About the Program
Unlike most post-secondary programs, classes at Stenberg are small, allowing instructors to be more attentive to your needs and build relationships with you. The instructors for the Education Assistant Program are committed to your success and ensure you’re comprehending the material and keeping up. The online Education Assistant (EA) program has identical content and learning outcomes as a traditional class program.
Something that sets our program apart is the inclusion of two certifications from the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD):
- Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Applied Behaviour Analysis
These certifications better prepare you for the career and to provide the support that students with exceptionalities deserve. They also make you more competitive for hiring.
Ultimately, it is the integration of theory and practice, particularly during eight weeks of practicum in elementary and/or high schools, that will prepare you to become an effective Education Assistant. During the program, you will constantly apply practice to theory as you consider and respond to practical questions and theoretical situations. Not only does this make your understanding of concepts and theories less abstract, but it prepares you for your practicum placement(s) at the end of the program.
100% of our Education Assistant graduates are employed within six months of program completion.
Admission Requirements
Pre-requisites:
- Completion of Grade 12 or mature student status
- Grade 11-level English course or higher, or one of the following:
- Acceptable score in one of the approved LPR tests as noted above.
- Accuplacer: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
- CLBPT: No component less than 6
- English challenge exam (minimum 70%)
- Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for Math (minimum 70%) or the following in lieu:
- Evidence of any Math 11 or higher
- Successful completion of the online Computer Skills Entrance Test (minimum 70%)
- Completion of Stenberg College informational interview as part of the admissions procedure
- Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act as part of the admissions procedure
* Entrance requirements can be met with evidence of alternate assessments such as Challenge Exams, or acceptable standardized English equivalency tests as per the Stenberg College Language Proficiency chart. Evidence of Post-Secondary studies at an equivalent level where English was the first language is acceptable.
Prior to Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program. Upon enrollment, students will be informed of next steps and timelines. Non-compliance could result in program dismissal. Requirements for practice education placements include:
- Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (or Provincial equivalent)
- Additional site specific orientation/training may be required
Program Advisors will work with students to obtain the following:
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- Proof of 50 hours of volunteer or paid experience working with children (This requirement can be met whilst parenting own children)
- Reference letter stating suitability to work with children
- Preference will be given to applicants who have volunteer or paid experience working with children with special needs in school or related
*Please note: Education Assistant is not a career listed under the British Columbia Professional Regulatory Authorities.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in any program and courses by meeting one of the following minimum requirements:
1) Evidence of completion of 3 years of full-time Secondary if Grades 8-12, or 2 years of Secondary if Grades 10-12, or 2 years of Post-Secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
OR
2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below.
- IELTS Academic – Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5
- Duolingo – Overall score of 105 with no component less than 85
- CELPIP – Overall score of 7 with no component less than 6
- TOEFL – Minimum overall score of 68
- CAEL – Minimum overall score of 50
- Pearson PTE Academic – Minimum overall score of 50
OR
3) Mature students that are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above can:
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- Complete an English Language Attestation to confirm completion of 3 years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, AND
- complete an Accuplacer Next Generation English Assessment with minimum scores of: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
Evidence may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a provincial Adult Graduation program, permanent student record, GED, or by providing international education credentials confirming medium of instruction in English as recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS. Alternatively, where 2 years of post-secondary education are being determined based on credits, it is expected that the student has taken studies with a minimum of18 credits per academic year and/or indicates completion of a minimum of36 credits in total.
For regulated programs, language proficiency requirements, including permitted tests and scores dictated by the regulatory body, will supersede all else.
*Please note that this program is not eligible for the post-graduate work permit program.
