College Diploma - Educational Support (EDS1W)

Graduates of the Educational Support program will have the skills and knowledge required to become an Educational Assistant (EA). As an Educational Assistant, the graduate 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.

This Educational Support program will give students the knowledge and skills to support a wide range of exceptionalities. Students 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, students will have real-life opportunities to connect theory and practice in every level of the program. Students will experience placements in learning environments ranging from elementary schools to colleges. During these placements students will cultivate skills to effectively support learners with exceptionalities under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Program Highlights: • Gain experience during hands-on placements in every level of the program led by an experienced EA • Develop a working knowledge of assistive technologies and other learning enhancement tools • Cultivate the set of skills necessary to effectively assist students with special needs in personal care, life skills, behaviour, and academics • Examine teaching strategies to assist in re-teaching material in a developmentally appropriate manner

Learning Outcomes: • Provide educational support in compliance with pertinent education-related legislation, standards, regulations and policies, health and safety legislation and regulations, as well as organizational policies, practices and procedures; • Develop and implement strategies to promote and support positive school climates that contribute to a safe, caring and secure educational setting; • Collaborate with members of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team by assisting in the development and revision of the IEPs of learners with exceptionalities; • Implement components of educational support programs of instruction under the direction and support of the IEP team and/or relevant members of the school community; • Lead by example to promote empathetic, positive and pro-social behaviour in all learners to facilitate the development of social competence in learners with exceptionalities in accordance with their IEPs; • Promote the development of independence in, and provide assistance to, learners with exceptionalities in their performance of routine activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in accordance with their IEPs; • Develop and implement strategies to support learners with exceptionalities in the appropriate use of assistive technologies and daily living aids in accordance with their IEPs; • Monitor, document and report on the behaviour, performance and progress of learners with exceptionalities in accordance with their IEPs; • Prepare and present a plan for engaging in ongoing personal and professional development to promote competence in the educational support field.