This diploma program leads students to be members of an education team, supporting students with special and diverse learning needs from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in British Columbia schools. Education Assistants assist elementary and high school teachers as they work with students who may require additional support, such as those with intellectual challenges, special behavioral needs, and limited English.
Students also earn the following certificates in addition to the diploma:
This program prepares graduates for careers as education assistants in elementary or high schools. The career titles may be:
Earn up to $33.00* per hour as an Education Assistant
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank
Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: Secondary Education Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in the program’s language of instruction at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test:
Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
---|---|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). | Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” |
Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Accepted Countries for Prior Education The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
– | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
900 hours; 36 Weeks FT; 51 Weeks PT (weekend); 46 Weeks FT (Evening)
Course # | Title of Course | # of Hours |
---|---|---|
COMP050 | Basics of Computers | 25 |
EDA099 | Math and Literature Fundamentals | 50 |
EDA100 | Interpersonal Communication | 45 |
EDA101 | Introduction to Education Assistant | 35 |
EDA102 | Fundamentals of Inclusive Education | 40 |
EDA103 | Child Growth and Development 1 | 40 |
EDA104 | Child Growth and Development 2 | 40 |
EDA 105 | Supporting Positive and Independent Behavior | 50 |
EDA 106 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 60 |
EDA 107 | Applied Behavioral Analysis | 30 |
EDA 108 | Teaching Language and Communication to Students with Disabilities | 40 |
EDA109 | Understanding Exceptional Learners | 50 |
EDA110 | Mental Health and Addiction Literacy – Children and Youth | 50 |
EDA111 | Educating Children and Young People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | 25 |
EDA112 | Assistive Technology in the Classroom | 50 |
EDA 113 | Supporting Personal Care | 40 |
EDA 114 | Career Preparation | 20 |
EDA 115 | Observation Assignment | 30 |
EDA 116 | Practicum | 180 |
TOTAL | 900 |
Please speak with your Campus Representative if you need further information.
# | PARTICULARS | FEE | REMARKS |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tuition Fee | $8260 | Domestic Students |
2 | Registration Fee | $250 | |
3 | Textbooks | $890 | |
4 | Course Material | $250 | |
Total | $9650 | ||
1 | Tuition Fee | $11480 | International Students |
2 | Registration Fee | $250 | |
3 | Textbooks | $890 | |
4 | Course Material | $250 | |
Total | $12870 |
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
The value of being an educational assistant (EA) can vary depending on the individual's interests and career goals. However, working as an EA can provide a fulfilling career helping students with diverse learning needs and working collaboratively with teachers and other education professionals.
The salary for EA's in BC can vary depending on the school district, level of education and experience, and number of hours worked. According to the BC government, the hourly wage for EA's ranges from approximately $20-$33 per hour.
There are various courses available to become a teaching assistant, including programs at colleges and universities or online courses. It is recommended to research different programs and ensure they meet the requirements for the specific school district in which you hope to work.
Education assistant duties can vary depending on the specific school and district, but typically include assisting students with diverse learning needs, working collaboratively with teachers and other education professionals, providing classroom support, and helping to develop and implement individual education plans.
The number of hours an EA works can vary depending on the school district and individual school needs. Some EA positions may be full-time, while others may be part-time or on-call.
While having experience in education or working with children can be beneficial, it is not always required to become a teaching assistant. Many school districts offer on-the-job training and professional development opportunities for new EA's.
In most cases, a minimum level of education or qualifications is required to become an EA. However, the specific qualifications can vary depending on the school district and individual school needs. It is recommended to research the requirements for the specific district in which you hope to work.
The length of a teaching assistant course can vary depending on the program and level of education. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others may take a year or more.
Teaching assistants are typically paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on the school district and level of experience.
The time it takes to become an EA can vary depending on the specific school district and the individual's level of education and experience. Some districts may offer on-the-job training or accelerated training programs, while others may require a specific level of education or experience.
No, an EA is not a teacher. However, EA's work collaboratively with teachers and other education professionals to support student learning and development.
Mon – Sunday 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.
Unit 201 8318 120 St
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
Take a tour inside WCC and explore our classrooms, labs and student spaces to get a feel for life on campus. At Western Community College, we believe in an affordable, high-quality education that gives you the opportunity to thrive. We have a 97% grad employment rate.
Unit 900 13761 96 Ave,
Surrey, BC V3V 0E8
Our campus is strategically located at 13761 96 Ave #900, Surrey, BC V3V 0E8. With its proximity to major transit hubs, including prominent bus loops and the King George SkyTrain station, commuting to and from the campus has never been easier.