Scholarships/Tuition Discounts: $3,500 tuition discount for the March 2025 start. Conditions apply.
Course Delivery: Online (instructor-led)
Duration: 37 weeks, including 8 weeks of practicum
Start: March 2025
Wages: Up to $38.90/hr (including 12% in lieu of benefits and depending on the school district)
Articulation - Direct Pathway (Post-Graduation): Graduates are eligible for advanced entry to Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts degree (Governance, Law and Management or Human Services major)
Student Diversity:
Stenberg supports diversity in our student population, and we hold one seat per program for a self-identified Indigenous applicant who meets admission requirements. If the seat remains unfilled at 12 weeks prior to the program start, the seat will be released and offered to other qualified applicants.

About the Career

There are few things in life as rewarding as helping individuals with exceptionalities reach their full potential. Under the supervision of elementary and/or secondary school teachers, Education Assistants (EAs) assist students who may require additional support with behaviours, special needs, academics or English Language Learning (ELL). 

Graduates of Stenberg’s Education Assistant program are prepared to work in:

  • Public, private, and faith-based schools
  • After school programs
  • Childcare centres
  • Community or youth drop-in centres
  • Residential settings, parks and recreation programs
  • Home and respite care
  • And as Behaviour Interventionists

Stenberg’s Education Assistant graduates are in high demand by school districts throughout British Columbia.

Education Assistant Program | Stenberg College
More coming soon.

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 or Communications challenge exam (minimum 60%)
    • English Language Equivalency Test (ELET-Reading Comprehension, Spelling, Written Essay, Verbal Test of English)
    • IELTS: General or Academic with Overall band score of 6.5 with no component less than 6.0 and Speaking no less than 6.5.
    • CLBPT: Minimum score of 8 in Speaking and 7 in Listening, Reading & Writing
  • 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:

    • 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

Program Courses

Student Support

  • Academic tutoring
  • Assessment and skill development support
  • Open study skills tutorials
  • Typing practice support
  • One-on-one student support coaching sessions
  • English language learning support
  • Online learning resources
  • Online academic journals and databases
  • Campus life events

Post-Graduation Pathways

Stenberg Education Assistant graduates have many options available to them after program completion! Read below to learn more about our articulation agreements.

Our Education Assistant Diploma leads to a degree

Stenberg College Education Assistant Diploma

---------
30 credits

Athabasca University Undergraduate credits

---------
30 credits

Athabasca University BPA-HSRV degree or BPA-GLM degree

---------
60 credits

Graduates of our Education Assistant (EA) Diploma program are eligible for advanced entry into Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts degree, majoring in Governance, Law and Management or Human Services.*

Stenberg College’s Education Assistant Diploma gives graduates 30 Athabasca University transfer credits, leaving only 30 Athabasca credits prior to program admission plus 60 credits of course work at Athabasca to earn your bachelor’s degree. You can complete your entire Athabasca degree online.

*This articulation is based on a review of Stenberg College’s August 2019 Special Education Assistant curriculum.

Using your Stenberg Diploma and Athabasca degree to become a BC Certified Teacher

A degree from Athabasca University is acceptable for application into Simon Fraser University’s Professional Development Program (PDP) or Professional Linking Program (PLP). Both programs allow you to become a BC Certified Teacher and teach elementary and/or secondary school students in public and independent schools. Please note: admission into either program has its own prerequisites and admission criteria. Admission is by application and is not guaranteed.

SFU Professional Development Program (PDP)
Graduates of the 16-month program are recommended by Simon Fraser University to the Teacher Certification Branch of the BC Ministry of Education for a Teaching Certificate. There is also an option to complete a Bachelor of Education(BEd) as a second degree, without adding extra time or cost to the program.

SFU Professional Linking Program (PLP) for Education Assistants
The Professional Linking Program is a unique teacher education program that enables working paraprofessionals, student support workers, para-educators (e.g., education assistants, child and youth care workers, counsellors, settlement workers), independent schools educators, and Francophone teachers working with letters of permission to become certified as teachers in British Columbia.

Our Faculty

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government’s Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). This program is approved by PTIB. PTIB is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC’s brand or “seal” of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.

Have Questions?

Ask a Program Advisor!

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