Prepare to work as an education assistant.
With an Education Assistant Certificate, you’ll be prepared to work as a teacher’s aide or education assistant, providing assistance to children with disabilities in school settings.
The program is designed for practicing support workers and those who choose to become practitioners. It enhances competence in:
- Inclusion
- Human diversity
- Learning and support strategies
- Health and wellness
- Communication
- Community and relationships
- Professional practice and accountability
Education Assistant Certificate Courses
With an Education Assistant Certificate, you will be prepared to work as a classroom education assistant, providing assistance to children with disabilities in school settings. The program is designed for practicing Education Assistants and those who choose to become Education Assistants. It enhances competence in inclusion; supporting literacy; human diversity; learning and support strategies; communication; school, community and relationships; as well as professional practice and accountability.
Required courses
Elective
Approved Elective of CASS 189 (3 credits)
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
Online Offering
Our Education Assistant Certificate is offered online via our Prince George instructors. CNC’s flexible format makes the EA training accessible for all students, regardless of where they live or what their schedule is.
While course modules are offered online through Moodle, instructors are also available for help through several communication methods, from phone, to email, to Skype, as well as face-to-face for students in Prince George.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2020 |
Mackenzie |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
| Fall 2020 |
Vanderhoof |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
| Fall 2020 |
Fort St. James |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
| Fall 2020 |
Burns Lake |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
| Fall 2020 |
Prince George |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
| Fall 2020 |
Quesnel |
Online |
Equivalent to a one-year certificate program (individual completion time varies) |
Entry Requirements
All applicants must provide a transcript or other official proof that they have completed English 12 (with a final grade of at least “C”), or equivalent.
Students have 10 years from the time of first registration to complete all of the course and practicum requirements for the Community Support Worker (CSW) Certificate and/or the Education Assistant (EA) Certificate. This policy applies to CNC courses and to all courses transferred from other post-secondary institutions for credit at CNC. Courses more than 10 years old may be considered for unassigned credit. Students should contact the Dean to discuss this option. (Please note that professional certification or accreditation bodies and receiving institutions may have different criteria.) For the complete policy, see Ten Year Timeline for Program Completion Policy #E-1.37 available on the CNC Policy web page.
New students are admitted to the program in one of three ways:
Path #1: Paid Paraprofessional
For students employed as para- professionals providing support services to persons with developmental disabilities.
- Verification (such as a transcript) of English 12 or equivalent with a minimum “C” grade.
- A letter from an employer (on agency letterhead) confirming employment.
Path #2: Volunteer Service Provider
For students volunteering service to people with developmental disabilities.
- Verification (such as a transcript) of having English 12 or equivalent with a minimum “C” grade.
- A CASS Volunteer Experience Record completed by a supervisor, documenting at least 65 hours of direct service in the past three years.
Path #3: Special Admission
For those who do not yet qualify for full admission into the program. Special Admission students can register for one semester in CASS 110, CASS 120 and/or CASS 130.
- Verification (such as a transcript) of having completed English 12 or equivalent with a minimum “C” grade.
- Special Admission students must complete 65 hours of relevant volunteer experience with an individual with a developmental disability during their first semester. To continue in the program, they must submit a Volunteer Experience Record and apply for full admission
English 12 or equivalent: If you don’t have English 12 or equivalent with a minimum “C” grade, you must write an English test at CNC. It’s your responsibility to contact CNC’s Centre for Student Success (1-800-371-8111, ext. 5837) and arrange to write this test. If your results don’t meet the required level, you must upgrade before admission to the program.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $345 - $355 per course.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.