Education Assistant

• Demonstrate best practices in assisting students learning to read and/or with reading difficulties
• Demonstrate a wide variety of teaching strategies used with students with mild disabilities
• Describe best practices in assisting students in learning mathematics, problem-solving, and effective math curricula

• Gain a rationale for the process and practice of Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• List the components of an IEP and provide examples of each one
• Describe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), its causes and effects on the developing child
• Provide examples of accommodations, adaptations and modifications that can be used in the classroom

• Discuss the history and nature of autism Identify symptoms that characterize Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Discuss the theoretical and political controversies around ABA treatment
• Describe applying ABA principles in a structured teaching setting

• Describe the roots of applied behavior analysis
• Demonstrate appropriate and effective use of data collection systems
• Effectively modify behavior using consequences and reinforcement
• Describe the process for generalizing behavior to match various contexts

• Understand the role of the Picture Exchange Communication System as an evidence-based strategy for communication
• Identify the elements of Picture Exchange Communication training
• Generate solutions for common challenges that may arise when implementing picture cards for communication
• Identify strategies used to address complex communication such as nonverbal behavior and complex language skills

• Understand the clearly outlined role of an Educational Assistant
• Understand guidelines and requirements of an E.A.
• Understand ethics and boundaries related to education

• Describe the practical, academic, and ethical issues involved with psychopharmacology for children with exceptionalities
• Compare and contrast various views regarding the educational inclusion of students with exceptionalities
• List behavioural disorders; their presumed etiologies, developmental consequences and interventions
• Give a rationale for different types of interventions needed to accommodate students with exceptionalities

• Discuss the nature and history of special education in Canada
• Define inclusionary practices
• Develop critical thinking skills that will engage students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities

• Describe the difference between interpersonal and impersonal communication
• Describe how self-perception, self-awareness, and individual psychology impact communication
• Develop awareness of individual listening styles, and various barriers to listening well
• Recognize the impact of verbal communication, the power of words, and increase sensitivity to individual impact upon others

• Identify and apply the principles of universal design for learning and environment
• Describe various types of assistive technologies for disabilities
• Identify the value and scope of assistive technology

• Demonstrate proper techniques in bathing, toileting, nutrition, feeding, infection control, transfers and wheelchair safety

• Describe cognitive, social, and physical development issues in adolescence • Discuss the impact and influence of the family on the adolescent
• Describe the concept of resilience and how to promote it

• Explain education and diversity in Canadian schools
• Describe the social, policy, and global trends affecting Canadian diversity and education
• Implement ELL strategies to positively bridge the crosscultural communication gap
• Describe policy and training issues specific to our Ministry of Education

• Describe the etiology, epidemiology and risk factors for mental illness in children and youth
• Understand the terminology of dual diagnosis, concurrent disorder and differential diagnosis
• Develop resources for community child and youth mental health

• Define at-risk and at-risk continuum Identify the role of various media contributing to at-risk youth
• Describe critical school competencies and life skills

• Identify healthy and unhealthy stress
• Define Positive and Negative Stressors
• Describe Stress Management Strategies (Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Practice, The Calm Connection and the Zones of Regulation
• Define Vicarious Trauma, Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue

• Positive contemporary child guidance practices
• Understanding the causes and characteristics of inappropriate behaviour

• Computer basics/file management
• Goal setting, note-taking, problem-solving, teamwork
• Overview of policies & procedures
• Demonstrate the ability to use MS Word and MS PowerPoint

• Interview techniques
• Create a Career Development Marketing Plan
• Apply aspects of professionalism
• Identify target markets and employment resources
• Specialty program coverage in this shortened version

• Elementary school
• Four-week practicum experience

• Middle/High school
• Four-week practicum experience

• Elementary or Middle/High school
• Eight-week practicum experience