The Education Assistant program at Bow Valley College teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to support children and teens with different needs in the classroom.

Competency-Based Education

This program is offered in a Competency-Based Education format, which focuses on teaching the skills and knowledge that employers in the field expect. Industry experts and hiring managers help design the courses to ensure they meet real-world job requirements.

Competency-Based Education allows students—whether they have prior experience or not—to learn through various teaching and assessment methods. The program offers flexible delivery options, including in-person, online, and self-paced learning, to suit different needs.

• If you have worked/had education in this or a related field previously (either in Canada or another country), the competency-based education format can help you finish the program faster. You choose when you want to take assessments, giving you more control over your learning.
• If you have no experience in this field, you will work through the course material at your own pace within the term and complete the assessments as they appear in the course progression.
• If you are an International student, you must attend in-person sessions to meet visa requirements and keep your full-time student status.

Practicum

At the end of the program, students must complete a seven-week practicum in a school as an Education Assistant. To qualify, you will need to finish all coursework and meet pre-placement requirements. Students with relevant experience may be eligible for credit through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).