If you like working one-on-one with students with different needs, and you want to see them included in the classroom, becoming an educational assistant might be the career for you. Educational assistants provide the all-important one-on-one support that makes today’s inclusive classrooms possible.
The Educational Assistant program is respected by school boards province-wide. We’ll teach you the skills and give you the hands-on experience you need to make a lasting difference in a student's life.
Your job will be to assist classroom teachers by working with children or youth with diverse learning needs. This Saskatchewan Polytechnic program provides you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need, including:
Sarah Haidey, Registrar
Cumberland College
Box 2320
Melfort, SK S0E 1A0
Fax: 306-752-3484
Contact by Email
** The tuition & student fees listed below reflects the total tuition amount & student fees for all 6 courses for 2023-2024. When course registration opens, the tuition amount per course will be visible.
Tuition: $3,605*See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Educational Assistant graduates work in elementary, junior high and high schools in communities around the province. School divisions offer full-time, part-time, and casual positions. You might be based in the classroom or resource room. You might assist with a lunch program or a before/after school program.
You can also explore career opportunities outside the traditional school setting—in youth centres, community centres, care facilities and alternative education programs.
You will examine the elements of cultural, gender and disability diversity in Canada and the processes that promote inclusion. You will explore elements of Indigenous culture with a view to understanding both historical elements and contemporary issues in Canada. Your studies will also provide opportunities to participate in various cultural practices.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
You will be introduced to individual learning styles and other factors that influence learning differences in students. You will learn strategies that facilitate student learning including instructional approaches, classroom management, effective observation and recording, and the role of Personal Program Plans (PPP).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
You will study the developmental milestones from conception to adolescence. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behavior, including indigenous worldviews. You will learn about the effects of heredity and the environment, including culture, on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and behavior.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
You will discuss perspectives that educators have regarding the classroom and behaviour. You will examine how cognitive development plays a role in guiding behaviour. You will be able to describe the role that the environment plays in determining and guiding behaviour. You will be introduced to an overview of positive guidance and have the opportunity to select and implement strategies that teach self-control and self-regulation. You will also learn about traditional Indigenous practices as they apply to guiding behavior.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
You will develop essential job skills by preparing job search documents and practicing effective interpersonal communication skills for the workplace.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
You will explore and build employability skills needed to become a professional educator. You will learn about the expertise, skills, and disposition of a well-qualified educational assistant. Students will receive Certification in Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHNIS) and Safe Food Handling upon completion of this course.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0