Education Assistant Program

(EA)

The Education Assistant Program was reviewed and approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia, Canada.

Program Description:

Education Assistants (EAs) work under the guidance of classroom teachers and school teams to support students with diverse and complex learning challenges and special needs. Their support may include behavior management, curriculum implementation, specialized programming, physical therapy, speech therapy, assistive technology, social skills development, personal care, and physical assistance, all under the guidance of trained professionals. EAs follow the direction of teachers and other professionals, consistently referring to each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) created by the school team. Education Assistants play a vital role in addressing each child’s physical, social-emotional, and learning needs. The EA program at CCBC prepares students to meet the unique needs of every child they support.

*Financing options available. Please contact the college for more information.

Highlights of the program:

• Course cost: $8000. You can pay in 1, 2, or 3 installments.
• 10 month program.
• No tests or exams. The program is assignment-based.
• Qualified instructors.
• Simple registration process.
• Relevant curriculum.
• The program begins on the first Monday of each month.

Admission Requirements:

Click here to view

Students must obtain a clear Criminal Record Check prior to participating in a practicum placement.

Credential Earned:

Diploma

Learning Management System (LMS):

Google Classroom

Program Length:

10 months — 8 courses + 180-hour practicum

Fees and Tuition:

• Application Fee — $250 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
• Tuition Fee — $8,000. (Tuition can be paid in one, two, or three installments.) Payments can be made by credit card (PAYPAL) or by e-transfer (payments@coastalcollegeofbc.com).
• Textbooks — Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks from a third-party vendor. Students are encouraged to purchase e-textbooks, which are more affordable and arrive quickly via email. E-textbooks will cost about $600, while hard copies will cost about $1,000. Please see a list of textbooks in the course outline below.
• Practicum — CCBC will organize one practicum placement for each student. Students must complete an acceptable criminal record check with a vulnerable sector prior to beginning their practicum, and all tuition and fees must be paid before the practicum is organized for the student. All practicums in B.C. are unpaid.
• Non-violence Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI) — included in the tuition fee.
• Criminal Record Check — Approximately $28.

Start Date and Delivery Method:

The program begins on the first Monday of each month. Due to limited capacity, early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot in the cohort. Registration closes on the Wednesday before the program start date.

Program Formats: In-Person, Online, or Combined — Delivery options differ depending on the month. For the most up-to-date information on schedules and delivery formats, please contact the College directly.

Course Duration: 4 weeks per course, 8 courses in total followed by an in-person practicum. The Program is 10 months in duration. Students may be eligible for advanced credit through the prior learning approval process (PLA). Please contact the college for more information.

Delivery Methods: Delivery options differ depending on the month. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the College directly.

A. Online/Distance — 50% Asynchronous and 50% Synchronous

1. Synchronous Classes: EA 120, 140, 160, 180. Instructors will share the weekly Zoom class schedule at the start of the course. There will be one Zoom class in the evening/week. Students should inform their instructor if they cannot attend. No penalties will apply for missed sessions. Students can then view missed lectures at their convenience.
2. Asynchronous Classes: EA 110, 130, 150, 170. There are no lectures to attend. Students complete the assignment after watching the pre-recorded video.
3. Practicum — EA 190 In-person.

B. In-Person

1. In-person classes — Saturdays and Sundays at 1140 Austin Ave #140, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3P5.
2. Practicum — EA 190 In-person.

C. Combined

1. Online — Synchronous Classes: EA 120, 140. Instructors will share the weekly Zoom class schedule at the start of the course. There will be one Zoom class in the evening/week. Students should inform their instructor if they cannot attend. No penalties will apply for missed sessions. Students can then view missed lectures at their convenience.
2. In-person Classes: EA 110, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180.
3. Practicum — EA 190 In-person.

Note: Students must progress with their cohort throughout the program and cannot accelerate program completion.

Note: Detailed practicum policy is available on the CCBC website in the Student Handbook.

Education Assistants (EAs) in elementary and secondary schools perform a range of duties, including:

• Following the Child’s IEP: Work under the guidance of the classroom teacher to implement strategies outlined in the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Promoting Inclusion: Support the inclusion of students within the classroom and broader school community.
• Proactive Support: Take initiative in managing behavior, implementing curriculum, developing social and emotional skills, and providing other supports to help students thrive.
• Reporting: Monitor and report students’ progress and challenges to the classroom teacher and school team.
• Supervision: Accompany and supervise students during recess, lunch, gym activities, library visits, field trips, and other activities as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Collaboration: Work with other professionals to support each child’s development and progress.
• IEP Meetings: Attend school team meetings to contribute insights and suggestions for developing a child’s IEP.
• Personal Care: Provide personal care such as toileting, feeding, self-care, glucose monitoring, physical therapy, and speech therapy as needed.
• Observation and Documentation: Observe and document student behavior under the guidance of the classroom teacher and school team.

EAs support students’ diverse needs and ensure learners receive the guidance and resources necessary to succeed.

Practicum Requirement:

Individuals who have access to children are legally required to undergo a criminal record check to help ensure the safety and well-being of children in educational settings.

The Criminal Record Check must be completed and approved before you are permitted to begin any practicum hours. Students are encouraged to start this process early, as processing times may vary. Failure to obtain a clear Criminal Record Check may affect your eligibility to participate in practicum placements.

How do I submit a CRC request online?

Click the link below to request a Criminal Record Check in British Columbia. Please note that each province will have a different process to obtain a CRC.

https://justice.gov.bc.ca/screening/crrpa/org-access

Access Code: ECPV6DALVN

The approximate cost for a CRC in British Columbia is $28. Your cleared CRC will be directly sent to the college.

Employment:

Most graduates work as Education Assistants (EAs), also called Special Education Assistants (SEAs), in public schools. EA program graduates work in private, independent, and faith-based schools. Please visit Make a Future for information about job postings. This program does not lead to employment in a career occupation regulated by a regulator.

Contact us:

For further information or to speak with an Academic Advisor, students can email info@coastalcollegeofbc.com.

Additionally, students can call the college Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Registration Form – Click here

EA Course Outline and Textbook list