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.

Share this program

  Email   Print
An education assistant helping a student with Down Syndrome.

Campus

  • Kelowna
  • Vernon
  • Penticton
  • Salmon Arm
  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Online, Full-Time, Part-Time

Tuition and fees

2023-24: $4,427.86

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 see Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) page for more information.

  • 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.

Regional delivery of studies can differ according to the campus location.

For details on what is offered view schedule below or contact a campus:

Campus Start date Schedule
Kelowna Sep. 09, 2024

Full Time online hybrid, Mon to Fri, 9:30 am -1:30 pm

Kelowna Sep. 05, 2024

Part time - Tue & Thu evenings, face-to-face, 6-9pm plus frequent Sat.

Penticton Sep. 04, 2024

Full-time. Online hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Penticton Jan. 2025

Full-time. Online Hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Vernon Sep. 03, 2024

Part-time. Blended. Tue & Thu, 6:30 – 9:30pm plus alternate Saturdays. Saturday workshops happen during the day.

Vernon Sep. 04, 2024

Part time – Online hybrid. Mon & Wed, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and some Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Kelowna Jan. 09, 2025

Full Time online hybrid, Mon to Fri, 9:30 am -1:30 pm.

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.

Program outline

EA 111 - School Organization
EA 112 - Education and Child Development
EA 113 - Workshop
EA 114 - Translating and Supporting Behaviour
EA 115 - Implementing and Integrating Curriculum
EA 116 - Technology in Education
EA 121 - Issues in Education
EA 122 - Supporting Educational Domains
EA 124 - Practicum

Students must pass each course with a minimum grade of 60% to receive a certificate.

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.