Education Assistant Certificate
Looking to be part of an educational team? This certificate prepares participants to come alongside teachers in the classroom to help reach educational goals and encourage child development. Participants will take classes on school organization, working with and understanding children, issues that arise in education as well as a practicum.
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Campus
- Kelowna
- Vernon
- Penticton
- Salmon Arm
- Distance
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Certificate
Delivery options
Online, Full-Time, Part-Time
Tuition and fees
2024-25: $4,516.40
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plus applicable textbooks and/or materials
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Program details
This 447-hour Education Assistant Program prepares learners to work as Education Assistants in schools as part of an educational team. Education Assistants work under the instructional supervision of classroom teachers and School District administrators while supporting the learning and independence of children who benefit from additional assistance in meeting their educational goals.
Learners are introduced to the organizational structure of schools and the role of Education Assistants in the classroom. Specific topics include general educational principles with particular attention to individualized instruction, cooperative learning and the importance of creating a positive learning environment. Learners develop and practice the skills necessary to implement modifications and adaptations of curriculum.
Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please see Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) page for more information.
- Students will complete a 120-hour (4 week) practicum in a school based setting as part of their program.
- If you live outside the Okanagan or Revelstoke areas, please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss the possibility of doing your practicum in your own District before you apply for the program.
- Students must be prepared to go to the school that they are placed at (for their practicum) by the College. Some considerations are given and will be discussed after the start of the program.
This program is delivered in a variety of formats including:
Face-to-face: Learning occurs in person at a physical location. Campus locations are listed when applicable.
Online synchronous: This training is like traditional on-campus classes where students must be online in the virtual class during regular class times.
Online asynchronous: This training allows students to access course materials anytime. Work is designed to encourage virtual interaction with materials and instructor.
Online hybrid: A combination of online synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Blended: A combination of face-to-face and any type of online delivery style.
For details on what is offered view schedule below or contact a campus:
- Penticton campus cssouth@okanagan.bc.ca
- Kelowna campus cskelowna@okanagan.bc.ca
- Vernon campus csnorth@okanagan.bc.ca
- Salmon Arm campus csshuswap@okanagan.bc.ca
- Revelstoke Centre csrevelstoke@okanagan.bc.ca
| Campus | Start date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Penticton | Jan. 20, 2025 | Full-time. Online Hybrid. Mon to Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Kelowna | Jan. 06, 2025 | Full Time, Online hybrid, Mon to Fri, 9:30 am -1:30 pm. |
| Salmon Arm | Jan. 09, 2025 | Part-time, in-person, Tue and Thu, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and some Sat, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. Four-week full-time practicum in Fall 2025. |
| Kelowna | Sep. 03, 2025 | Part-time, Face-to-Face, Tue/Thu evenings, 6 - 9 p.m. plus frequent Sat. |
| Vernon | Sep. 02, 2025 | Part-time, Blended - Online Synchronous & Face to Face, Tue & Thu, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and some Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. On Education Planner BC - September CS PT |
| Vernon | Sep. 03, 2025 | Part-time,Online Synchronous Mon & Wed, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and some Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. On Education Planner BC - September CS PT 2nd Intake |
| Penticton | Sep. 03, 2025 | Full-time, Online Synchonous. Mon - Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Kelowna | Sep. 02, 2025 | Full-time, Online Hybrid, Mon - Fri, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Kelowna | Jan. 05, 2026 | Part-time, Face-to-Face, Tue & Thu, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. & some Sat, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Penticton | Jan. 19, 2026 | Ful-time, Online Synchonous. Mon - Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Salmon Arm | Jan. 05, 2026 | Part-time, in-person, Tue and Thu, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and some Sat, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. Four-week full-time practicum in Fall 2026. |
Admission requirements
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BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes
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English 12 with minimum 60% or .
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A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.
Additional information
View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page
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