Program Overview:
The Education Assistant Program is designed for students who intend to pursue employment in more highly specialized areas of the Education Assistant field providing direct educational services and supports to school children who need them.
General skills developed: Specific skills for working with populations in the K-12 school system; for example, children and youth with learning disabilities, Autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, behaviour disorders, communication disorders, health issues, and physical disabilities.
Upon completion of the EAP certificate students find employment in K-12 schools. Education Assistants are hired to work under the direction of a teacher and/or administrator as they assist teachers in designing, implementing, supervising and assessing educational programs; providing instruction to individual students and groups of students; providing behavioural management, personal care, and supervision support in the classroom, school, playgrounds and field trips.
Specific responsibilities and duties are outlined in the School Act (Section 17) and regulations (Section 4) as well as in the BCTF document "Roles and Responsibilities of Teachers and Teacher Assistants".
The EA Certificate program enrolls students from all across British Columbia. This certificate program is well subscribed because of its accessibility (available completely or partially online), flexibility (available for part time and full time study) and reputation.
Admission Requirements
Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency Information on the College Website).
Non-academic requirements:
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Completion and submission of CYFS Application Package
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Completion of immunizations, documented by the immunization form in the admission package, or completion of immunization waiver form (lack of immunizations may impact applicant's access to Practicum placements and employment opportunities following graduation)
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Good command of oral and written English language
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Solicitor General Criminal Record Check. Note: Conviction of a criminal offence may influence an applicant's access to practicum placements and employment opportunities following graduation
Many of our programs and courses will allow you to transfer to other colleges and universities in Canada. You can also apply to get transfer credits from past courses that will go towards completing your program here at College of the Rockies.
If you would like to continue your studies our courses transfer to a wide number of Canadian colleges and universities. If you are transferring to a BC college or university visit the BC Transfer website to see if our courses transfer to that institution.
Year 1
Fall
Inclusive Interpersonal Communications enables the student to develop interpersonal communication skills to enhance their professional and personal relationships. We also expect students to clearly evaluate their own values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence their interpersonal communication.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website).
Delivery Method: On-Campus Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for CYFS-101
This course is designed to help human service workers, education assistants, early childhood educators, and aboriginal education support workers enhance their skills in observing and recording human development and behavior from birth through adulthood. A variety of observing and recording techniques will be explored in the course.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website).
Delivery Method: On-Campus Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for CYFS-102
This course provides students with an introduction to augmentative and alternative communication. Characteristics of various strategies related to the needs of the users are explored. Students also look at a variety of ethical and technological issues that emerge when supporting children who use alternative and augmentative forms of communication in the K-12 classrooms.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency Information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for EAP-102
Students develop an understanding of how healthy schools function, how the health care needs of the students are met, and how to meet their own health and well-being needs as related to their work in the K-12 education systems.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for EAP-110
This course focuses on the systems, structure and roles within the K-12 education system. Students explore the evolution of the education system in British Columbia, levels within that system, alternate forms of education, and the roles and resources related to learners with special needs.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 4 | Length: 60 hours | Course Outline for EAP-112
Winter
This course focuses on guiding the learning of children, youth and adults. A variety of theoretical perspectives for understanding and managing behaviour in individual and group settings is explored. NOTE: This course is delivered in a hybrid format (45 hours face-to-face and 15 hours online) and in a fully online format.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website), CYFS 102: Observing & Recording
Delivery Method: On-Campus Online Blended
Credits: 4 | Length: 60 hours | Course Outline for CYFS-103
This course explores the development of humans from conception to death. It includes physical, cognitive and psychosocial developmental domains. Students preparing to work in careers that involve other people need to clearly understand the complex, dynamic process of development throughout a person's lifespan. This knowledge can provide students with insight into their own development and the development of those they will encounter in their personal and professional lives. NOTE: This course is delivered in a hybrid format (45 hours face-to-face and 15 hours online) and in a fully online format.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency information on the College website).
Delivery Method: On-Campus Online Blended
Credits: 4 | Length: 60 hours | Course Outline for CYFS-116
The content of this course is specific to developing the skills, knowledge, and values of an Education Assistant in a school setting. Students have the opportunity to begin integrating theory and skills learned in the classroom within a school setting
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent and EAP 112, CYFS 101, and CYFS 102.
Corequisites: CYFS 103
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 4 | Length: 120 hours | Course Outline for EAP-104
his is course is designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to successfully support children and youth with ASD in the K-12 school system. This includes academic, behavioural, and environmental challenges which are specific to ASD. Students learn various skills and strategies to address sensory stimulation, communication, anxiety, and language challenges.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency Information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for EAP-108
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore ways to support students and facilitate learning in the K-12 classroom. Strategies for supporting literacy and numeracy are discussed in detail. This course uses the BC Ministry of Education curriculum and core competencies as the foundation for directing support. The content of this course is specific to developing the skills, knowledge, and values in an Education Assistant setting.
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency Information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 4 | Length: 60 hours | Course Outline for EAP-111
Spring
This course provides learners with in-depth information on common special needs in the K-12 classroom, including an overview of inclusion and Ministry funding categories. It provides learners with a variety of strategies used to support students with special needs. The content of this course is specific to developing the skills, knowledge, and values in education assistant settings.
Prerequisites: EAP 104 and grade 12 graduation with a minimum 65% in English 12 or equivalent (refer to Course Equivalency Information on the College website).
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 3 | Length: 45 hours | Course Outline for EAP-105
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue integrating theory and skilled learning in the classroom within the school setting. Students complete an extended practicum in a classroom setting (180 hours).
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all fall semester and winter semester courses and have successfully completed or be currently enrolled in all Spring semester courses.
Delivery Method: Online
Credits: 4 | Length: 180 hours | Course Outline for EAP-107
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