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A job to engage every child

Looking for a new career where you can make a real difference? Love kids? All of them?

Educational Assistants help kids in our community every day – working with parents, teachers and other professionals to support students with exceptional learning needs.

And when in-class instruction returns to BC’s schools, we need to be ready to meet the continued needs of kids and families in our community.

Applications are being taken now for next year’s training program. The one year program includes a combination of classroom theory, clinical instruction and mandatory practicum placements.

Qualified EAs are in high demand, including here in New Westminster. And after graduation, participants are welcomed to apply for any open positions.

(In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak that we’re all trying our best to manage, we want to flag that classes may need to happen in online learning environments, physical distancing may affect practicums, and other adaptations may need to be considered. Some flexibility will be required, it is just too soon for us to know exactly what will be appropriate in the coming year. Regardless, we’ll always make sure to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, staff and all program participants.)

What does it look like to be an EA?

  • 5.5 – 6 hour long work days (depending on grade), 5 days a week through the school year
  • A wage of $29.00 an hour (with negotiated annual increases), plus excellent benefits
  • Most importantly: providing support that helps kids with exceptional needs feel loved, be given a sense of belonging and offered ways to succeed.

The training program

This is a diploma program that is offered in partnership with Burnaby Community & Continuing Education.

The New West part-time program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm and most Saturdays from 9am-3:30pm – starting on September 15th, 2020 and ending on June 24th, 2021. And it is operated out of Fraser River Middle School.

You’ll study and engage in topics ranging from issues in special education to child and adolescent development, positive behavioural interventions to first aid training … giving you the knowledge and skills to help kids who need a bit of extra support to achieve alongside their peers.

Requirements include: Minimum education level is Grade 12 Graduation or the equivalent in any country (proof of highest level achieved required), proof of English language proficiency equivalent to Grade 12 English, and must have experience working or volunteering with school-aged children (minimum of 60 hours recommended).

Program expectations: 100% attendance, successful completion of all courses and mandatory in-school practicums (3 weeks in November and 3 weeks in April/May), and a minimum 70% final mark for all assignments and assessments.

For more information on the application process, course fees and more extensive program details, please: http://www.burnabycce.ca/COURSES/EDUCATION-ASSISTANT-DIPLOMA/