Diploma

36 – 51 Weeks

Education Assistant Diploma

Gain the expertise to support students with diverse learning needs in educational settings. Graduate in Education Assistant Program and work in schools as Teacher’s Aide, Behavior Intervention or Education Assistant.

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Empower Students as an Education Assistant 

The Education Assistant Diploma at Western Community College prepares students to support learners with varying abilities. The program focuses on inclusive education, equipping graduates with the skills to assist in creating accessible learning environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding individual educational plans and collaborating effectively with teachers and specialists.

Students also earn the following certificates in addition to the diploma:

  • UNIVERSAL DESIGN OF LEARNING online course
  • SET BC SOLO6+ Essentials Online Course
  • SET BC Clicker 6 Online Course
  • SET BC Kurzweil3000v.12 Online Course
  • SET -BC Touch Chat Online Course
  • Picture Exchange Communication Systems Course
  • Board maker Online Course
  • American Sign Language Introduction Course
  • Training in Assisting with Medication
  • ASIST-Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
  • SET BC Assistive Technology in classroom Course
  • SET BC Introduction to SMART notebook Course

Next Intakes

Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Career Opportunities

High Employment Rate for Graduates

$33*

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

*Based on Canada Job Bank

This program prepares graduates for careers as education assistants in elementary or high schools. The career titles may be:

  • Education Assistant: Support students with special needs in classrooms. 
  • Learning Support Worker: Provide targeted assistance to enhance student learning. 
  • Behavioral Interventionist: Implement strategies to support positive student behaviors.

Why Study at Western Community College

Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule.
  • Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).

Begin Your Path in Education Assisting Career

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Education Assistant Diploma Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

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. The student needs to have a minimum of English 10 or higher with a minimum Grade C or higher.

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. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.

Name of English language assessment/testMinimum score(s)/level(s)*
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) AcademicMinimum overall score of 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any module)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBTMinimum 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) AcademicMinimum 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 LinguaskillMinimum overall B2 level
LANGUAGECERT AcademicMinimum overall B2 level
The Michigan English Test (MET)Minimum overall B2 level
iTEP AcademicMinimum overall score of 3.5
EIKENMinimum placement of Grade Pre-1

(Validity period of these test results is two years.)

The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:

American SamoaDominicaLesothoSt. Kitts & Nevis
AnguillaFalkland IslandsLiberiaSt. Lucia
FijiMaltaSt. Vincent & the Grenadines
AustraliaGambiaMauritiusTanzania
BahamasGhanaMontserratTrinidad & Tobago
BarbadosGibraltarNew ZealandTurks & Caicos Islands
BelizeGrenadaNigeriaUganda
BermudaGuamSeychellesUnited Kingdom
BotswanaGuyanaSierra LeoneUS Virgin Islands
British Virgin IslandsIrelandSingaporeUSA
CanadaJamaicaSouth AfricaZambia
Cayman IslandsKenyaSt. HelenaZimbabwe

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Take the next step toward your future!

Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.

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Course OUtline

Core Courses in Education Assistant Diploma Program

Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as an Education Assistant.

900

Total program
hours

180

Practice Experience HOurs

$33

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

97%

Graduate Employment Rate

Course IDTitle of CourseHours
COMP050Basics of Computers25
EDA099Math and Literature Fundamentals50
EDA100Interpersonal Communication45
EDA101Introduction to Education Assistant35
EDA102Fundamentals of Inclusive Education40
EDA103Child Growth and Development 140
EDA104Child Growth and Development 240
EDA105Supporting Positive and Independent Behavior50
EDA106Autism Spectrum Disorders60
EDA107Applied Behavioral Analysis30
EDA108Teaching Language and Communication to Students with Disabilities40
EDA109Understanding Exceptional Learners50
EDA110Mental Health and Addiction Literacy – Children and Youth50
EDA111Educating Children and Young People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders25
EDA112Assistive Technology in the Classroom50
EDA113Supporting Personal Care40
EDA114Career Preparation20
EDA115Observation Assignment30
EDA116Practicum180
 TOTAL900

Our Academic Partners

We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.

Our Partners

Fee Structure

Tuition & Financing


We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.

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.

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$8260

Course Materials

$250

Books

$890

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$11480

Course Materials

$250

Books

$890

Finance Options Available

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.

BC Student Loan

In-house Financing

Student Line of Credit

Scholarships

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Finance Options

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