Educational Assistant Certificate
Program Description
The Childhood Studies department offers a full-time, ten month Educational Assistant Certificate program. Part-time study is also available through evening classes, online application and day classes when space allows.
To learn more about the program, applicants are strongly recommended to call or meet with the department chair.
Attending school can be a great adventure for many children; however for others it can be a difficult experience. You can play a key role in breaking down the barriers of learning for these children by enrolling in Keyano College's 10-month Educational Assistant Certificate program. This hands-on program focuses on preparing students for employment with schools or community programs where they will work with children with special needs.
Online Courses available through eCampus Alberta
Several of Keyano College’s Educational Assistant Certificate courses are now available online. Students may enrol in courses that are delivered through the Internet. Keyano College, Red Deer College, and Medicine Hat College have developed courses which transfer into Keyano College’s Educational Assistant credential. For more information contact the program chair or visit ecampusalberta.ca
Admission Requirements
- Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 50% in English 30/30-1 or 65% in English 33/30-2.
- Mature students (21 years of age or older), with less than a high school diploma are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be considered after their overall strengths have been determined through pre-admission testing. Mature students may be admitted as special students to individual EA courses.
- Foreign student applications will be reviewed on an individual basis, subject to passing an English proficiency exam.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are employed primarily in:
- Schools
- Community programs working with special needs children
Program Outcomes
Graduates from the program will be able to:
- Understand their roles and responsibilities
- Examine and work to improve communication
- Examine and discuss perception that relates to human growth
- Support curriculum in language literacy, reading, development and numeracy
Apply knowledge and critical thinking through practical experiences
Demonstrate a deep understanding of strategic adaptation, accountability and assistive technology for learner’s with exceptionalities
Acquire knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of strategy for guiding children’s behavior
Program Structure
Term | Course | Course Title | Credits |
Term I (September – December) | 21 | ||
Role of the Educational Assistant | 3 | ||
Child Development I | 3 | ||
Language and Literacy | 3 | ||
Guiding Children's Behaviour | 3 | ||
Personal Development & Interaction | 2 | ||
Practicum I | 3 | ||
Practicum Seminar I | 1 | ||
| ENGL 100 | Written Composition | 3 | |
Term II (January – April) | 17 | ||
Health and Safety Issues | 1 | ||
Child Development II | 3 | ||
Working with Children with Special Needs | 3 | ||
Developing Numeracy in the Elementary Classroom | 2 | ||
Practicum II | 4 | ||
Reading Support for Emergent Readers | 3 | ||
Practicum Seminar II | 1 | ||
Plus at least three options: | 7 | ||
Exceptionality I: Brain/Cognitive | 1 | ||
Exceptionality III: Language/Speech | 1 | ||
Adolescents in the Classroom | 1 | ||
Specialized training in Exceptionalities | 1 | ||
Working with EAL Children | 1 | ||
Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 1 | ||
School-Aged Care | 1 |