Health & Community Studies

Educational Assistant

NOC-4413

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Program Description

Are you interested in working in a classroom environment and supporting students in their learning? Are you interested in working with children and youth? SIIT’s Education program might be the next step on your career path.

The nine month Educational Assistant (EA) certificate program will prepare you to assist and support the teacher(s) in the classroom from kindergarten to high school, while also teaching you the skills needed to work with children individually, in small groups, or with the entire class. The EA program is available at our campuses in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina, and in select community locations.

Graduates can expect to work as elementary or secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 4413) in child-care centres, day-care centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Most employers require criminal record and vulnerable sector checks.

Admission Requirements

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  • High School Diploma, ABE 12 or GED
  • Must provide a current criminal record and vulnerable sector check
Z

Mature Admissions

  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • The applicant must have a minimum of five years related work experience
  • Complete an academic assessment and achieve a Grade 11 minimum
  • Provide an updated resume
  • Provide official transcripts if available

Acceptance Policy

Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.

English Language Benchmark

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.

To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).

Courses

  • BEHV 140-Introduction to Human Behaviour
  • COED 120-Communications in Education I
  • DEVL 141-Child Development I
  • DEVL 142-Child Development II
  • EDPT 200-Educational Practices
  • GUID 132-Guiding Children’s Behaviour and Classroom Management
  • HSNT 245-Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • NEED 140-Classroom Strategies for Working with Exceptionalities
  • NEED 242-Children and Youth with Special Needs – Classroom Strategies
  • PCCE 100-Professional Conduct, Code of Ethics and Educational Methods for Educational Assistants
  • PRAC 128-Practicum I for Educational Assistants
  • PRAC 129-Practicum II for Educational Assistants
  • TECH 120-Technologies in Schools

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Textbook Compulsory
Fees
Total*
$4,080 $1,840 $575 $6,495
Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change.
*Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools.
*Total amount does not include the required UPass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students.
Additional Fees- U-Pass - Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes
UPass
$278.00 per year The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.
Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change.
Funding

Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.

What to Expect

Day to Day

Delivery Method
  • Primarily in-class instruction, Monday to Friday, 6 hours per day.
  • 5-10 hours per week of independent (homework learning).
Work Integrated Learning

Students in the Educational Assistant Program have the opportunity to complete two- four week practicums. You must provide a current criminal record and vulnerable sector check to participate.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate.

If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.

Graduation Requirements and Credential

You must maintain a GPA of 60% to graduate. Graduates will receive an Educational Assistant Certificate and an SIIT Transcript.

Additional Licensing Required for Employment

Required safety certificates are completed during the program.

Career Path

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Graduates of this program can find employment as elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 4413).

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants support students, and assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They assist in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary and special needs schools and treatment centres.

Mobility to other occupations related to child care and adolescent supportive instruction is possible with experience.

In Saskatchewan, the average annual salary for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants is $30,800. (https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/hire-train-and-manage-employees/labour-market-information)

For assistance finding employment, please contact your local SIIT Career Centre.

Additional Post-Secondary Opportunities & Credit Transfer

To explore further education at SIIT, click here. You can also explore diploma or degree options at other colleges or universities.

Teacher assistants who help students with special needs usually require specialized training and experience. Elementary and secondary teachers require a four- year degree. This programming is currently not available at SIIT. Select credits from the SIIT Educational Assistant Program are transferrable to University of Saskatchewan’s’ Indian Teacher Education Program.

If you have a specific program or career path in mind, it is a good idea to check the prerequisites required. Our Academic Advisors can help you plan for further education.

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Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444