Inclusive Education Assistant — certificate

FEATURES:

• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts

This one-year, 30-credit program prepares students to work with school-aged children and youth in schools. Under the direction of classroom teachers and learning support specialists, inclusive education assistants provide personal care, behavioural and learning support. They facilitate meaningful inclusion, communication, and social interaction. Inclusive education assistants can support students with diverse abilities in elementary, middle, and high schools in a variety of settings, including regular classrooms, learning support rooms, work experience sites, or in life-training settings. Graduates of the Inclusive Education Assistant certificate can choose to continue their careers and use their credits towards completing a degree at UFV and eventually becoming teachers themselves. Graduates can also consider continuing their studies in the area of community support or social services. 

The program can be taken on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time students may enroll in any available program course provided they meet the stated prerequisites and there is space. Part-time students may not be able to access all required courses in sequence. Qualifying Studies students and students in other programs may be able to enroll in some required courses if they meet the stated prerequisites and there is space.

Assessment of prior learning is available for qualified students.

Program Outline

Semester I

Semester II

Inclusive education assistants work in K-12 educational settings providing support to students with diverse needs and abilities. They might move from classroom to classroom helping students with a variety of needs and abilities. This role is ideal for individuals who have a passion for helping others and enjoy working closely with children and adolescents in a dynamic, supportive environment.

The forecasted job openings is 7,110 (2023-2033) according to WorkBC. Job titles for this position may include: educational resources assistant, remedial education aide, and teacher assistant.

Please note: Changes to the Academic Calendar will take effect in Fall 2025, refer to the entrance requirements below.

Entrance requirements

1. One of the following:
• Secondary school graduation or equivalent with an overall C average, and/or
• Successful completion of at least nine university-level credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00
2. Meets the prerequisites for CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with children of diverse ages and abilities is required. Evidence of this may include volunteer and/or paid work in classroom settings with children or in the community with children. This is demonstrated through submission of the Additional Application Information Form (see below).

Note: Admission to the program does not guarantee placement in a practicum. Please see the Practicum regulations section below.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
• Evidence of having met the prerequisites for CMNS 125or ENGL 105.
• Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• An Additional Application Information Form detailing related education, work, and volunteer experience related to your work with children, including a personal statement of at least 250 and no more than 500 words (available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms).
• Two recent, satisfactory letters of reference from employers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors who are qualified to comment on the applicant’s ability to work with children and youth of diverse abilities. These must be on reference forms available from ufv.ca/registrar/forms.

Following admission to the program, students will be provided with registration information for their first semester in early June.

Basis for admission decision

1. All complete applications received by January 31 will be reviewed.
2. Successful admission to the program will be assessed using a competitive point-rating system. Points are awarded for the following: academic performance, related volunteer and/or work experience (demonstrating the quantity and variety of experiences you have had with children from different ages, cultures, abilities, etc.), professional development, and/or course work in relation to Indigenous history/education, social justice, and inclusive education. Professional suitability of applicants will be assessed using transcripts, personal statement, resume, and two reference letters. This information is included in the Additional Application Information Form. Those applicants who have had more time with children in a variety of locations and roles, higher grades, stronger references, and more courses/professional development around Indigenization, social justice, and/or inclusive education will obtain a higher admissions score.
3. Only those who submit complete applications by the deadline and score above the required threshold will be considered.

This program is open for international students

• How to apply

Apply to Qualifying Studies if you do not currently meet the entry requirements.

Practicum regulations

Admission to the program does not guarantee placement in a practicum; students must be in good standing in their program to enrol for practicum. A program GPA (PGPA) of 2.00 is required for practicum placement. Students who are on Academic Warning or Academic Probation or subject to academic or non-academic student misconduct proceedings will not be permitted to register in the practicum. Students are not guaranteed the practicum of their choice. Students are required to register for the practicum course on the campus closest to their practicum.

The Field Experience Coordinator will assess students’ readiness for practicum on their knowledge, skills, and professionalism based on their performance in EDAS courses. Each practicum requires a minimum of 200 hours (two to four days per week for 13 to 15 weeks). Students can take the practica as EDAS 131A and EDAS 131B, if they prefer to take the practicum on a part-time basis. Concurrent with the practicum, students attend mandatory seminar classes.

Criminal record check

Under the Criminal Records Review Act, students in a professional post-secondary program with a practicum component involving work with children and/or vulnerable adults must undergo a criminal record check (CRC). This is a requirement before students can participate in any practicum placements. Upon admission to the program, directions will be provided for admitted students to initiate and pay for the CRC, so that the clearance letter can be received at least one month before starting the practicum.

Record checks completed through the RCMP or local police detachments do not meet B.C. government requirements.

Please note that prior to being hired by a school district, a valid first aid certificate (Red Cross Basic Life Support, Occupational First Aid Level 1, or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid) will be required.