The Role of the Education Assistant (100 hours): This course covers Education Assistant qualifications, performance expectations, rapport with students, supervision, evaluation, class observation check lists, teacher-student interaction, interpersonal skills, materials and resources.

Classroom Practicalities, Learning Styles, and Lesson Plans (100 hours): This course covers motivating the reluctant reader; the four language skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing and lessons and activities; and math skills, problem-solving and lessons and activities.

Cultural Connections and Perspectives (100 hours): This course focuses on building cultural inclusive classrooms with a particular focus on integrating First Nations culture and language into classrooms. It covers cultural differences, cultural inclusion, cultural expectations and cultural dimensions of instruction.

Reaching the Hard to Teach (Part 1 and Part 2):   (200 hours):  At the end of the course, students will demonstrate effective ways to help students to cultivate knowledge improve life and academic skill and promote self-regulation and learning. Barriers to learning will be explored with a view to strategies to support learners who experience learning challenges including physical, communication, learning challenges – learning disabilities and difficulties including low incidence and high incidence special needs – social and emotional. Interventions, Individual Education Plans, Adaptations, and Modifications will be discussed.

Work Experience (100 Hours or 120 Hours if in the Adult Dogwood): Participants will complete 100-120 hours of work experience in a school or learning environment supervised by a qualified educational professional and according to established Work Experience policies. The focus of this placement is to put into practice the course material learned and to benefit from mentoring and guidance from educational professionals already working in the field.

CAREER OCCUPATION:  This program will enable graduates to pursue a career as an Education Assistant in public or private schools, learning centers, recreation centers, group homes, early learning centers, pre-schools or in private practice such as tutoring centers.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:  Students can either enter the program as part of their B.C. Adult Dogwood program or as graduates with a B.C. Adult Dogwood (Grade 12) preferred. Grade 10 is the minimum. Those taking the program as part of the B.C. Adult Dogwood must take Math 11, Communications 12 or English 12, Planning 12 and Work Experience 12, dependent on the individual Student Learning Plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Fulfilling the role of an education assistant; assisting with classroom practicalities with individuals or groups of students; implementing interventions and learning strategies; assisting with learning assessments; providing cultural training with a First Nations focus, and meeting the needs of a diverse student population.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:  Participants will be evaluated through quizzes, assignments, and exams.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:  For the certificate program, students must achieve 50% on assignments and a 60% average to pass. For those taking the course as part of the B.C. Adult Dogwood, a 50% or higher grade is required.

PROGRAM DURATION:  600 classroom instructional hours, includes 100 work experience hours unless taking Adult Dogwood then total hours are dependent on the individual Student Learning Plan.

The EA program runs from September to June with three weeks of work experience starting in late spring.

HOURS / DAYS:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. 4 pm – 9 pm at Sardis Secondary, Chilliwack

DELIVERY METHOD:  In class instruction.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:  Materials are developed and distributed by the program instructor.

LOCATION:  Sardis Secondary School – Chilliwack, BC

TRANSPORTATION:  Transportation may be available depending on demand.

DUAL CREDIT:  Students can obtain a B.C. Adult Dogwood/BC Dogwood Diploma, with courses dependent on the individual Student Learning Plan.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:  Please set up an appointment to review your funding options with a student advisor. Please check with your local employment office for other potential funding opportunities.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT:  Minimum of 20 students.

COSTS FOR FEE PAYERS AND INSTALLMENTS:  If you are a fee payer, the total cost of this program is as follows:

DATES AND FEES QUOTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

CONTACT: Registrar

E-mail: colreg@seabirdisland.ca

Telephone: 604-796-6839