Educational Assistant

Program Overview

If you like working one-on-one with kids with different needs, and you want to see them included in the classroom, becoming an educational assistant might be the career for you. Educational assistants provide the all-important one-on-one support that makes today’s inclusive classrooms possible.

The Educational Assistant program is respected by school boards province-wide. We’ll teach you the skills and give you the hands-on experience you need to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Note: The Regina Campus delivery of this program is suspended, effective July 1, 2016.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers the one-year Educational Assistant certificate program in Saskatoon, as well as through regional colleges around the province. Or, you can take the certificate through distance education. Whether you study on campus or via distance learning, you’ll participate in two 4-week practicums - one in an elementary school, one in a high school.

Why Practicums?

Putting you in the classroom lets you apply what you’ve learned to helping children with different needs. You’ll see first hand the kind of technology being used and the curriculum being taught. You’ll have a package of guidance strategies to help deal with situations as they arise. Most importantly, you’ll gain a solid understanding of what to expect in a real classroom with real kids.

What You’ll Learn

Your job is to assist classroom teachers by working with children or youth with diverse learning needs. Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides the knowledge and skills you’ll need, including:

basic care skills (lifting to feeding)
classroom management and crisis prevention techniques and strategies
communication skills and professionalism
cultural awareness and family dynamics
exceptionalities (causes, characteristics and accommodations)
social, emotional, cognitive development (children and teens)
supporting teachers in specific subject areas
your role in the classroom

“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

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Educational Assistant graduates work in elementary, junior high and high schools in communities around the province. School divisions offer full time, part time and casual positions. You might be based in the classroom or resource room. You might assist with a lunch program or a before/after school program.

You can also explore career opportunities outside the traditional school setting—in youth centres, community centres, care facilities and alternative education programs.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Teacher Assistant	Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (4413)	$31,200 - $48,200

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 36 weeks

Students may take the following courses prior to application and acceptance to the program, but must apply thereafter: CLTR 180, COMM 291, EMPL 180, HUMD 100, PERS 180, and SFTY 184.

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
English Language Requirement

Note

Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Checks prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, the student may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Checks. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Checks are the responsibility of the student.

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.

ACCUPLACER©

65 Arithmetic
75 Reading
75 Sentence
5 WritePlacer

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$5,950

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

EDUC 180

Supporting Instruction I

You will be introduced to individual learning styles and other factors that influence learning differences in students. You will learn strategies that facilitate student learning including instructional approaches, classroom management, and effective observation and recording.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): EDUC 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

HUMD 100

Child and Adolescent Development

Your studies will focus on the period of development from conception to adolescence. You will receive information about the effects of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and adolescents. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and the methods of studying human behaviour.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMD 100CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

HUMD 101

Guiding Behaviour

You will discuss perspectives that educators have regarding the classroom and behaviour. You will examine how cognitive development plays a role in guiding behaviour. You will be able to describe the role that the environment plays in determining and guiding behaviour. You will be introduced to an overview of positive guidance and have the opportunity to select and implement strategies that teach self-control and self-regulation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMD 101CE, MGMT 281
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

HUMR 180

Roles and Responsibilities

You will learn the roles and responsibilities of educational assistants within the school setting and society. You will explore legal and ethical implications of your role as an educational assistant and develop an understanding of the importance of professional behaviour.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMR 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PRAC 174

Practicum 1

You will participate in a four-week practicum in a K – 6 or grade 7 -12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, you will work in basic subject areas with individuals or small groups.
Credit Units: 8
Course Hours: 120.0
Prerequisites(s): EDUC 180, HUMR 180, SPSY 281, HUMD 101, SEM 106
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 174CE, WORK 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Online, Prior Learning

SEM 106

Practicum Integration Seminar

You will learn the roles involved in an educational assistant practicum and workplace setting. You will develop an understanding of practicum expectations including professional standards.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): SEM 106CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

SPSY 281

Studies of Exceptionality A

You will be provided with an introduction to the area of exceptionalities. You will discuss issues and trends in the field and problems associated with defining and identifying individuals with exceptionalities. You will study, in depth, specific areas of exceptionality: speech and language differences, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and giftedness. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 281CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLTR 180

Culture and Diversity

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.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): CLTR 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

COMM 291

Interpersonal Communications

You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.
Credit Units: 0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103, COMM 112, COMM 135, COMM 155, COMM 160, COMM 291CE, COMM 381, HUMR 182, HUMR 186, JOBS 190, NEPS 114, NURS 114, NURS 163
Potential Learning Method(s): Continuing Education

EDUC 181

Supporting Instruction 2

You will be provided with an overview of the Saskatchewan curriculum with a focus on language arts, technology and basic mathematics. You will expand your knowledge of strategies to provide educational support under a teacher’s supervision.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EDUC 180
Equivalent Course(s): EDUC 181CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

EMPL 180

Employability Skills

You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed in the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies, with emphasis on communicating a professional image through job search materials and interview skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COM 105, COMM 292, EMPL 180CE, EMPS 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

FMLY 181

Family Dynamics

You will examine the dynamics of the Canadian family, the influence of family structure on the individual’s values and the mental, cultural and physical challenges faced by the families of today.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): FMLY 181CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PERS 180

Basic Care Skills

You will learn and demonstrate the attitudes and skills of providing personal and physical daily care to individuals with varying abilities. You will learn the essential role of dignity and respect in person-centered planning and care. You will develop skills for assisting individuals with activities of daily living to support their optimal levels of independence.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 186, PERS 180CE, SPCR 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

SFTY 184

Crisis Prevention

You will develop strategies for crisis prevention in working with people based on the crisis prevention model.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 184CE, SFTY 194
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

SPSY 282

Studies of Exceptionality B

You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: emotional and behavioural disorders, sensory impairments, traumatic brain injury and other low-incidence disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities. You will review classroom organization and management with students with special learning needs, issues related to special education in secondary schools, and working with families of students with exceptionalities.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): SPSY 281
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 282CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PRAC 175

Practicum 2

You will participate in a four-week practicum in a K– 6 or grade 7 -12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of classroom teachers, you will work with students who have challenging needs.
Credit Units: 8
Course Hours: 120.0
Prerequisites(s): EDUC 180, HUMR 180, SPSY 281, HUMD 101, PERS 180, HUMD 100, SFTY 184, CLTR 180, EMPL 180, FMLY 181, COMM 291, SPSY 282, EDUC 181, PRAC 174
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 175CE, WORK 188
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Online, Prior Learning

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Additional Information

Related Programs

Application Form

Part-Time Delivery

Part-time students may take the following courses prior to admission, but must apply and be accepted to the program thereafter, in order to graduate and receive a credential: CLTR 180, COMM 291, EMPL 180, PERS 180, and SFTY 184.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

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