Education Assistants are important members of the K-12 educational team, supporting students with special and diverse learning needs from kindergarten through Grade 12 in BC schools. Under the direction of professional staff, education assistants provide personal care, behavioural and learning support. Education assistants also facilitate inclusion, communication, and social interaction. The work of education assistants is increasingly complex and requires flexibility and the ability to think on one's feet. Above all, it is extremely rewarding.
There is a high demand for education assistants, and EDAS graduates are employed by all of the school districts in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and beyond. Education assistants work in both elementary and secondary schools in a variety of settings, including regular classrooms, resource rooms, work experience sites, and life-skills training. Education assistants often start on-call in the school districts and then apply to both full and part-time positions. For those looking to continue their careers, graduates from the EDAS program are able to use their credits towards BA programs within KPU.
If you enjoy interacting with children and teens, working as a team member, and working in the dynamic, challenging, and creative setting of schools, then the work of an education assistant may be for you! The days are filled with challenges, the joys of learning, and the assisting of others to achieve their individual goals.
Program Information
The full time 9-month program consists of two terms; September to December and January to May. Classroom study is Monday to Friday, and classes are offered in the daytime. Students take a total of 34 credits which are transferable to a Bachelor of Arts Degree at KPU. In the second term, students have two four-week full time practicum placements at an elementary or secondary school in the lower mainland. For detailed information, please visit the Academic Catalog:
Certificate in Education Assistant < Kwantlen Polytechnic University Academic Catalog
Elective Courses
The elective courses offer valuable opportunities for those in the field of teaching education to deepen their understanding of the classroom environment and child development. These electives often include topics such as inclusive education, social emotional learning, complex communication strategies, and autism spectrum disorders. Through these courses, future educators can gain practical strategies for working with diverse learners, supporting individualized learning plans, and fostering positive classroom relationships. Taking these electives not only strengthens teaching skills but also provides insight into the daily realities and rewards of a career in education. No Prerequisites are required to take the elective courses. See Future Course Offerings