community Services program at Niagara College.
• Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits.
• Teaching: Specific teaching methods used in each course or module.
• Careers: Specific job titles or salary expectations for graduates.