Educational Support
![Educational Support](/sites/default/files/styles/program_medium_943x690_/public/headers/educational_support_2019.jpg?h=a261286e&itok=iItxvUHh)
*Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and Convention refugees.
Our Educational Support program will give you the knowledge and skills to support a wide range of exceptionalities as a teaching assistant. You will learn how to develop strategies to encourage independence in accordance with learners’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) including areas such as mobility, communication, and personal hygiene.
Additionally, you will have real-life opportunities to connect theory and practice in every level of the program. You will experience placements in learning environments ranging from elementary schools to colleges. During your placements you will cultivate skills to effectively support learners with exceptionalities under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Examine teaching strategies to assist in re-teaching material in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Graduates of the Educational Support program will have the skills and knowledge required to become an Educational Assistant (EA). As an Educational Assistant, you will be a valued member of a school team, working together to positively impact students. EAs play an instrumental role in making a difference in the lives of learners with exceptionalities, while helping to create an inclusive learning environment.
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Educational Support program will have the knowledge and skills to perform duties such as supervision, behavioural monitoring, documentation and class preparation with exceptional students up to the age of 21 years. Educational assistants (EAs) are needed in a variety of academic venues, including:
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Educational Support program:
Educational Support Assistant
Support activities that help children’s physical/emotional well-being through enhancing their emotional, social, language, cognitive and physical skills.
Learning Support Assistant
Provide secretarial and administrative support to a number of learning coordinators.
Education Assistant
Support the delivery and development of educational programs.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
Test | Score |
---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 79 |
IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
PTE Academic | 53 |
Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
The following items are applicable to the program and are time sensitive. Please refer to www.fanshawec.ca/preplacement for important information about preparing for placement by the due date.
- Mandatory Placement Assessment for WRIT Course
- Guide to Completing your Professional Practice Requirements
- Year 1: Professional Practice Health Form
Level 1 | ||||
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
WRIT-1094 | Reason & Writing 1 for Community Studies | 3 | ||
This course will introduce Community Studies students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
EDUC-1103 | Educational Assistants in the Classroom | 3 | ||
This course provides an introduction to the foundations and principles of education, and the role of an Educational Assistant in a classroom setting. Students will learn how to differentiate their role from that of a teacher, the importance of confidentiality and safety in the workplace, and the value of personal and professional boundaries. Through research, discussion, and reflection students will develop an understanding of classroom setting and their responsibilities as an Educational Assistant. | ||||
PSYC-1101 | Interpersonal Development | 3 | ||
This course will introduce the concepts of bias-free values and multiple perspectives of diversity as foundations for effective interpersonal relationships. In this course, students will assess personal values and Professional disposition which influence attitudes towards and relationships with, children, families and colleagues. Sensitive, effective and supportive communication methods will be identified and practiced within the classroom setting. Both verbal and non-verbal communication skills and attitudes required for collaborative professional interactions will be emphasized throughout. | ||||
COMM-1141 | Working in Multidisciplinary Teams | 3 | ||
Working in an educational setting means interacting with people in a variety of roles, and knowing how to manage those relationships. Students will learn how to operate within a multidisciplinary educational team, develop communication and conflict management skills, and cultivate an understanding of professional expectations. Through role-playing, group discussions, and working through case studies, students will explore future workplace scenarios and learn how to navigate working on a team. | ||||
BSCI-1268 | Exceptionalities-Intro | 3 | ||
Every day as an Educational Assistant is unique, as they interact with a wide range of learners with exceptionalities. In this course, students will be introduced to communication, physical behavioural, intellectual, and multiple exceptionalities and the characteristics associated with each, while keeping in mind that each situation is unique. In addition, they will engage with assistive technologies that support independence and inclusion in the learning environment. Through research, discussion, and practical application students will develop their knowledge of working with learners with exceptionalities. | ||||
FLDP-1040 | Field Placement Orientation | 1 | ||
Students will be introduced to the profession and expectations of Educational Assistants. The class content will support the student in understanding the importance of building relationships with children, principles of practice, professionalism, as well as what to expect day-to-day. Professional attitudes and behaviours are expected at an introductory level. | ||||
FLDP-1041 | Observation Practicum | 0.8 | ||
Students will gain perspective on the role of an Educational Assistant, and what it looks like to apply the theories they are learning in the classroom to real life scenarios. This experience will expose students to a variety of situations they could potentially encounter during their career, and give them a better understanding of how an Educational Assistant operates in a classroom setting. While being paired with an Educational Assistant mentor who is currently working in a school, students will practice documenting without judgment, charting and data collecting, and reflecting while observing students from multiple age groups with varying needs. |
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.