Health & Community Studies

Educational Assistant

NOC-43100

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Program Description

The Educational Assistant (EA) program is a one year certificate designed to prepare you to assist and support teachers in the classroom, while building the skills needed to work independently with children and youth. As an Educational Assistant, you will help create a positive learning environment by supporting students with a range of exceptional needs.

Throughout the program, you will participate in a series of in school experiences during Semester 1, followed by a four week practicum at the end of Semester 2. This structure is intentionally designed to help you build confidence, strengthen your skills, and develop a solid foundation for responding effectively to real world classroom challenges. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge and practical experience required to support diverse learners and contribute meaningfully to classroom success.

Admission Requirements

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Academic Requirements

  • Completed one of the following: Regular Grade 12, Adult 12, or GED
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Non-Academic Requirements

  • An updated Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) will be required prior to any field experience and/or practicum placement. Most employers require a CRC and VSC. The results of the CRC or VSC may impact eligibility for practicum placement and success in the program. This will be determined once the results have been reviewed by the Program Coordinator.

Acceptance Policy

SIIT provides preferential admission to applicants who are of First Nation’s ancestry; however, SIIT programs are open to everyone, and all application will be considered. SIIT relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 to provide preference to applicants who are of First Nations’ ancestry.

Permanent Resident Applicant Information

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
For Permanent Resident applications we will request the following documentation:

  • Copy of Permanent Resident Card
  • International Qualifications Assessment (IQAS) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta.ca Your high school/secondary education credentials must be assessed through this service.
  • Canadian Language Benchmark – English Assessment of CLB 7. We will accept either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic or Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) – General.

Courses

Code Course Title Hours Credits
Semester 1
IPCE 110 Interpersonal Communications in Education 45 3
CPSY 110 Child Psychology & Development 60 4
SINE 110 Supporting Intellectual Exceptionalities 75 5
PCCE 110 Professional Conduct & Code of Ethics in Educational Settings 45 3
EDPM 110 *Educational Practices & Methods 90 6
PRPC 110 Professional Readiness & Personal Care 30 2
**First Aid/CPR-C
Semester 2
EASI 120 EA Role in Supporting Instruction 60 4
INED 120 Introduction to Indigenous Education 60 4
TEEA 120 Technology for Education Assistants 45 3
GBCM 120 Guiding Behaviour & Classroom Management 60 4
SPHE 120 Supporting Physical Exceptionalities 60 4
EAPP 120 Practicum Placement 120 8
**Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Total 750 50
*Students will participate in scheduled in-class experiences every week during the latter part of semester 1. Participation is required to successfully pass EDPM-110. **Students must participate in these training courses as part of their preparation for field placements. This requirement ensures that students acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, effective, and professional EA support during their practical experiences.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Textbook Laptop Compulsory
Fees
Total*
$5,383 $1,000 $850 $850 $8,083
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 for Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes

U-PASS
$286.00 per year - Saskatoon
$246.00 per year - Regina
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

Length of Program

Nine (9) months or 2 semesters covering one academic year.

Delivery Method

Direct instruction, in-person.

Academic Policy

Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies.

Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend instructor-led theory and practical sessions and must maintain a minimum of 90% attendance throughout the program.

Evaluation

To be eligible for graduation, students must achieve a minimum grade of 50% in each course and maintain an overall program average of 60%. In addition, students must successfully pass the field placement(s) to meet the program’s completion requirements.

Credential

SIIT Certificate

Career Path

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Graduates can expect to work as elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100). 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 supervision of teachers or other childcare professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary, and special needs schools and treatment centers.

Further Education

Graduates of the program can further their education through a university and can submit a request for a transfer credit review.

Fall 2026 - Educational Assistant - Prince Albert

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 08/31/2026
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Prince Albert
Location: Prince Albert - Educational Assistant Program
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