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Education Assistant
As an education assistant, you'll support teachers, manage classrooms, provide individualized attention, and help implement programs for all students, including those with diverse needs. Gain hands-on training in classroom technology, special education, child development, and behavior management.
Credential
Diploma
Duration
43 weeks
Practicum
10 weeks
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Employment Opportunities
- Education Assistant
- Educational Resources Assistant
- Homework Assistant
- Remedial Education Aide
- Special Education Programs
What You Could Earn
Up to $42,806
Benefits
Our Education Assistant course is eligible for student aid funding; other options available.
Industry-experienced instructors bring firsthand knowledge from actual roles in their fields.
Build skills in creating inclusive classrooms and effectively supporting diverse learners with specialized training in behavior analysis, exceptionalities, and literacy/math challenges.
Real-world experience in a 10-week practicum placement in educational environments to enhance your practical skills.
Start your Education Assistant diploma online. Access course materials anywhere at any time.
Benefit from lifetime access to our Career Services team for job search help and career advice.
Receive personalized, individual attention and support during your studies.
We provide the tools you need to succeed in your program, including a new laptop you keep.
Education Assistant Diploma: Overview
Education assistants perform various responsibilities from facilitating learning activities for all students to assisting teachers by working with students who have special educational needs, such as physical, intellectual, emotional, or behavioural challenges and give them the support they need. They may also be referred to as teaching assistants or teacher’s aides.
To prepare you, Sundance College’s Education Assistant program equips you with the career-focused teaching assistant skills, knowledge, and experience to excel in educational settings.
Our teaching assistant course equips you with both theoretical foundations and practical skills essential for success in the classroom. Students explore a wide range of topics, including language development, education psychology, and strategies for working with exceptionalities.
In just 43 weeks, our diploma program prepares you to effectively support teachers and students. You’ll gain key skills in child development, classroom management, and integrating technology into education, along with specialized training in applied behavior analysis and working with exceptionalities.
Our program also includes a 10-week practicum or practical work experience, providing you with real-world experience in a school, after-school program, community centre, youth outreach setting, special education program, or other educational environments.
Program Overview: Education Assistant
Learn about Sundance College’s Education Assistant diploma program and how it prepares students for success in this rewarding career.
Is a career as an Education Assistant right for you?
Take the Sundance College Career Training Readiness Quiz. The Career Quiz is a free tool that will help you identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!
Take Our Career QuizProgram Courses
Core
Education Assistant Fundamentals
In this course, students learn about the evolving role of education assistants and how you can make a difference in children’s lives. Gain insights into supporting academic, social, inclusive, classroom discipline, and learning environment management in nurseries, elementary schools, secondary schools, high schools, and colleges.
Learn about working with students, parents, and teachers to plan and evaluate student progress, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for every child.
Education Psychology
Gain an understanding of infant and childhood development through the best theories, research, and practical advice. Learn the foundational processes that underlie developmental change and will help you in supporting children’s growth effectively in educational settings.
This course will prepare you to understand and apply developmental psychology to help children succeed.
Technology in Education
Integrate technology into education by linking education strategies to learning theories. Plan for technology use and design curriculum to meet teaching and learning needs.
Gain hands-on experience in using technology to improve educational outcomes, preparing you for modern classroom support and to effectively foster student engagement.
Introduction to Child Development
Understand the unique qualities of young children from infants to age eight. Learn to work with children at different developmental levels and within their social and cultural environments.
Topics include working with diverse cultures, special educational needs, early childhood education, and early literacy and cognitive development, equipping you to support each child’s individual growth and learning journey.
Language & Literacy Development
Explore the relationship between listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing. Learn pedagogical theories and practical applications through scaffolding examples which include learning through classic books and stories, poems, finger plays, flannel board and alphabet experiences, puppetry, language games, drama, and phonemic and phonetic awareness activities.
You’ll learn to facilitate and develop literacy skills in young learners, helping them develop a strong foundation in language arts.
Observation Skills
Develop observation skills in learning climate, classroom management, lesson planning, and lesson clarity. This course covers the latest findings to achieve desirable cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes in students.
You’ll be prepared to create effective and engaging learning environments that support every student’s success.
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Learn student behaviour management methods for working effectively with students who have learning and behavior problems. Build a foundation in general learning and teaching approaches, and focus on specific areas such as reading, math, oral and written expression, and social and study skills.
You’ll be equipped to address diverse needs and help students overcome challenges.
Child, Family, & Community
Examine how school, family, and community influence children’s socialization. Focus on diversity issues including culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and special needs education.
Learn to create inclusive and supportive environments for all students, helping them feel valued and understood.
Working with Exceptionalities
Learn positive reinforcement techniques and other ways of assisting students with exceptional needs and abilities in the regular classroom. Develop the skills, teaching methods, and educational techniques to create an inclusive learning environment by individualizing learning for each student, regardless of their exceptionality.
This course will equip you to support every child’s unique educational journey, fostering a classroom where all students can thrive.
Working with Learners with Reading & Math Challenges
Learn how to present a balanced approach to literacy and math instruction that will help all young students make a successful start in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Develop the skills needed to identify and address individual student needs, using your understanding of literacy and math development to guide effective teaching and provide academic support to every child.
CPR, First Aid, WHMIS and FOIP
This course provides students with hands-on training in first aid. Topics include medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, environmental emergencies, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and respiratory emergencies and much more.
Business English & Proofreading
Learn the fundamental English language skills necessary to attain meaningful employment in education. Address common mistakes in syntax, grammar, and spelling through hands-on training that will set you apart from other job candidates. Practice editing business documents using standardized proofreading marks to excel as an education assistant.
Foundation
Becoming a Master Student
This course helps students make the transition to post-secondary education and teaches them how to make the most of their chosen career education path as they prepare for the workforce. Topics include learning styles, goal setting, note-taking, and testing.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
This course prepares students to use proper speaking skills to give effective and professional oral presentations. Students will learn what to do before, during, and after the presentation, and how to design effective visual aids.
Career Management
Work hands-on to build the opportunity-finding skills needed in today’s job market. You will learn essential skills needed to be successful throughout the entire job application process and how to achieve gainful employment. You will plan, write, and complete a resume; search for employment; and develop your presentation skills.
Practicum
Your diploma program includes a 10-week practicum in a school, after-school program, community centre, youth outreach setting, special education program or other. For students unable to complete a practicum (e.g., due to remote location), a capstone project will be offered as an alternative to fulfill the diploma requirements.
Admissions Steps
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Say About Us
This is an amazing College. I am learning so much and everyone is so helpful and friendly. I will definitely recommend this college to anyone young or old who is trying to change their career or get an education.
Tanya H.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does an education assistant do?
Education assistant duties include supporting teachers and assisting students in classroom settings. They help with lesson plan implementation, behavior management, classroom organization, and creating individualized education plans (IEPs). They work with children, including students with special needs, to enhance their learning experience and ensure an inclusive educational environment.
Why should I become an education assistant?
A career as an education assistant, a homework assistant, a remedial education aide, or an education resources assistant can mean a long and fulfilling career watching the students you work with grow and develop personally and academically. These careers open up many opportunities to grow professionally and personally and offer diverse experiences in a stable career path.
To learn more about the top reasons to pursue this career, read our blog ‘Top Reasons to Become an Education Assistant’.
How much does an education assistant make in Canada?
The salary of an education assistant in Canada varies depending on factors such as location (province, city), experience, and employer. On average, they can earn up to $42,806 a year.
What skills do education assistants need?
Education assistants need skills in classroom management, child development, literacy, and technology integration. Communication skills in education are fundamental, as well as the ability to collaborate with teachers and parents, and knowledge of educational psychology. Skills in behavior management and special education support are also essential.
To learn more about education assistant skills, read our blog, ‘Essential Skills of an Education Assistant’.
How do I become a good education assistant?
Gain comprehensive education assistant training through courses like Sundance College’s Education Assistant diploma program to help you to get started in the field. Focus on developing skills in child development, classroom management, and literacy.
Hands-on experience through practicum placements will help you apply your knowledge and skills to provide effective support for teachers and students.
To learn more about how to become a good education assistant, read our blog, ‘A Career-Focused Look at Education Assistant Diplomas’.
How do I balance my studies with my work and family commitments?
Many of our students and graduates have work and family commitments that they have balanced with their studies. You will study only one course at a time instead of 4 or more. This allows you to immerse yourself and increase your knowledge retention and academic success.
As well, our flexible learning model allows you to study around your other commitments. And you can take your Education Assistant courses online.
For more tips on finding the right work-life balance during your Education Assistant diploma program, read our blog ‘Achieve Work-Life Balance: Tips from College Graduates’.
What jobs can I expect to get once I graduate from the Education Assistant program?
Graduates of our Education Assistant program can pursue careers as education resources assistants, homework assistants, remedial education aides, special education workers, and more. These roles are in high demand in communities throughout Canada.
I don’t have experience in the education field. Can I take the Education Assistant course?
Yes! Our program is designed for individuals with varying levels of experience.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or looking to move up in your current clerical role at a school or are brand new to the education field, you’ll get the comprehensive training and hands-on training you need for a successful career in an educational setting.
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