Special Needs Educational Assistant Certificate
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Human Services and Early Learning
MacEwan.ca/SpecialNeeds
The Special Needs Educational Assistant program prepares graduates to assist teachers in developing and implementing appropriate instructional programs and methods within educational settings. The implementation of inclusive educational policies for students with special needs has created a strong demand for trained educational assistants. The certificate provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge combined with practical strategies to support classroom instructional, behavioural, and social learning of students with exceptionalities.
The program is offered in full-time day or part-time distance formats.
On-Campus Day Program
The 8 month (September - April) full-time program is offered at City Centre Campus and may include a combination of face-to-face, hybrid and/or distance course delivery methods.
Part-time Distance Studies
Distance study makes the program accessible to students regardless of geographic location and provides the flexibility to balance studies with professional and family responsibilities. Students access their course material and readings online and become part of a virtual community of learners. Students learn content through a combination of self-study and faculty guided online discussions. The program can be completed in 2-4 years. Students can begin classes in September or January.
Career Potential
Educational assistants are employed as valuable members of learning teams in a variety of educational settings including pre-school early intervention programs, kindergarten through grade 12 and post-secondary programs. The demand for program graduates in the field continues to be high.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5229
Toll free: 1-888-497-4622 ext 5229
E: snea@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 7-154, 10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5157
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TAST 101 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| TAST 102 | Supporting Classroom Behaviour Management | 3 |
| TAST 103 | Language Learning and Math Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| TAST 107 | Students with Diverse Learning Support Needs I | 3 |
| TAST 114 | Specialized Skills and Practice | 2 |
| TAST 117 | Students with Diverse Learning Support Needs II | 3 |
| TAST 125 | Collaborative Team Practice | 3 |
| TAST 128 | Assistive and Adaptive Technology | 3 |
| TAST 129 | Seminar | 1 |
| TAST 130 | Practicum | 3 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Program Regulations
Regulations Governing Work Integrated Learning Activities
Completion of one practicum course is required. Learners must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy and other applicable policies and regulations of the university and host organization. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the university reserves the right to remove a learner from the work integrated learning experience at any point in the experience for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places the client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases and in consultation with the Dean, the learner will be assigned a grade of F in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, field placement, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student’s performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student’s program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Host organizations may specify additional prerequisite requirements for work integrated learning experiential activities, for example, a current, clear Police Information Check (PIC), current Intervention Record Check or currency of immunization or first aid certification. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Students are required to arrange their own transportation for required field placement activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel, and parking are the student's responsibility.
Students acknowledge that, during scheduled course periods, they are expected to attend practicum during the days/hours as outlined in the program and by the host. Students will be notified of their particular hours prior to the start of the placement. Hours of attendance may vary between host organizations.
Police Information Check
A current, clear Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector is required for practicum placement. This check must be completed no earlier than three months prior to the practicum start date and submitted no later than the document deadline posted by the program (must be received by the program prior to placement). Having a pardon in progress does not meet the admission requirement for a clear Police Information Check.
Students are responsible for obtaining a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector and for making these available upon request to both the program and the practicum host.
Students whose PIC status changes or who lack other specified additional requirements compromise their ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied work integrated learning experiences and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
First Aid
First Aid certification may be required by practicum hosts. If so, the student is responsible to obtain and pay for the course/certification.
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| TAST 101 | 3 | TAST 102 | 3 |
| TAST 107 | 3 | TAST 103 | 3 |
| TAST 125 | 3 | TAST 114 | 2 |
| TAST 128 | 3 | TAST 117 | 3 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | TAST 129 | 1 |
| TAST 130 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Two subjects from Group A, B, C or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects across the humanities and sciences in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future course choices.
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5 credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses.
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- One subject from Group A, B or C or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Notes:
- Group D subjects used for admission must be 5 credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed:
- A minimum of 18 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.