Sheridan’s two-year Educational Assistant diploma program prepares you to work in a school setting, where – as a member of the educational team –you'll support students with special needs. The students you'll learn to support include those with:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Sensory or physical disabilities
Through the Sheridan Educational Assistant Program you will:
- Support students with special needs using modified curricula and materials created to accommodate their diverse strengths and developmental needs
- Use assistive technology and other educational resources to implement individualized educational goals
- Respond to and assist with personal care needs of students in educational settings from kindergarten to high school
- Work as a member of the educational team with specialists and family members
- Report information related to the learning environment
- Maintain a safe and professional environment which promotes the well being of the student with special needs
- Support inclusion of the student to aid his or her social development and sense of belonging
Professors with specialized graduate degrees and who are highly experienced in the field of special education teach your courses.
Your classroom activities will include:
- Group seminars and cooperative learning
- Reflective practice linked to field placement experiences
- Lectures combined with activity-based learning that incorporates the laptop
In addition to full-time day studies, the option of part-time evening classes accommodates the needs of adults who work during the day.
Field Placement Provides On-The-Job Experience
During Terms 2, 3 and 4, you'll be placed in a school supporting students with special needs in the classroom. Sheridan arranges the field placement experience for you. During your Educational Assistant placement experience, you'll encounter students with a range of exceptionalities including physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, hearing loss, autism and learning disabilities.
Mobile Classroom
The Educational Assistant Program uses laptop computers for in-class work and home assignments. All course materials are Web-supported, with materials available to you 24/7 through your laptop and the Internet. Your learning opportunities will be greatly enhanced by having increased access to the Internet, learning resources and your classmates.
The Sheridan Educational Assistant Program is located at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.
Sheridan provides skills training that leads to good jobs. When you complete your Educational Assistant diploma program, you'll be ready to seek employment in a:
- Public or private school supporting learners with special needs
- Social-or health-based program which includes a special education component
“The program really gives you the edge you need to prepare for the workforce.” Student in Sheridan’s Educational Assistant Program
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses: - One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)
Note: The Educational Assistant student must have the energy and stamina to respond to the physical demands associated with the role of the assistant.
Applicant Selection
Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses.)
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Sheridan field placement agencies may require a police record check for criminal offences, a vulnerable sector check and/or a current acceptable record of immunization. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities. A blank immunization form can be found at: Health Forms Download
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
| |
|
|
| TERM 1 |
|
|
| EDUC 15436 |
Intellectual, Sensory and Learning Disabilities |
4 |
| EDUC 14998 |
Technology in Education |
3 |
| EDUC 15586 |
Physical Exceptionalities and Personal Care |
3 |
| COMM 19999 |
Essential Communication Skills |
3 |
| FLPL 14310 |
Orientation to Field |
1 |
| HUMN 16693G |
Human Relations: The Interpersonal Experience |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
17 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 2 |
|
|
| EDUC 20123 |
Educational Foundations |
3 |
| EDUC 10146 |
Inclusion Strategies: Education in Ontario |
3 |
| EDUC 27370 |
Assessment in Education |
3 |
| EDUC 10261 |
Positive Behaviour Strategies |
3 |
| FLPL 20199 |
Field Seminar 1 and Placement 1 |
3 |
| CCGE |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
18 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 3 |
|
|
| EDUC 16859 |
Autism Spectrum Disorders |
3 |
| EDUC 28263 |
Assistive Technology |
3 |
| EDUC 18081 |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
3 |
| PSYC 16048 |
Strategies for Challenging Behaviour |
3 |
| FLPL 20199 |
Field Seminar 2 and Placement 2 |
4 |
| PSYC 15065G |
Psychology Core Concepts |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
19 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 4 |
|
|
| EDUC 19599 |
Disability Issues |
3 |
| EDUC 57868 |
Communication: Disorders |
3 |
| COMM 24049 |
Working with Teams |
3 |
| FLPL 26367 |
Field Seminar 3 and Placement 3 |
4 |
| CCGE |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
16 |
Note: Courses subject to change.