Educational Assistant (was Teacher Assistant)
Contact:
Maria Cicman
Chairperson
Program Information:
E-mail: inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
One-Year Certificate
Related Careers
Both full- and part-time jobs are available, with salaries varying widely across the province. See the school board in the area you plan to seek work for contract details. There is an increased demand for assistants to work with students with special needs.
Jobs include the following:
- classroom assistants at all levels from early childhood to adult education
- assistants to students with special needs including private agencies
- library assistants
- playground and lunch room supervisors
The Program
Graduates assist teachers in both instructional and non-instructional tasks. This program will train you in a wide range of interpersonal and practical skills needed for such work.
Note: This program is also available through on-line delivery. Distance students require regular access to a computer with internet service. Please contact the program for details.
Admission Requirements
1. High School Diploma
A minimum mark of 50% in ELA 30-1
OR
a minimum mark of 65% in ELA 30-2
OR
2. Mature Student
You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum mark of 50% in ELA 30-1
OR
a minimum mark of 65% in ELA 30-2
OR
a minimum score at the 50th percentile on the English component of the College Board Placement Test (written on campus) or the Test of Adult Basic Education (written off campus) and a score of 2-3 on a writing sample. Applicants who score between the 40th and 50th percentile will be considered for admission depending on the assessment under Other Requirements.
OR
complete at least three College-level courses with a minimum grade of D, and a minimum G.P.A. of 2.00.
OR
3. You may be admitted as a conditional part-time student. If you complete a total of three Educational Assistant courses with a minimum grade of D, and a minimum G.P.A. of 2.00, you will be admitted to the Educational Assistant Program.
Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Criminal Record Checks of students working in their organizations. Information about obtaining Criminal Record Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program.
Note: You should have a valid Standard St. John Ambulance Emergency Training Certificate, or equivalent Red Cross Certificate. Many employers prefer this training, but it is not an admission or graduation requirement.
Program Content
Length of program: 10 months (September to June)
Note: If they qualify, students are encouraged to replace COMM 150 with a 200 level COMM or ENGL. Note: Students on academic warning or probation will not be placed in practicum (EDAS 181 or EDAS 114) until they have cleared this status.
Options: Students need one of EDAS 156, EDAS 157, EDAS 158, EDAS 159, EDAS 163, EDAS 164, EDAS 165, EDAS 166, EDAS 167 and EDAS 168. (You may receive credit for one option if you qualify for advance credit or prior learning credit). Additional credit may be received for course equivalencies.
Program Cost Estimates - 2009/2010
Special Fees and Expenses
EDAS 181, EDAS 114: $50.00 each (for on-line delivery or on-site)
All distance delivery courses have an additional fee of $50.00.
If you are applying for Advanced Standing in any Educational Assistant Course, please contact the Department for additional forms. Advanced standing or credit may be granted for courses in other departments. Advanced credit is not given for 181 field practice.
Courses not open to challenge: EDAS 114, EDAS 181
Graduation Requirements
You must pass eleven compulsory courses and three optional credits, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.