EDUCATION ASSISTANT DIPLOMA
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Are you looking for a rewarding career in the field of education? Education Assistants work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to support students with exceptional learning needs. Consider becoming part of an educational team who are committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. A team whose goal is for students with physical, health, social/emotional, sensory and/or learning challenges to be the best they can be! Give yourself the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
Our EA program will give you the knowledge and skills for employment in public and private schools, child care centres, and community drop in centres.
▶ Full-time program – runs Monday through Friday, 9:00-3:30 pm for six months
▶ Part-time program – runs 2 evenings per week plus Saturdays for one year
Note: The practicum will take place Mon-Fri during the day for both part time and full time programs.
This program will be delivered in a combination of remote online and in-person classes. The remote delivery requires you to have the following:
– a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and microphone (or headset)
– a reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth and connection speed (2-3 Mbps); (can be checked here https://www.speedtest.net/
– a compatible browser (most recent version of Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Chromium) or Firefox, for Mac)
– access to a printer – you will be required to print some material during the course; consider investing in a printer if you do not have easy access to printing.
NEXT PROGRAM START DATES
- VANCOUVER FULL-TIME
◆ Schedule: 2025-Sept-8 to 2026-Mar-13 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
◆ Location: partly online, partly in person at Garibaldi Annex, 1025 Slocan St.
◆ Tuition Fee: $7500
◆ Application submission for the Vancouver program is now OPEN.
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview. - BURNABY FULL-TIME
◆ Schedule: 2025-July-04 to 2025-Dec-22 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
◆ Location: mostly in person at 7650 Sapperton Ave.
◆ Tuition Fee: $7500
◆ Application submission for the July full-time program is now CLOSED (applications for the January full-time program will open September 2025 – (Exact Date TBD)
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview. - BURNABY PART-TIME
◆ Schedule: 2026-January-10 to 2027-February-12 – Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-9:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
◆ Location: mostly in person at 7650 Sapperton Ave.
◆ Tuition Fee: $7500
◆ Application submission for the January 2026 part-time program will be OPEN September, 2025 (Exact Date TBD).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Read the application requirements below carefully. Submit the application form. Upload the supporting documents as ONE complete package. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. All applications will be reviewed, qualified applicants will be short-listed for an interview, and successful applicants will be invited to register. Previously unsuccessful applicants who are able to complete all outstanding requirements are welcome to reapply with a new enhanced application package.
- Submit the application form.
- Upload the supporting documents. PDF format is acceptable, JPGs are not acceptable.
- Applicants must have experience working or volunteering with school-aged students in a Canadian school (indicate the number of hours accumulated and if any of your experience relates to working with special needs students; minimum 60 hours working with with children with special needs is required)
- Provide 2 professional reference letters (ideally related to your experience working with school-aged students)
- Minimum education level is graduation from Grade 12 or equivalent in any country; submit proof of highest education level achieved. Copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are not necessary.
- Submit resume
- Submit proof of English language proficiency equivalent to Grade 12 English
- Pay the non-refundable $30 application fee.(by phone or online)
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Ensure your application is complete.
- Click APPLY NOW, below, to apply online.
If you have trouble submitting the application online, please email EAdiploma@burnabyschools.ca for assistance.
If you do not have access to a Scanner, here is an app called Simple Scanner:
Link to download the app on Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplescan.scanner&hl=en_CA&gl=US&pli=1
Link to download the app on Apple (ios):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simple-scanner-pdf-doc-scan/id1531265666
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, students must meet all the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all courses and practicums
- Minimum 70% final mark for assignments and tests
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Qualified Education Assistants are currently in high demand in school districts throughout British Columbia. Our graduates are qualified to work in public and private schools, childcare centers and community drop in centres.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Our Education Assistant program includes classroom theory, clinical instruction as well as supervised practicums in a school setting.
Core Courses:
- Foundations of History and Issues in Special Education
- Child Development
- Supporting Students with Diverse Needs
- Supporting Students with Communication
- Positive Behaviour Interventions
- Introduction to Technology for Education Assistants
- Working Effectively in Schools
- Inclusive Supports in Education
- Introduction to ABA/POPARD
- Supporting Personal Health Care (Nursing Focus)
- Supporting Personal Health Care (OT-PT Focus)
- Working with Youth at Risk
- Managing Challenging Behaviour-Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- First Aid
STUDENT FEEDBACK