Those who like working one-on-one with kids with different needs, and want to see them included in the classroom should look into becoming an educational assistant. Educational assistants provide the all-important one-on-one support that makes today’s inclusive classrooms possible. The Educational Assistant program is respected by school boards province-wide. Saskatchewan Polytechnic teaches the skills and gives students the hands-on experience they need to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Putting students in the classroom through a practicum lets them apply what they have learned to helping children with different needs. Students will see first hand the kind of technology being used and the curriculum being taught. Students will have a package of guidance strategies to help deal with situations as they arise. Most importantly, students will gain a solid understanding of what to expect in a real classroom with real kids.

Students' job is to assist classroom teachers by working with children or youth with diverse learning needs. Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides the knowledge and skills students will need, including:

• Basic care skills (lifting to feeding) • Classroom management and crisis prevention techniques and strategies • Communication skills and professionalism • Cultural awareness and family dynamics • Exceptionalities (causes, characteristics and accommodations) • Social, emotional, cognitive development (children and teens) • Supporting teachers in specific subject areas • Students' role in the classroom

Educational Assistant graduates work in elementary, junior high and high schools in communities around the province. School divisions offer full time, part time and casual positions. Students might be based in the classroom or resource room. Students might assist with a lunch program or a before/after school program. Students can also explore career opportunities outside the traditional school setting—in youth centres, community centres, care facilities and alternative education programs.