About the Program
Unlike most post-secondary programs, classes at Stenberg are small, allowing instructors to be more attentive to your needs and build relationships with you. The instructors for the Education Assistant Program are committed to your success and ensure you’re comprehending the material and keeping up. The online Education Assistant (EA) program has identical content and learning outcomes as a traditional class program.
Something that sets our program apart is the inclusion of two certifications from the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD):
- Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Applied Behaviour Analysis
These certifications better prepare you for the career and to provide the support that students with exceptionalities deserve. They also make you more competitive for hiring.
Ultimately, it is the integration of theory and practice, particularly during eight weeks of practicum in elementary and/or high schools, that will prepare you to become an effective Education Assistant. During the program, you will constantly apply practice to theory as you consider and respond to practical questions and theoretical situations. Not only does this make your understanding of concepts and theories less abstract, but it prepares you for your practicum placement(s) at the end of the program.
100% of our Education Assistant graduates are employed within six months of program completion.
Admission Requirements
Pre-requisites:
- Completion of Grade 12 or mature student status
- Evidence of passing any high school Grade 12 level English course or higher or the following in lieu:
- English challenge exam challenge exam (minimum 60%)
- IELTS: General or Academic with Overall band score of 6.5 with no component less than 6.0 and Speaking no less than 6.0.
- CLBPT: Overall score of 6.5, with no component less than 6.0
- Versant: Overall 56, with no component less than 51
- Smrt: 135-level test with a minimum score of 75%
- Duolingo: Overall score of 105, with no sub-score less than 95
- Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for Math (minimum 70%) or the following in lieu:
- Evidence of any Math 11 or higher
- Passing Verbal Test of English if EAL with an averaged band score of 6.5
- Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
* Entrance requirements can be met with evidence of alternate assessments such as Challenge Exams, or acceptable standardized English equivalency tests as per the Stenberg College Language Proficiency chart. Evidence of Post-Secondary studies at an equivalent level where English was the first language is acceptable.
Prior to Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program. Upon enrollment, students will be informed of next steps and timelines. Non-compliance could result in program dismissal. Requirements for practice education placements include:
- Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (or Provincial equivalent)
- Additional site specific orientation/training may be required
Program Advisors will work with students to obtain the following:
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- Proof of 50 hours of volunteer or paid experience working with children (This requirement can be met whilst parenting own children)
- Reference letter stating suitability to work with children
- Preference will be given to applicants who have volunteer or paid experience working with children with special needs in school or related
*Please note: Education Assistant is not a career listed under the British Columbia Professional Regulatory Authorities.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in their chosen program and courses by meeting one of the following two requirements:
1) Evidence that 3 years of full-time Secondary (Grades 8-12), or 2 years of Post-Secondary education have been completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
OR
2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below.
A transcript can be used as evidence of meeting requirement option 1. Those educated in BC may be able to access transcripts using their personal education number (PEN). We understand that obtaining a transcript as evidence may prove challenging for some applicants. In such cases, the applicant can complete the English Language Declaration form and outline their education history to validate meeting the requirement.
