Education Assistant | Certificate (CIP 13.1501)
Certificate
The Education Assistant (EA) certificate prepares learners to work in the field of education. Education Assistants work under the supervision of classroom or resource teachers to support learners with exceptionalities and challenges in elementary and secondary education settings. The program builds the knowledge and skills learners need to work as part of an educational team, supporting the integration and education of learners with exceptionalities and challenges into a regular school classroom.
Additionally, the program includes an Indigenized curriculum. It studies the definition of colonization and the effects of colonization on Indigenous education realities in Canada and B.C. Special emphasis is placed on Indigenous family and community-based parenting models and practices, and the effects of colonialism on Indigenous parenting and parent/family/community relationships with schools. Building pathways to create trusting, meaningful relationships with Indigenous learners, their families, and communities is a core part of the curriculum.
Successful graduates earn a certificate in the Education Assistant Program. Graduates are qualified to apply for work as an Education Assistant in British Columbia school districts and apply for work at community-based support services agencies or private educational institutions.
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Dates and locations
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Regional |
This program is geared towards potential learners who have an interest in working within the kindergarten to high school education system. An interest in working with children and youth who have learning exceptionalities and challenges, working independently in one-on-one situations, and working collaboratively within a team setting are also important areas of interest for potential learners.
Students who have completed PSYC 201, SOCI 206, SOCI 205, or SOCI 270 will have internal transfer options to complete the EDUA certificate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TERM 1 | ||
| EDUA 101 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| EDUA 130 | 3 | |
| EDUA 135 | 3 | |
| EDUA 150 | Practicum I | 3 |
| TERM 2 | ||
| EDUA 110 | Interpersonal Communication (OR) | 3 |
| Interpersonal Communication (OR) | ||
| Interpersonal Communications | ||
| EDUA 115 | Understanding Families | 3 |
| EDUA 140 | Learning Forum I | 3 |
| EDUA 155 | Practicum II | 3 |
| TERM 3 | ||
| EDUA 120 | Teaching and Technology | 3 |
| EDUA 145 | Learning Forum II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Important documents
Step 1: Required for admission and registration
- English Studies 10 or English First Peoples 10 (or equivalent).
- Two references from an employer, volunteer supervisor, teacher or educational professional, attesting to the applicant's personal suitability to work with students with exceptionalities (written, recorded, or via reference check).
- Letter of Introduction (written or recorded personal statement, or orally presented through interview).
- Coordinator or designate (e.g. faculty) reviews application package.
Step 2: Required for practicum
Students who fail to submit any step 2 documentation will be prohibited from attending the practicum.
• Criminal Record Check: (including advanced vulnerable populations) under the Criminal Records Review Act and the Ministry of Justice process for educational institutions. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by College Admissions. Please note: Any changes to your criminal record status or events occurring that will impact your criminal record must be reported in writing to the program Dean. Some events may impact your ability to attend clinical or practicum settings. The implications of failing to report changes, as a student, can result in program failure.
• Proof of current immunizations / vaccinations / TB skin test: Immunizations as outlined in the Student Practice Education Guideline and recommended by the BC Centre for Disease Control (2024) include these recommended vaccines: COVID-19, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, measles - mumps -and rubella (MMR), meningococcal C and meningococcal quadrivalent, pertussis, polio, tetanus - diphtheria (Td), and varicella vaccines. Negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest x-ray.
*Students who do not meet immunization requirements or who do not have recommended vaccines may be prohibited from attending practicum, subject to a site’s policy.
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 30 Credits | |
| Tuition | $3,693.00 | $15,696.00 |
| Student Union Fees | $112.76 | $112.76 |
| Mandatory Fees | $302.40 | $354.00 |
| Health and Dental Insurance* | $295.00 | $618.38 |
| Tuition Total 1 | $4,403.16 | $16,781.14 |
| Books and Supplies 2 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Program Total | $5,403.16 | $18,160.18 |
Fees are effective August 1, 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year.
- 1
These fees are an annual cost. Program takes two years to complete.
- 2
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken.
* The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to offer Extended Health and Dental Insurance to all qualifying members. The plan is mandatory for all students enrolled in 6 or more credits or a trades program of 26 weeks or longer. Some students, including those studying overseas and those with existing extended health coverage, are eligible to opt out. Visit https://cmsu.studenthealthbc.ca/ to learn more about the plan or request to opt out. You will also receive a detailed introductory email no later than 6 weeks after your semester starts. For any inquiries about the plan, please contact the Students’ Union Organiser : Bhushra Ansari, organiser@mycmsu.ca
* Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.
Upon graduation, the student will be able to:
- Reflect upon effective, meaningful Education Assistant practice.
- Conceptualize all duties required as an Education Assistant employed within a school district within the province of British Columbia.
- Carry out all duties required as an Education Assistant in accordance with the following standardizations:
- British Columbia Ministry of Education Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, Roles and Responsibilities of Teachers and Teacher Assistants/Education (2016), and
- Assistants Roles and Responsibilities of Teachers and Teacher Assistants/Education Assistants: A BCTF/CUPE Joint Paper (2009), White Paper: Call for Standards of Practice for Education Assistants in B.C. (2012)
Successful graduates will earn a certificate in the Education Assistant Program. Graduates are fully qualified to apply for work as an Education Assistant in any school district within British Columbia. Students may also use their completed certificate to apply for work at community based support services agencies.