Educational Assistant Certificate 2025-2026
Overview
Today’s schools need well-trained and knowledgeable educational assistants. Our program will train you to take your vital place in the classroom.
You'll learn theory, skills and strategies to provide effective supports to students with diverse learning needs. Our educational assistant program prepares you to work as part of a team and with students from kindergarten to grade 12
During two practicums you'll gain real life experiences in applying theory to practice under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher.
In our educational assistant program, you’ll learn to work with students:
- with different abilities
- one-on-one and in small groups
- in a variety of settings
You’ll learn:
- positive behaviour supports
- human development
- sensory development
- how to support students with exceptionalities
You’ll graduate with the skills you need to find a career in:
- before and after school care
- kindergartens
- recreation and community centres
- elementary, middle and high school classrooms
- respite care
“Our students always say that the practicums are their favourite part of the program. They get to see what the job is really all about. It’s one thing to learn from lectures and textbooks, but being in the classroom really puts it in perspective.” – Program Head
DATE: September 2, 2025 - June 26, 2026
TUITION: $5823.00 (Subject to Change)
BOOKS: $1000.00 (Subject to Change)
PRINT FEE: $50.00
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12
Note
- Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
Special Admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.
Courses
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CO 118 - Communication Skills
This communications course focuses on the development of academic and practical Human Services related writing skills. Students develop critical thinking skills and strategies for integrating their own ideas with those of other authors following APA guidelines for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Students also develop skills in resume and cover letter writing, and in crafting other written documents used in the human services related workplace. Pre/co-requisites: None
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HS 114 - Lifespan Studies I
This course provides students with an understanding of the developing child from birth to five years. It traces the changes that occur physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually during this period in an individual's life. Pre/co-requisites: None
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HS 115 - Foundations of Inclusion
This course introduces students to inclusive attitudes and approaches in the context of disability studies. Students develop an awareness of the nature of disability, neurodiversity, and developmental diversity, and explore the bias, stigma and systemic challenges which often create barriers to inclusion and support. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for person-centered, inclusive practices. Pre/corequisites: None
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HS 155 - Positive Behaviour Supports
This course introduces students to inclusive attitudes and approaches in the context of disability studies. Students develop an awareness of the nature of disability, neurodiversity, and developmental diversity, and explore the bias, stigma and systemic challenges which often create barriers to inclusion and support. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for person-centered, inclusive practices. Pre/corequisites: None
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HS 225 - Supporting Diverse Needs
This course provides students with an understanding of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to supporting diversity and promoting positive outcomes for those with disabilities. Discussions, activities and case studies provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in critical inquiry about minimizing barriers to access, supporting diverse needs and engaging in advocacy. Prerequisite: HS 115. Corequisites: None
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HS 230 - Sensory Development
This course examines brain development and sensory processing as it relates to planning activities for children. Special emphasis is placed on sensory processing differences. This course explores strategies in relation to designing and adapting environments to meet the needs of children.
Pre/co-requisites: None
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TA 121 - EA Field Placement I
You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of diversity in society.
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TA 122 - EA Field Placement II
This course is the second practicum for Educational Assistant students. Students gain experience as educational assistants meeting needs of individual students and groups of students where possible. This practicum is a four-week block placement. P/F. Prerequisites: TA 121. Corequisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 8 courses including TA 141 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.
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TA 140 - Educational Assistant Professionalism
Students examine personal beliefs and values, professionalism and ethics and expectations of educational assistants in the constantly changing world of education. This course focuses on developing skills and attitudes necessary for an educational assistant to work as an effective and professional team member in a school setting. Pre/co-requisites: None
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TA 141 - Supporting Instruction
This course examines the theories, key concepts, approaches and instructional strategies related to the teaching of language arts and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on adapting strategies, materials, activities used to support children needing assistance learning math, how to read and write. Pre/corequisites: None
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YC 102 - Building Resiliency
This course provides an introduction to developing specific knowledge, attitudes and skills about interacting with children and youth at risk and supporting the development of resiliency. Prerequisite: TA 140 or YC 100. Co-requisites: None
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ED 120 - Observation & Play
This course is an overview of the significance of play in the development of the child. It includes the nature and development of play in the environment. The course explores how early childhood educators co-construct meaningful play experiences with the children. Special consideration is given to observing, designing responsive environments, and focusing on children's natural disposition to learn in both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Pre/corequisites: None