Education Assistant | Certificate
Certificate
The Education Assistant (EA) certificate prepares students to work at the para-professional level in the field of education. Education Assistants work under the supervision of classroom or resource teachers to support students with exceptionalities and challenges in elementary and secondary education settings. The program builds the knowledge and skills students need to work as part of an educational team, supporting the integration and education of students with exceptionalities and challenges into a regular school classroom.
The Education Assistant program at CMTN consists of Indigenized curriculum. The program explores the definition colonization and the effects of colonization on Indigenous education realities in Canada and B.C. The program also focuses on traditional Indigenous parenting models, effects of colonization on Indigenous parenting and parent/family/community relationships with the school. Pathways to build trusting, meaningful relationships with Indigenous students, their families and communities are core parts of the Coast Mountain College Education Assistant curriculum.
Apply to CMTN
Visit Apply to CMTN for an Admissions Checklist and to apply online.
Our Educational Advisors are here to help if you have any questions or need guidance along the way.
Dates and locations
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Regional |
This program is geared towards potential students who have an interest in working within the kindergarten to high school education system. An interest in working with people 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 students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TERM 1 | ||
| EDUA 101 | Child and Adolescent Development (OR) | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology I | ||
| EDUA 105 | Intro to Exceptionalities & Inclusion | 3 |
| EDUA 140 | Learning Forum I | 3 |
| EDUA 150 | Practicum I | 3 |
| TERM 2 | ||
| EDUA 110 | Interpersonal Communication (OR) | 3 |
| Interpersonal Communication (OR) | ||
| Interpersonal Communications | ||
| EDUA 115 | Understanding Families (OR) | 3 |
| Sociology of the Family (OR) | ||
| The Family in Cross-Cultural Perspective (OR) | ||
| Rural Sociology | ||
| EDUA 145 | Learning Forum II | 3 |
| EDUA 155 | Practicum II | 3 |
| TERM 3 | ||
| EDUA 120 | Teaching and Technology | 3 |
| EDUA 125 | Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Important documents
Step 1: Required for admission and registration
• English 12 or equivalent.
• Two character references from an employer, teacher or human service professional.
• Documentation of a minimum of 45 hours of satisfactory work or volunteer experience in a human service agency or agencies related to the training program within the last three years. (For example, pay stubs, letter of employment, memo's from employer. If work hour information is included in 2 reference letters, no documentation is needed.)
• Resume of work and/or volunteer experience.
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 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 Practice Education Guidelines and recommended by the BC Centre for Disease Control (2009): diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), varicella and influenza. Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.
*Students who do not meet immunization requirements may be prohibited from attending practicum subject to site’s policy
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 30 Credits | |
| Tuition | $3,620.70 | $15,388.50 |
| Student Union Fees | $163.92 | $163.92 |
| Mandatory Fees | $296.70 | $372.87 |
| Health and Dental Insurance* | $285.00 | $602.04 |
| Tuition Total | $4,366.32 | $16,527.33 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Program Total | $5,242.26 | $17,160.18 |
Fees are effective August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 academic year.
Students of this program are expected to have internet access and laptops.
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 : Golnoosh Namazi, 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.