Educational Assistant Diploma
Available Online Delivery Only
Program Office: 403.320.3393 • humanservices@lethbridgecollege.ca
Step Back into the Classroom
Help students reach their full potential and maximize their school experience by working as an Educational Assistant. In this two-year diploma program, you’ll learn advanced behavioural support skills and be ready to work in inclusive classrooms and specialized settings. You'll also gain the experience and knowledge needed to support students from diverse backgrounds with challenging behaviours and complex needs.
Harness your patience, creativity and understanding to make a difference in students’ lives. Learning online at a time and place that works best for you, you’ll discover ways to help students from a strength-based perspective with their learning, behaviour and independence.
Your Investment
Program fees will vary. To view fee information, click here and select your program.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Educational Assistant diploma.
New applicants are accepted into the Educational Assistant program for the Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (May) terms.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
Applicants applying to the Educational Assistant diploma are required to have successfully completed a one-year Educational Assistant certificate or equivalent from a recognized college in order to enter the Educational Assistant diploma program.
Note: All students should consult an Academic Advisor (403.320.3366) to create a schedule. Academic advising has program specific information for course order and program design. Diploma courses are timetabled so students can graduate in 12 months. Diploma courses may be taken in the Certificate year. For certificate students transferring in to the Educational Assistant diploma, the educational assistant certificate must be from an accredited college.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| See the Educational Assistant Certificate | 36 | |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| CPU-2253 | Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDU-2250 | Speech and Language Development | 3 |
| EDU-2252 | Supporting English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU-2254 | Health Issues in Education | 3 |
| EDU-2258 | Case Studies of Challenging Behaviour | 3 |
| EDU-2260 | Positive Behavioral Supports | 3 |
| EDU-2266 | Sensory Impairments | 3 |
| FWK-2260 | Field Placement III | 1.5 |
| FWK-2262 | Field Placement IV | 1.5 |
| HSP-2250 | Functional Assessment | 3 |
| PSY-2250 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 33 | |
| Total Credits | 69 | |
Electives
Students may select from the following courses. Not all electives are offered every term and not all courses are available online. Other electives may be chosen with permission, prior to enrolment and completion of the course.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLK-1151 | Blackfoot Language I | 3 |
| ECE-1155 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE-1168 | Children's Outdoor Play | 3 |
| ECE-2264 | Pre-School Programming | 3 |
| ENG-2265 | Indigenous Literature | 3 |
| ENG-2285 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| INS-1155 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| PSY-1171 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSY-1179 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY-1191 | The Developing Brain | 3 |
| PSY-2253 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY-2260 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY-2277 | Psychology of Addictions | 3 |
| PSY-2280 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2290 | Brain and Behaviour | 3 |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC-2260 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC-2276 | Sexuality | 3 |
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
Athabasca University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Educational Assistant diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards a Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies), Bachelor of Professional Arts (Criminal Justice), Bachelor of Professional Arts (Human Services), or a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance (Law and Management) at Athabasca University. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information.
When you complete the diploma program, your expertise will be in high demand. You'll be able to find employment opportunities in:
- Alternative and Outreach Schools
- Before and After School Programs
- Early Intervention Programs for Children at Risk
- Elementary, Middle and High Schools
- Kindergartens and Preschools
- Private Agencies who Support Families with Children/youth with Disabilities or Behaviour Challenges
- Recreation and Community Centres
- Respite Care for Families
- School Lunch Programs
- Summer Camps and Summer Recreation Programs