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/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any module) |
| 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 |
(Validity period of these test results is two years.)
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 |
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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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Total program
hours
180
Practice Experience HOurs
$33
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
| Course ID | Title of Course | 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 |
| EDA105 | Supporting Positive and Independent Behavior | 50 |
| EDA106 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 60 |
| EDA107 | Applied Behavioral Analysis | 30 |
| EDA108 | 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 |
| EDA113 | Supporting Personal Care | 40 |
| EDA114 | Career Preparation | 20 |
| EDA115 | Observation Assignment | 30 |
| EDA116 | Practicum | 180 |
| TOTAL | 900 |
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 PartnersFee 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.
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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