Education Assistant Diploma

EDUCATION ASSISTANT DIPLOMA

FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS

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.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The next EA program starts October 2023 (Vancouver).

Current programs:

  1. VANCOUVER FULL-TIME
    ◆ Schedule: 2023-Oct-13 to 2024-Apr-30 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
    ◆ Location: partly online, partly in person at Garibaldi Annex, 1025 Slocan St.
    ◆ Course Fee: $5500
    ◆ Application submission for the Vancouver program is OPEN. Application deadline is September 22.
    ◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview.
  2. BURNABY FULL-TIME
    ◆ Schedule: 2024-Jan-08 to 2024-Jun-28 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
    ◆ Location: mostly in person at 7650 Sapperton Ave. (20% online)
    ◆ Course Fee: $5500
    ◆ Application submission for the Burnaby Full time program will open Oct 2.
  3. BURNABY PART-TIME
    ◆ Schedule: 2024-Jan-13 to 2025-Feb-14– Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-9:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
    ◆ Location: mostly in person at 7650 Sapperton Ave. (20% online)
    ◆ Course Fee: $5500
    ◆ Application submission will open Oct 2.

APPLICATION PROCESS – 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 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 recommended)
  • Provide 2 professional written references (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)
  • Click on APPLY NOW to apply online.

If you have trouble submitting the application online, please email EAdiploma@burnabyschools.ca for assistance.

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

I’ve always wanted to work with children in a school district, and now my dream has come true. I now have a permanent job with Vancouver School Board at a school which is four blocks from my house. I was part of the first cohort that took the program through Burnaby School District when it was introduced in 2018. It fully prepared me for the job I now have. I am so thankful I took this program!Ramandeep M
Related programs
Registration by phone or in person
For this program, registration is restricted to students who have completed the application requirements and have been accepted into the program.

All office locations are closed on statutory holidays. Burnaby South Secondary & Burnaby Central Secondary are also closed during Spring break, July, August and during the holiday break in December.

Register by phone
604-296-6901

Regular office hours:
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri
8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Burnaby CCE Office
751 Hammarskjold Drive
Map

Regular office hours:
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri
8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Burnaby South Secondary
5455 Rumble Street
Map

Regular office hours:
Tue   | Thu
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Burnaby Central Secondary
6011 Deer Lake Parkway
Map

Regular office hours:
Wed |  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Refund policy

Fee payments originally made by credit card are credited back to the same card; for expired or invalid credit cards, refunds are made by cheque. Fee payments originally made by cash or cheque are made by cheque. Please allow 3 weeks for processing.

Cancelled classes
When a class is cancelled by Burnaby CCE, a full refund will be issued.

Full time certificate / diploma programs
Requests for refunds received in writing (email) at least 1 week prior to classes starting will have $100 deducted from the course fee. Requests received less than a week prior to classes starting will have $200 deducted from the course fee. There will be no refunds once classes begin.

Part time certificate / diploma programs
Requests for refunds received in writing (email) at least 1 week prior to classes starting will have $25 deducted from the course fee. Refunds received less than a week prior to classes starring will have $50 deducted from the course fee. There will be no refunds once classes begin.

Career & Business Training/General Interest Courses
Requests for refunds received in writing (email) at least 2 days prior to the course starting will be refunded the course fee minus $20. Requests for refunds received less than 2 days prior to the course starting will be refunded the course fee minus $30. There will be no refunds once a course starts.