Is An Education Assistant Career Right For You?

Education assistants help children with a range of physical, learning or behavioural difficulties integrate into inclusive learning environments. In order to support full participation, EAs assist students with physical disabilities with routine tasks like eating, dressing for the outdoors, and moving from one class to another. They also play an important part in lesson preparation, assignment creation and monitoring how effectively each learner understands new concepts.

It takes an exceptional type of person to become an education assistant. In fact, if you are contemplating a profession in this field, it is probably because you are eager to help children develop the skills and independence they’ll need to thrive in the future. We’ve put together this infographic to help give anyone considering education assistant training an overview of the skills and responsibilities the role requires.

Exceptional Education Assistants are

· Excellent communicators

· Dedicated to working with children

· Driven to help students with physical, behavioural or cognitive disabilities

· Creative, adaptable and trustworthy

Professional Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist teacher with preparing learning materials and tasks

· Support students with diverse learning needs

· Participate in meetings and assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

· Support students in developing healthy relationships at school

Career Outlook

· Over the next several years, retiring Baby Boomers are expected to create many new job openings in education

· Between now and 2020 in B.C., over 71% of education hiring will be to replace retirees

· An additional 29% percent of new positions will open up due to expansion of education services

Average Salary

· Education assistants typically earn between $17.00 and $26.00 per hour

· In addition to salary, some schools offer competitive benefits

· Benefits, salary and terms of employment vary by district

Employment Options

· Public and private schools

· Post-secondary institutions

· Child care and youth centres

· Home-based therapy programs