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
Department Information:
For more information visit the Educational Assistant Department, under Academic Departments.
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
A minimum of 50% in ELA 30-1 or 65% in ELA 30-2 or equivalent
OR
A minimum score at the 50th percentile on the English component of the College Board Placement Test or the Test of Adult Basic Education and a score of 2 or higher on a writing sample
OR
Previous completion of at least three College level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0
OR
Conditional admission is available for those who do not meet the academic requirements. Clear admission will be granted by the Chairperson after successful completion of three Educational Assistant courses in the program, with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Note: Applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a Criminal Record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is recommended that applicants, with a criminal record, check with employers to determine if they would be eligible for practicum placements or future eployment. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check.
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, or 3 of 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
Special Fees and Expenses
All EDAS eCampus courses - $50.00
All distance delivered 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 181
Graduation Requirements
You must pass eleven compulsory courses and 45 hours of optional credits, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.