Education Assistant Certificate

Program Overview

The Education Assistant program at Bow Valley College provides a comprehensive combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge for individuals pursuing a career as an Education Assistant. Delivered through Competency-Based Education, the program allows learners to complete courses remotely while receiving support from instructors and a range of teaching and assessment methods. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the skills to create safe and supportive learning environments, provide academic and behavioral support to students, and work collaboratively within the educational team.

Program Outline

The program is offered in a Competency-Based Education format, allowing learners to complete courses without coming to campus. Learners with or without previous education or experience in the Education Assistant profession are supported through a range of teaching and assessment methods.

Outline:

Term 1

• EDAS1150 - Introduction to the Role of Education Assistants (3 Credits): Learners develop a fundamental understanding of the aspects of the Education Assistant profession.
Learners explore various roles, responsibilities, and tasks involved in assisting students with their educational journey. Learners will utilize reflective practice to examine opportunities for professional growth.
• EDAS1151 - Trauma-informed Practice for Education Assistants (3 Credits): Learners explore a broad range of trauma in the lives of children and youth, and subsequent implications on learning in the classroom.
Learners examine the impact of trauma on the developing brain and the importance of using trauma-informed interventions and individualized supports to inform and facilitate the practice of the Education Assistant.
• EDAS1152 - Communication Skills for Education Assistants (3 Credits): Learners will develop the essential communication skills and strategies needed to effectively interact and engage with students, teachers, and other educational professionals in the classroom setting.
Learners will complete reflection and practice to nurture personal and professional relationships using interpersonal communication skills. Learners will focus on communicating with diverse groups of students, teachers, and other individuals. Learners will improve their communication abilities to foster positive relationships, support student learning, and create an inclusive and collaborative classroom environment.
• EDAS1450 - Indigenous Approaches to Education (3 Credits): Learners explore the diverse Indigenous Nations in Canada and look at the effects of colonialism in historical and contemporary times.
Learners explore the aspirations, challenges, and contemporary issues of Indigenous communities. Through appreciation of historical contexts, learners consider Indigenous understandings for ways forward including the work of reconciliation. Through these explorations, learners apply this knowledge within the educational setting.
• EDAS1250 - Create a Safe Learning Environment (3 Credits): Learners focus on creating a safe learning environment as an Education Assistant by establishing a space where students feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically secure.
Learners promote emotional well-being in schools by providing support and assistance to students, teachers, and other school professionals. Learners cultivate and maintain a positive and respectful learning environment, ensuring that all students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
• EDAS1551 - Support Students and Teachers Across Contexts (3 Credits): Learners examine the diverse support an Education Assistant offers, reaching beyond the areas of academics and behavior.
Learners will support those experiencing a broad range of abilities and needs through the use of techniques such as assistive technology. Learners will show initiative by working collaboratively with the educational team and promoting a positive learning environment within the classroom and school community.

Term 2

• EDAS1350 - Provide Behavioural Support (6 Credits): Learners focus on strategies that Education Assistants use to effectively support students in managing their behavior, particularly when confronted with challenging situations.
Learners assist students in developing desired behaviors, nurturing social and personal growth skills, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and maintaining focus on assigned tasks within educational settings. Learners will be well-equipped to foster a positive and conducive learning environment for students.
• EDAS1550 - Provide Academic Support (6 Credits): Learners focus on providing assistance, strategies, and resources to students to enhance a student's learning experience and academic success.
Learners prepare to support students by providing instructional assistance as directed by the teacher. Learners will also use reflection to provide insight into the effectiveness of the strategies and resources.
• EDAS1950 - Education Assistant Practicum (6 Credits): Learners will integrate theory and practice within a classroom setting while exploring diverse roles and responsibilities of an Education Assistant in a complex environment.
Learners will demonstrate initiative while building responsive relationships with students, their supervising teacher, and other educational team members. Weekly seminars provide learners the opportunity for discussion and reflection related to their practicum experiences.

Teaching:

The program is offered in a Competency-Based Education format, allowing learners to complete courses without coming to campus. There are no in-person courses in this program, but there are instructors available in person and online through MS Teams to assist learners. Learners with or without previous education or experience in the Education Assistant profession are supported through a range of teaching and assessment methods.

Careers:

There are a range of opportunities for Education Assistant Certificate graduates within the school boards.

Other:

The Education Assistant program includes a practicum placement in agencies where employers require a Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Results of this check may restrict opportunities for placement in a practicum. The PIC must be obtained before the start of the practicum.