Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions :
What are Admission Requirements?
- 1. All applicants should be high school graduates OR 19 years or older at the start of the applicant’s program or course.
- 2. Applicants who wish to qualify as domestic students must produce valid documentation confirming their legal status as Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- 3. Applicants who are classified as International students must meet the requirements for international students studying in Canada as laid down by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- 4. Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language skills. The minimum level of English is IELTS 5 for the program or equivalent.
- 5. Applicants are required to complete a criminal record search before beginning the practicum.
- 6. Applicants are required to complete basic First Aid before beginning the practicum.
- 7. To be successful in an online course, students need to be able to:
● Copy and paste
● Locate and upload a file
● Use a web browser and word processor
● Send and receive emails
What proof do you require to prove for proficiency in English?
- All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of one of the following:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall band of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum 5.0 in each band.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 88 or higher, with no sub-score less than 20.
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Score of 70 or higher with no sub-score less than 60
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 61 or higher
- Language Proficiency Index (LPI): Level 5 with an essay score of 30 or higher
- Coastal College of British Columbia Language Proficiency Assessment score of 35
- Canadian Language Benchmarks-
o Listening-6
o Speaking-6
o Reading-6
o Writing-4 - English 12 with a C or equivalent
- Post-secondary English- 6 credits Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language skills to enroll in programming at Coastal College of British Columbia. Coastal College offers an in-house English Language Assessment. The cost of this assessment is $50
Do I have to meet all the admission requirements?
How do I register?
What do I do if I am having problems registering?
Are the listed textbooks included in the price and provided or do we buy them elsewhere? If so, where?
As you may know, you can purchase or rent textbooks from a variety of sites and locations. Please see the attached course outline and textbook list for textbook titles and ISBN numbers. We encourage students to rent textbooks or buy second-hand textbooks from a vendor of their choice. Here is a list of sites some students have found useful.
Are you accredited?
Program:
How is the Education Assistant Program administered?
Click here to view the Google Classroom Tutorial Video
Is the programming test based?
I have never taken any online course before. Is distance education right for me?
Can I be granted advanced credit for previously completed coursework?
A Prior Learning Assessment is completed on a case by case basis. The process is applied consistently to all students.
- The student submits all necessary documentation.
- The Senior Educational Administrator completes a thorough analysis to see if Advanced Credit should be granted.
- The student is notified of the result.
- The student has the option of accepting the advanced credit or taking the course.
Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.
I have completed my ECEA course. What is the next step?
The following documents and information are included in your package:
- 2 official transcripts in sealed envelopes
- 2 unofficial transcripts
- Certificate of Course Completion
- Course Outline
- Application to the director of the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry
- Cover letter
- Start date/End date
- Student Number
Practicum :
Can we choose our practicum placement, or is it chosen for us?
Practicums are organized by Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC). In consultation with the student, CCBC would tentatively schedule a practicum in a high school or elementary school in the students’ preferred area. The student may also make inquires. CCBC would negotiate placements through discussions with a host organization. If a host organization is not available in the student’s preferred area of residence, the student may be required to accept a practicum elsewhere. Through negotiations, the practicum is set out based on the learning outcomes. Care is taken to ensure that the practicum does not demand knowledge that the student does not yet possess. All coursework must be complete before the beginning of the practicum. As well, a criminal record search and a basic first aid course must be completed before the start of the practicum. Most school districts do not allow practicums in September or June. Our goal would be to have you start the practicum in other months. Not to worry, we would work with you to ensure all these pieces are in place.
How long is the practicum?
Where can I do my practicum?
When will I find out about my practicum?
When are the practicums?
What if the district I prefer is not accepting practicum placements?
What do I need before I begin my practicum?
How will I be prepared for the practicum?
What if I am already working as an EA at a school?
Important Notes:
- September is a busy month for many schools and districts and as they are unavailable in the summer, most placements do not get confirmed until mid-September. Practicums usually begin in October. All schools and districts have different policies and procedures; therefore, it is important to be patient and understanding based on their needs regarding education assistant practicum placements.
- Do not contact schools and districts on your own as most districts communicate with the program coordinators.
Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.