PART-TIME | INTERLAKE CAMPUS EDUAP-CT Educational Assistant Certificate

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Overview

  • Certificate program
  • Full-time study available
  • Delivered at six campuses:
    • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
    • Interlake Campus, Selkirk
    • Peguis-Fisher River Campus, Peguis
    • Portage Campus, Portage la Prairie
    • Steinbach Campus, Steinbach
    • Winkler Campus, Winkler
  • Available by classroom and distance delivery
  • Practicum

Description
Prepare for a career working with students in an educational setting to support the work of the teachers and clinicians. You will study and explore the developmental needs of children and the instructional strategies to meet those needs. 

There is a focus on a variety of topics ranging from inclusive education and learner characteristics to supporting the learning environment, managing behaviour and professionalism. 

Oral presentations, written assignments and group projects are part of the program.

The program is also available on a full-time basis. To learn how, see Educational Assistant Certificate

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements for Full Time Program
To apply under the regular admission requirements, you must have your Manitoba Grade 12.

Mature Student Admission Requirements for Full Time Program
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at the time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  •   Submit an official transcript
  •   Include a resume
  •   Submit a one page handwritten letter explaining why you are interested in the program

Upon acceptance into the program, submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) check documents, dated no more than six months prior to you attending the practicum.  See CO-OP/Practicum Information for details.

For the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) you must achieve scores of 8 for Speaking, Reading, Writing and  Listening. (Please note that Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) results are not an acceptable proof of English Language Proficiency. The CLB levels must be exit levels from an ESL program. CanTEST, IELTS and TOEFL tests are other acceptable ways of demonstrating English Language Proficiency.)

English Language Proficiency Requirements
English is the language of instruction at the College. Applicants to the College are responsible for a level of English proficiency that is sufficient to participate in all aspects of College study, including lectures, reading, writing and discussion.

To make an appointment to complete the CanTest assessments, contact Red River College Polytechnic's Language Training Centre at 204-945-6151, 300-123 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A3.

Distance Education Part Time Program

Transcript, resume and letter not required to register. Registration is on a course-by-course basis.

If you are a Distance Education student, you must have access to email.

Who Should Enrol?

To succeed in this program you should have good oral and written communications skills in the English language and be able to model basic mathematical problem solving.

You must demonstrate active listening skills and be willing to accept direction and responsibility.

You should be flexible and be able to work in a team setting.

Program Outline

You must successfully complete 17 courses and the practicum to graduate from this program. Total program hours will be either 548 or 554 hours, depending on your chosen electives. You must obtain a grade of C+ in each course to successfully complete the program. The practicum is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Courses will be available through full-time and part-time classroom and distance delivery. Your total program hours will depend on the electives you choose (548 or 554 hours).

Part-time courses are available primarily through distance delivery. Limited space may be available in select full-time courses for part-time registrations. For more information,
contact: 204-694-1789 or toll free 1-866-242-7073.

Note: Students may take a course and its prerequisite at the same time, however the first five courses listed below must be taken in the following order.

  • Basic Computer Applications (EDUA-1001) - D
  • Academic Writing (EDUA-1002) - D
  • Inclusive Education (EDUA-1003) - D
  • EA Roles and Responsibilities (EDUA-1004) - D
  • Communication & Partnerships (EDUA-1006) - D

These courses can be taken in any order, but the following order is recommended:

  • Portfolio Development - Online (PDEV-2001) - D or Portfolio Development (EDUA-1005)
  • Characteristics of Learners (EDUA-1007) - D
  • Managing Behaviour (EDUA-1008) - D
  • Supporting Learning Environment (EDUA-1009) - D
  • Observation & Documentation (EDUA-1010) - D
  • Professionalism (EDUA-1011) - D
  • Instructional Technology (EDUA-1012) - D
  • Exceptional Students (EDUA-1013) - D
  • ELA Content & Practice (EDUA-1014) - D
  • Math Content & Practice (EDUA-1015) - D
  • First Aid/CPR Level C*

Required Elective (choose one):

  • NVCI (SEMR-9078) - C
  • WEVAS (PDEV-1080)**

Last course:

  • Practicum-Educational Assistant (PRAC-1035) or Practicum-EA Option (PRAC-1036)

Optional (Not as credit towards the program):

  • Mental Health First Aid - Youth (HEAL-1047)
*Due to circumstances related to COVID-19, students in the EA program will be required to complete First Aid/ CPR C with AED through an external provider and submit documentation supporting completion in order to proceed to practicum and graduate from their program. Contact cpfau@rrc.ca for more information. 

**WEVAS is not currently available. 

Legend:

C/D - Classroom or Distance Delivery
C - Classroom Delivery
D - Distance Delivery

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
EDUA-1001Basic Computer ApplicationsRPL
More Information

The purpose of this course is to increase fundamental knowledge and skills using a current Windows operating system. The course content includes an introduction to Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint applications. Being able to competently use basic computer technology should enable you to assist teachers and support students more effectively.

EDUA-1002Academic WritingRPL
More Information

This course instructs the techniques and processes for educational assistants to produce accurate documentation in written communication skills using a variety of genre. It outlines the use of a thesis statement and APA format for research purposes. Emphasis is placed on sentence structure, developing a variety of sentence types and the correct use of grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation. The intent of this course is to provide educational assistants with the skills to support students in the writing process. The course should improve the educational assistant’s written communication with teachers.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1003Inclusive EducationRPL
More Information

This course examines the evolution of inclusive education in the public school system with an emphasis on the supportive services available to students in an inclusive classroom setting. The majority of educational assistants working in Manitoba school are employed to support students receiving inclusive education services.  This course supplies background information that assists educational assistants to contribute to meaningful discussions about students who have exceptionalities. It puts the educational assistants “in the loop” without requiring that they be “experts” and without implying that they are in any way responsible for programming decisions.  This course helps the educational assistants to better interpret program instructions and implementation strategies. This knowledge assists educational assistants to participate on a more meaningful level than simply following instruction. It helps educational assistants to prepare for the variety of challenges that they encounter in schools with an emphasis on making their work more effective in the supporting role that they serve with teachers in assisting students to work toward achieving the outcomes that have been identified in their program.  This course provides basic terminology related to inclusive education that enables educational assistants to dialogue with teachers regarding students who have specific exceptionalities. 

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1004EA Roles & ResponsibilitiesRPL
More Information

This course familiarizes you with the school system and how to effectively operate within this setting. It provides a detailed study of how a school system functions. Emphasis is placed on the roles and responsibilities of the educational assistant in the classroom and within the educational support system.
Educational assistants serve an important and dynamic role in providing educational opportunities to students and in making schools more efficient and effective. Gaining knowledge concerning the school system’s operations and the role descriptions of educational assistants and other staff enables you to attend to your duties with confidence.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1005Portfolio DevelopmentRPL
More Information

Develop a professional portfolio that will be the foundation of your career development.  Developing a professional portfolio will build your own and other's awareness of your proven skills, knowledge and understanding.  Learn what to document, how to document it, and how to use your professional portfolio for a successful job interview.

 

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1006Communication & PartnershipsRPL
More Information

This course provides an overview of communication skills and strategies that foster effective team functioning as well as a rationale for effective communication and collaborative teamwork. There is a focus on interpersonal communication that involves relating to others in verbal, non-verbal, visual and written forms. Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to try the techniques suggested and self-evaluate to find the communications styles that work best for specific individuals. 

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1007Characteristics of LearnersRPL
More Information

This course examines the process of learning for all children. Topics include stages of development, learning styles, theories of learning, influences on learning and theories of intelligence.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1008Managing BehaviourRPL
More Information

Management of student behaviour is a major concern for teachers and educational assistants because of its importance in establishing a positive learning environment. This course provides information and strategies on how educational assistants can contribute to an effective behaviour management approach.
Supporting the teacher in providing behavioural and social support to students is one of the main roles of educational assistants, therefore, it is important for educational assistants to have the skills to effectively manage student behaviour and assist in the development of the social interaction skills of students.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1009Supporting Learning EnvironmentRPL
More Information

This course provides an overview of how the learning environment influences learning outcomes and the ways that educational assistants support students. The main function of an educational assistant in a classroom is to provide support for students and assist teachers so that students can achieve the outcomes that have been identified for them in their program.  Student contact time is identified as a main role of educational assistants. This course provides a detailed description of an educational assistant’s role and responsibilities in providing tutorial support for students.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1010Observation & DocumentationRPL
More Information

This course provides an overview of the reasons for student assessment and evaluation with a focus on how the educational assistant can assist in student observation, record keeping and reporting to the teacher. Educational assistants observe and record student performance, therefore it is important that they are aware of the assessment process and gain knowledge regarding ways that they can support this process.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1011ProfessionalismRPL
More Information

This course explores aspects of professional conduct and ethical practices as they relate to interacting with students, teachers, other school staff and the community. Educational assistants encounter ethical issues, including confidentiality, record management and the demands placed upon them by teachers and staff. Therefore, it is important that educational assistants discuss and practice ethical guidelines.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1012Instructional TechnologyRPL
More Information

This course uses a hands-on approach to familiarizing students with the various ways in which technology can be used as an instructional tool. Students are engaged in acquiring knowledge and practicing subject specific skills and procedures using technology. Being able to competently use instructional technology should enable educational assistants to assist teachers and support students more effectively. This course gives a focus to curriculum support and assistive/augmentative technology.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1013Exceptional StudentsRPL
More Information

This course provides information about specific student exceptionalities, how certain characteristics may affect the learning process of students and strategies that can be utilized by educational assistants working with students who experience these challenges.  As an educational assistant, it is important to be knowledgeable about the diverse educational characteristics of students in classrooms and the implications of these characteristics for instruction. This course provides an emphasis on making the educational assistant’s work more effective in the supporting role with teachers in assisting students to work toward achieving the outcomes that have been identified in their program. This course provides the basic terminology that enables educational assistants to dialogue with teachers regarding students who have specific exceptionalities.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1014ELA Content & PracticeRPL
More Information

This course provides information and practical strategies for educational assistants that should make their work more effective when supporting students in the English Language Arts curriculum. The language arts program is a major content area that educational assistants will encounter when working with individual and groups of students. By developing knowledge and strategies in this content area, educational assistants will be more informed to assist teachers and support students more effectively.

Prerequisites:
EDUA-1015Math Content & PracticeRPL
More Information

This course focuses on building encouragement, positive attitudes, confidence and academic content, practice and strategy application that can be utilized by educational assistants when supporting student learning in Mathematics. Developing knowledge of the curriculum, math processes, positive attitudes and core competencies will enable educational assistants to support students and teachers more effectively.


Prerequisites

EDUA-1016

Prerequisites:
HEAL-1047Mental Health First Aid - Youth
More Information

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues in youth, to provide initial help and to guide youth toward appropriate support.


The Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth (MHFA) training course was developed to help people provide initial support to youth aged 12 to 24 who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. MHFA Canada teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counsellors or mental health professionals, but if crises do arise, members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

HEAL-1846Emerg. First Aid with CPR C
More Information

This course provides simple First Aid and CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals who want an overview of First Aid and CPR for the home or workplace. This  course covers the role, function and responsibilities of the first aider, skills needed to recognize and respond to emergencies, shock and  treatment, major bleeds. obstructed airway and other breathing emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies,  and CPR Level C. CPR Level C covers adult/child/baby CPR - one rescuer, adult/child/baby choking, barrier devices/pocket masks, AED, adult/child 2-rescuer CPR.

PDEV-1080WEVAS
More Information

Learn to recognize challenging behaviour and develop the skills that focus on your response. Improve your communication skills to help the student return to a safe learning state.


NOTE: We are not currently offering WEVAS for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Students in the Educational Assistant program may take SEMR-9078 Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (r). 

PDEV-2001Portfolio Development - Online
More Information

Develop a professional portfolio that will be the foundation of your career development. Learn what to document, how to document it, and how to use your professional portfolio for a successful job interview. Learn about e-portfolios and how to evaluate and select an appropriate e-portfolio platform.

PRAC-1035Practicum - E.A.
More Information

This course provides practical experience through interaction with students and staff in an approved educational setting. It provides the student with an opportunity to shadow and observe experienced educational assistants, to have student contact time and to participate in tutoring activities with students while supporting classroom teachers. At the practicum site, educational assistant candidates are expected to participate as fully as possible in the delivery of support services. This includes working cooperatively as an active team member, sharing responsibilities for carrying out prescribed duties, demonstrating self-initiative, attending required meetings and contributing new ideas and approaches appropriate to the placement. Educational assistants are under the supervision of the site supervisor or designate for the entire duration of the placement period.

Prerequisites:
PRAC-1036Practicum Option - E.A.
More Information

The Practicum Option course component of the program integrates an educational assistant employee’s knowledge, skills and attitude as part of the employment experience in a school environment. Knowledge is defined as what an educational assistant knows and can apply. Skills are defined as what an educational assistant can do. Attitude is how an educational assistant conducts herself/himself as an employee of the educational system.

At the time of registration in the Practicum Option, students must be employed as an educational assistant with a minimum of 1000 hours worked in a classroom in the school system. The total number of hours may include educational assistant substitute employment worked within the last three years.

Prerequisites:
SEMR-9078Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (r) Training Program
More Information

The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (R) Program is a safe, non-harmful behaviour management system designed to aid human service professionals in the management of disruptive and assaultive people, even during the most violent moments. It has been developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute, a training organization devoted to training staff in the safe management of potentially violent individuals.


Click the "More Info" link beside the course's name to view the description of the course.

Course Dates and Fees

2024 Fall Term
HEAL-1846 Emerg. First Aid with CPR Cmore info
Location: Portage La Prairie Campus
DatesClass DaysTimeDeliveryInstructorSectionCostActions
Oct 05, 24 - Oct 05, 24Sa9:00AM - 5:00PMTBA259091$123
Nov 23, 24 - Nov 23, 24Sa9:00AM - 5:00PMTBA259093$123
Location: Portage La Prairie Campus
Dates
Oct 05, 24 - Oct 05, 24
Class days
Sa
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
259091
Cost
$123
Dates
Nov 23, 24 - Nov 23, 24
Class days
Sa
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
259093
Cost
$123

CO-OP/Practicum Information

The practicum for this program integrates theory and practice in the work environment by providing first-hand experience in a Manitoba K-12 school. On-site portion of practicum is generally 5 weeks (9:00 am -3:30 pm) and follows the school's schedule. Students attend placement at their school site Monday to Friday. There is no option to attend part time. The practicum is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Practicums for students at the School of Continuing Education

Placements are available on a limited and fluctuating basis. There may be a waiting period for practicum registrations and placements. Practicum placements will be determined by the College and typically take 2-4 weeks to confirm after the course start date. 

To be eligible to register for the practicum, you must:

  1. Have successfully completed all 17 courses listed in the program outline, including Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
    and
  2. Submit two check documents: Adult Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check (CRC) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR), dated no more than six months prior to attending the practicum. You must submit original documents. For more information, see Police Information Check.
    and
  3. Write a resume/letter of introduction to be approved by the practicum instructor once registered and to be presented to the immediate supervisor at the first practicum session.

Contact the program facilitator at cpfau@rrc.ca to inquire about registering for practicum and providing record checks.

Practicums for students at Regional Campuses

To be eligible to register for the practicum, you must:

  1. Have successfully completed all theory courses
    and
  2. Submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS) Check and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) Check documents, dated no more than six months prior to you attending the practicum. You must submit original documents. Students with a child abuse record may not be able to complete their practicum. For more information, see Criminal Record Check

Every effort will be made to place students in a facility of specific interest but due to facility availability, instructor time factors, and practicum timing in general, the final placement decision will be made by the Red River College instructor. 

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, you should be able to:

  • Provide assistance to resource and/or classroom teachers in the preparation of course materials
  • Establish rapport with students and differentiate support according to individual behavior
  • Manage student behavior while providing supervision according to the classroom management style practiced by the classroom teacher
  • Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to the level of the audience
  • Use a variety of technology appropriate to the school and classroom environment
  • Provide medical support to students as required and permitted by regulations and school policy
  • Demonstrate safe work practices and respond to emergencies as they arise
  • Demonstrate organizational skills, ethical behavior, and accountability as a para-professional working in a school environment
  • Facilitate instructional activities under supervision of a teacher
  • Comply with laws and regulations that pertain to a school environment and related activities

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

If you enrolled in the part-time Para Educator program prior to September 1, 2010, you can complete the Para Educator Certificate by taking the equivalent course in the new Educational Assistant program.

Special Education in Canadian Schools - Equivalent to: EDUA-1003 Inclusive Education

Orientation to the School System - Equivalent to : EDUA-1004 EA Roles and Responsibilities

Communication and Collaborative Partnerships - Equivalent to:  EDUA-1006 Communication and Partnerships

Characteristics of Learners - Equivalent to: EDUA-1007 Characteristics of Learners

Managing Student Behaviour & Social Interactions - Equivalent to: EDUA-1008 Managing Behaviour

Supporting the Teaching & Learning Environment - Equivalent to: EDUA-1009 Supporting Learning Environment

Observation, Record Keeping & Reporting - Equivalent to: EDUA-1010 Observation and Documentation

Professionalism and Ethical Practices - Equivalent to: EDUA-1011 Professionalism

Instructional Technology - Equivalent to: EDUA-1012 Instructional Technology and EDUA-1001 Basic Computer Applications

Introduction to Learning Disabilities - Equivalent to: EDUA-1013 Exceptional Students

Instructional Content and Practice - Equivalent to: EDUA-1014 ELA Content and Practice AND EDUA-1015 Math Content and Practice

Writing Skills - Intermediate - Equivalent to: EDUA-1002 Academic Writing

PRAC-1226 Practicum - Equivalent to: PRAC-1035

 

Graduation Requirements

You must complete your part-time program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline. You must achieve a minimum of C+, 65%, in each course and pass the practicum. The practicum is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

You will not be granted more than 75% of your credit requirements for graduation through transfer of credit.

When you have successfully completed all the required courses in this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. For complete details on applying to graduate and convocation, see rrc.ca/convocation.

Questions about graduation? Please call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 for assistance.

Graduation with Honours
If you obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better for the program, you will graduate with honours. If you fail any course in the program, you will not be eligible for this honours designation.

Employment Potential

Educational Assistant graduates will find a range of entry-level employment opportunities in educational settings.

For information about related programs and services, visit Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), formerly Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

For information about the labour market and earning potential, visit the Job Bank.

Page produced on 2024-10-05 06:34:45
Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.