Calgary
Start Dates
- September 01, 2021
Duration
2Terms
Program Delivery
- In Class
- Combined Online
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD
$4,782
International: CAD
$12,891
Estimated Book Costs:
CAD
$300
We are no longer accepting applications for the online September 2021 intake.
Program Description
Education assistants work in a classroom, and support children with diverse learning needs. In this program, you'll train to be an education assistant through classroom learning and practicum experience in a school.
You can also take the Education Assistant Certificate part-time, online. If you take the program online, you can only take online courses.
Learners in the face-to-face full-time program write the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) in semester one.
Do you plan on extending your education? Transfer your courses and complete the Disability Studies Diploma in over a year.
Hear about one of the program's grads! Erwin Bear Chief completed his Education Assistant Certificate and his Disability Studies Diploma. Read his story.
International Learner Applicants
International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- Credit in English 30-1 or a minimum final mark of 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent
- Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test,, that consists of five tests, with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Writing Skills: 520 minimum standard score
- Interpreting Literature and Art: 520 minimum standard score
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test
Pre-practicum requirement
The Education Assistant program includes a practicum placement in the winter semester 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 and may need to be renewed more than once while enrolled in a program.
English language proficiency requirements
See English language proficiency requirements for details.
Related Links
Course Listings Request More Information
International Learner Applicants
International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
Term 1
Required CoursesCredit
This course develops knowledge of the history, philosophy, legislation, values, trends and issues related to exceptional learners. It explores student inclusion and provides a wide overview of exceptionalities ranging from mild to severe and child to adulthood. Access and retrieval of information on exceptionalities is emphasized.
Course Delivery
This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.
Course Delivery
The lives of individuals with disabilities can be improved through the use of assistive technology. In this course, learners investigate the principles of universal design and explore how those principles guide the incorporation of assistive technology into daily activities. Learners explore a variety of current assistive technologies and strategies for their use with individuals and groups.
Course Delivery
This course introduces learners to inclusive education in a Canadian classroom. Learners explore the roles and responsibilities of the Education Assistant as an educational team member in a school setting. Learners will gain the skills and attitudes necessary for an Education Assistant to work professionally and effectively within legal and ethical standards and provincial guidelines, and confidentiality and professionalism will be stressed throughout the course. The philosophy and educational concepts associated with inclusion and diversity form the foundation for this class.
Course Delivery
This course examines theory, principles, concepts, and instructional strategies related to expressive and receptive language and literacy development. It focuses on assisting students with reading and writing processes and adapting strategies, materials, and activities to meet the needs of individual students.
Course Delivery
This course provides an overview of the typical physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive developmental changes occurring during middle childhood and adolescence. Learners explore major theoretical concepts and strategies of interaction with individuals in this age group. Course activity focuses on typical and atypical aspects of development; the contexts and social spheres that shape middle childhood and adolescence; as well as transitions from middle childhood to adolescence.
Course Delivery
Term 2
Required CoursesCredit
This course builds on the Introduction to Exceptionalities. It focuses on teaching/learning strategies and interventions for learners with specific exceptional needs. Resources, assessment procedures and inclusion of individuals with exceptionalities are addressed. The integration of theory, principles and concepts when determining strategies, materials, and activities for exceptional learners is emphasized. An introduction to assistive technology is included.
Course Delivery
This course focuses on conducting and recording observations of student progress and behaviour, and on beginning to develop an understanding of the assistant's role in classroom management. Following this, it will examine attitudes, skills, and strategies that encourage positive student behaviour. A variety of practical approaches to understanding and managing student behaviour, and for dealing with students exhibiting behavioural difficulties will be explored.
Course Delivery
This course focuses on learning process and the application of learning principles in providing instructional support to learners. It provides knowledge of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and materials to assist students across the curriculum. It explores techniques to reinforce, adjust and modify tasks to meet the needs of individual students.
Course Delivery
This is a two-part course that consists of a weekly 2-hour seminar and a total of 180 hours of practicum experience in local schools. The weekly seminars provide an opportunity to discuss practicum experiences. The practicum section of this course is designed to give the student an opportunity to begin practicing as an education assistant and to make further connections between theory and practice.
Course Delivery
Elective CoursePlus one (1) of the following electives:
This course is an introduction to Indigenous cultural experience and perspectives. Learners analyze the foundations for stereotypes, bias and false narratives that impact Indigenous ways of being in Canada. Learners consider how legal and social policy impacts Indigenous identity. Euro-Canadian perspectives and beliefs toward Indigenous people are discussed. Learners explore the experience and Indigenous worldview in the Canadian context.
Course Delivery
The Medicine Wheel has been utilized for health and healing practices for generations throughout various Aboriginal communities. This course examines the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health based on the Medicine Wheel teachings. Learners will examine the origins of the Medicine Wheel and will compare the four components to traditional Western health practices. In addition, learners will explore various applications of the Medicine Wheel to support individuals in their pathways to healing.
Course Delivery
Optional International PracticumCredit
Prerequisite: Departmental approval
Course Delivery
Program FAQs
Yes. The Education Assistant Certificate has a face-to-face or online delivery. Many online learners take it on a part-time basis over two to three years.
The Education Assistant Certificate has one practicum component which takes place in the winter semester.
No, this is not a legislated role, but it is well recognized within the school systems.
There are a range of opportunities for Education Assistant Certificate graduates within the school boards.
