COURSE CURRICULUM

The Education Assistant Certificate program requires the completion of 34.5 to 37.5 credits, with courses designed to equip students with the skills needed to support diverse learners in school settings. Core courses include Including Diverse Learners in Schools (EDAS 1101), Supporting Learning in Schools (EDAS 1105), and Introduction to Practice and Positive Behaviour Support (EDAS 1120), each worth 3 credits, which focus on inclusive education and behavior management strategies. Communication skills are emphasized through Interpersonal Communications (EDAS 1131), while Alternative and Augmentative Communication (EDAS 1225) introduces methods to assist students with communication challenges. Two practicums, Practicum One (EDAS 1271) and Practicum Two (EDAS 1371), totaling 6 credits, provide hands-on experience in elementary and secondary school environments, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Additional courses include Social and Emotional Learning and Mental Health in K-12 Schools (EDAS 1282) and Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools (EDAS 1305), which address mental health and curriculum adaptation. Specialized support is covered in Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (EDAS 2121). Students select one 3-credit course in English or Communications, such as Introduction to University Writing (ENGL 1100) or Introduction to Professional Communication (CMNS 1140), to strengthen foundational communication skills. For developmental psychology, students choose either Themes in Child and Adolescent Development (EDAS 1163) or both Developmental Psychology: Childhood (PSYC 2320) and Developmental Psychology: Adolescence (PSYC 3321), totaling 3 to 6 credits. This well-rounded curriculum prepares graduates to effectively support diverse student populations in various educational settings.