Education Assistant Certificate
Looking to be part of an educational team? This certificate prepares participants to come alongside teachers in the classroom to help reach educational goals and encourage child development. Participants will take classes on school organization, working with and understanding children, issues that arise in education as well as a practicum.
Want to learn more? Check out this recent info session:
Share this program
Email Print
Campus
- Kelowna
- Vernon
- Penticton
- Salmon Arm
- Revelstoke
- Distance
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Certificate
Delivery options
Online, Full-Time, Part-Time
Tuition and fees
2023-24: $4,427.86
-
plus applicable textbooks and/or materials
-
All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Program details
This 447-hour Education Assistant Program prepares learners to work as Education Assistants in schools as part of an educational team. Education Assistants work under the instructional supervision of classroom teachers and School District administrators while supporting the learning and independence of children who benefit from additional assistance in meeting their educational goals.
Learners are introduced to the organizational structure of schools and the role of Education Assistants in the classroom. Specific topics include general educational principles with particular attention to individualized instruction, cooperative learning and the importance of creating a positive learning environment. Learners develop and practice the skills necessary to implement modifications and adaptations of curriculum.
Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please click here for more information.
The following textbooks are available from the campus bookstore 3-4 weeks before class:
- The Role of the Education Assistant by Mary Harber
- What Really Works for Special Education Students by Wendy Murawski
Note: used texts are sometimes available through the bookstore
Additional books not sold at the campus bookstore:
- Behavior Support Strategies for Education Paraprofessionals: The Function of Behaviour by Will Henson
Textbooks approx. $150
Plus course materials: $150
Prices are subject to change
• Students must be prepared to go to the school that they are placed at (for their practicum) by the College. Some considerations are given and will be discussed after the start of the program
• If you live outside the Okanagan, please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss the possibility of doing your practicum in your own District.
- School District #23
- Most school districts in BC and beyond (check with your district first)
- Private schools such as:
- Immaculata
- Heritage Christian School
- Willowstone Academy
- Aberdeen Hall Prep
- Kleos Open Learning
- sənsisyustən House of Learning
- Students who have not graduated from high school will not be able to gain employment at School District #23 and many other Districts in BC.
Regional delivery of studies can differ according to the campus location.
For details on what is offered view schedule below or contact a campus:
- Penticton campus cssouth@okanagan.bc.ca
- Kelowna campus cskelowna@okanagan.bc.ca
- Vernon campus csnorth@okanagan.bc.ca
- Salmon Arm campus csshuswap@okanagan.bc.ca
- Revelstoke Centre csrevelstoke@okanagan.bc.ca
| Campus | Start date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Sep. 11, 2023 | Online Hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| Kelowna | Jan. 08, 2024 | Full-time. Online hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| Penticton | Sep. 05, 2023 | Full-time. Online hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Penticton | Jan. 22, 2024 | Full-time. Online hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. plus some Saturdays.. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Revelstoke | Jan. 11, 2024 | Part-time. Face-to-face. Tue & Thu 6:30-9:30 p.m. plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Revelstoke | Jan. 11, 2024 | Part-time. Face-to-face. Tue & Thu, 6:30-9:30 p.m. plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Salmon Arm | Jan. 11, 2024 | Part-time. Face-to-face. Tue & Thu, 6:30-9:30 p.m. plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Vernon | Sep. 05, 2023 | Part-time. Blended. Two evenings per week plus alternate Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Vernon | Sep. 05, 2023 | Part-time. Blended. Two evenings per week plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
| Vernon | Sep. 06, 2023 | Part-time. Online. Two evenings per week plus some Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day. |
Admission requirements
-
BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes
-
English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
-
A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.
Additional information
View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page
Experience
Join an info session or become a student for a day.
Ask
Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter.
Apply
Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC.