FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS EDUAF-CT Educational Assistant Certificate

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Overview

  • Six-month certificate program
  • Part-time study available
  • Entry dates vary by Campus.
  • Delivered at five campuses:
    • Interlake Campus, Selkirk
    • Portage Campus, Portage la Prairie 
    • Steinbach Campus, Steinbach 
    • Winkler Campus, Winkler 
    • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Practicum experience
  • Program delivery: In-person (on campus) 

Description

This program prepares you 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, as well as the instructional strategies to meet those needs.  There is a focus on a variety of relevant topics ranging from inclusive education and learner characteristics to supporting the learning environment, managing behavior, and professionalism.

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

You can also complete this program through part-time study online courses. To learn how, see Educational Assistant Certificate

NOTE: Students in the EA program are responsible for coordinating and completing First Aid/CPR through an external provider and submit documentation supporting completion in order to proceed to practicum and graduate from their program.


Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.


Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of successful completion of or enrolment in Grade 12.
    • If you provide proof of enrolment, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter.
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Have you successfully completed the equivalent of three years of full-time secondary (high school) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction? To view a list of ELR exempt countries click here.
    • Approved English language assessments and required levels for this program are:
      • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Certificate - exit Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels from an English as a second language (ESL) program:
        Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 8, Writing 8 
        or
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic):
        Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5
        or
      • Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST):
        Listening 4.5,  Speaking 4.5,  Reading 4.5,  Writing 4.0
      • If completing an assessment, we strongly advise you complete it before submitting your application to ensure you meet language requirements and can submit your results within 15 days of applying.
      • Assessment results must be dated within two years of your application date.
      • After confirming you’ve met English language requirements through your assessment results, the College will send you an e-mail requesting submission of your transcripts. 
        and
  3. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form

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

1. Academic Requirement
o High school graduation is not required, but you must submit an official transcript
o Include resume
o Submit one page handwritten letter explain why you are interested in the program.

You must meet the other regular Admissions Requirements 2 & 3 above.

Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.

  • Practicum Prerequisite
    • Successfully complete all theory courses.
    • Criminal Record and Child Abuse Checks
      • Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) checks conducted no more than six months prior to you attending the clinical practice. You must submit original documents. For further information, see: Police Information Check.
      • This program requires students to submit current original/official versions of one or more of the following checks
        • Criminal Record Check (CRC)
        • Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR)
      • If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete the program.
      • If you are listed on a Child Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete the program.
      • For details on this program's requirements, when to obtain and submit the documents, review the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
      • These documents have expiration dates and should not be obtained prior to timeline indicated on the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents form.
      • For general information on why RRC requires these checks and for links to check providers such as the Winnipeg Police, visit our Criminal Record Checks webpage.
      • Submit your check documents to the RRC program contact listed on the Contact Information section of your program.

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8888
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60606060
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8888
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58585858
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.56.56.5
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.56.56.5
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20201924

Who Should Enrol?

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

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.

Locations, Dates and Fees

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,421.001
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$450.00
1Includes Health and Dental Fees

Interlake Campus

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Selkirk Sep 02, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,379.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$450.00

Portage Campus

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Portage La Prairie Campus Sep 02, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,379.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$450.00

Steinbach Campus

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Steinbach Sep 02, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,379.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$450.00

Winkler Campus

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Winkler Campus Sep 02, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,379.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$450.00

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

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.

Courses to be taken in the following order:

  • Basic Computer Applications (EDUA-1001)
  • Academic Writing (EDUA-1002)
  • Inclusive Education (EDUA-1003)
  • EA Roles and Responsibilities (EDUA-1004)
  • Communication & Partnerships (EDUA-1006)
  • Portfolio Development  (EDUA-1005)

Can be taken in any order but recommend the following:

  • Characteristics of Learners (EDUA-1007)
  • Managing Behaviour (EDUA-1008)
  • Supporting Learning Environment (EDUA-1009)
  • Observation & Documentation (EDUA-1010)
  • Professionalism (EDUA-1011)
  • Instructional Technology (EDUA-1012)
  • Exceptional Students (EDUA-1013)
  • ELA Content & Practice (EDUA-1014)
  • Math Content & Practice (EDUA-1015)
  • First Aid/CPR*

Elective: (choose one)

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

Final course:

  • Practicum-Educational Assistant (PRAC-1035) or
  • Practicum-EA Option
Optional (Not as credit towards the program):
  • Mental Health First Aid - Youth (HEAL-1047)

Note: Students require a C+ in each course to successfully complete the program. The practicum is based on a Pass/Fail.

*Students in the EA program are responsible for coordinating and completing First Aid/CPR through an external provider and submit the documentation supporting completion in order to proceed to practicum and graduate from their program. Contact the program facilitator for more information, cpfau@rrc.ca. 

**WEVAS is not currently available. 

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.

LIBR-9001Library
More Information

(No description available at this time)

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). 

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:
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.

CO-OP/Practicum Information

The practicum for this program integrates theory and practice in the work environment by providing first-hand experience. The practicum is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

For practicums from the School of Continuing Education, Winnipeg:

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 Polytechnic instructor.

To be eligible to register for the practicum, you must:
  1. Successfully complete all theory courses.
  2. Write a resume/letter of introduction to be approved by the practicum instructor and to be presented to the immediate supervisor at the first practicum session.
  3. Submit, upon start of the program, 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. You must submit original documents. For further information, see: Police Information Check

For practicums at Red River College Polytechnic Regional Campuses:

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.

To be eligible to register for the practicum, you must:
  1. Successfully complete all theory courses.
  2. Submit, upon acceptance into the program, 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. (Students with a criminal record may not be able to complete their practicum). You must submit original documents.

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. https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful 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.

Graduation Requirements


You must complete your program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline.

To graduate you must successfully complete all courses, with a minimum of C+ or 65% in each, 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. 

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.

Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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