Education Assistant

Education Assistants work with K-12 students with special physical, behavioural or learning needs. Ridge Meadows College Education Assistant Program will prepare you for supporting students in mainstream learning assistance, resource room, English Literacy, and alternate settings. There will be two weeks of Directed Observation during school hours, and a four week practicum during school hours.

This is a full-time program with a significant workload. Regular attendance, participation, and completion of assignments is of the utmost importance. Courses take place in-person on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings as well as during the daytime on Saturdays.

Important Scheduling Note: Due to increased demand, we will be offering additional seats in January, 2027 with two different schedules to choose from. One schedule will continue classes on evenings and Saturdays as noted above. A new second cohort will run classes Monday to Friday during the daytime within the hours of 9:00am to 2:30pm. Students may choose which schedule the prefer upon joining the program.

For students wishing to work in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, successful graduates will be considered for an interview with School District 42. For students who may want to work in another district, this certificate is accepted by school districts across the province and we have alumni working in many neighbouring regions. If you wish to ensure your certificate will be accepted at a specific district, please reach out to us and we can confirm.

Academic Requirements:

Completion of Grade 12 (or equivalent) or 19 years of age or older.

English Language Requirement:

Completion of English 12, or equivalent, or a satisfactory demonstration of written and verbal English ability as determined by the College (View the college’s complete English Language Requirements)

Application Requirements:

Completion of Application form.
A hand-written, one-page letter / statement about why you feel you are a good candidate (to include any experience dealing with children, youth, or persons with special needs).
Two letters of reference, preferably from professionals in education, special needs programs, child care, recreation, or community service.
Criminal Record Check
Resume
Successful Interview with Program Chair

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Assets for Applicants

Volunteer or work experience with children or youth in school settings (K – 12)
Volunteer or work experience with children, youth, or adults with special needs
Familiarity with the various roles of education assistants in the school system
Strong numeracy and academic aptitude
Post-secondary courses in education psychology, special needs, or health care
Other training related to heath care, child care, behavioural support, or home support

International students are not currently accepted for this program.

Next Intake: September (2026)

Applications are now wait listed for September, 2026.
Applications are now open for January, 2027.

Program Fees

Program Fees for the 2026-27 academic year are as follows:

Application Fee: $50
Deposit upon acceptance to the program: $1,000
Total Program Fees (including books and deposit): $8,700
A Technology and Library fee of $125 for the length of program will also apply

Payment plans are available for students meeting certain conditions. This program is not applicable for student loans.

Selection Process

A limited number of applicants will be accepted to the program. Class size each year is limited so selection into the program is based on a competitive process.

Applicants are evaluated on their initial application package. Selected applicants will be screened through further written and personal interviews, focusing on the following criteria:

completeness of the application, including both references and hand-written letter
relevant work and/or volunteer experience, especially with people with special needs or in K – 12 classrooms
strength of the hand-written statement in terms of content, clarity, and writing skills
related prior education and other applicable academic qualifications
demonstrated understanding of the role of an education assistant preparedness for the program’s demanding schedule

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of program instructors and college administration. Their decisions regarding applications are final and not subject to appeal.

TERM 1

Education Assistant - Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Hours
EDAS 1100	Introduction to Inclusive Education & Relational Practice	30	This course introduces students to the principles of inclusive education and the role of the Education Assistant within school and community settings. Students explore the history of inclusive practices while examining inclusion, belonging, collaboration, advocacy, and the impact of educational systems on children, youth, and families. Students will study the BC Early Learning Framework, First Peoples Principles of Learning and BC CAISE guide on Navigating Inclusive Education.
CMNS 1200	Supporting Communication and Connection	45	This course explores communication and relationship-building practices that support connection, belonging, and participation across diverse educational and community settings. Students examine verbal and non-verbal communication, attunement, play-based interactions, declarative language, and collaborative relationship-centered approaches for supporting children, youth, and adults. Through experiential learning and reflective practice, students develop communication skills that foster emotional safety, co-regulation, dignity, and meaningful engagement within inclusive environments.
HSER 1200	Human Development I	45	This course examines human development beginning with infancy and early childhood, explore the stages of development through adolescence, into early adulthood. Students explore physical, cognitive, sexual, social, emotional, behavioural, and neurological development through diverse and holistic perspectives. Topics include attachment, brain development, trauma and stress, regulation, neurodiversity, developmental differences, identity, relationships, and the impact of environment and lived experience on growth and learning.
HSER 1400	Disability Justice & Inclusive Communities	45	Students critically examine ableism, bias, power, and systemic barriers within educational and community environments. The course explores disability justice, anti-oppressive practice, inclusive language, identity and autonomy, cultural humility, and the creation of schools and communities grounded in equity, belonging, and meaningful participation for all learners. Students will study the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, decolonizing practices in education, UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons.
EDAS 1650	Regulation, Relationship & Supportive Practice	45	Students explore trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches to understanding behaviour and supporting emotional regulation in school settings. The course emphasizes co-regulation, nervous system responses, connection before correction, restorative practices, and strengths-based strategies that move beyond compliance-focused models of behaviour support.
HESA 1411	UKERU Non-Violent Crisis Intervention	9	UKERU non-violent crisis intervention training.
EDAS 1900	Observation Practicum and Seminars	66	This introductory practicum offers an opportunity for entry into the classroom and observe EA and teacher interactions with student with diverse needs. Specific assignments are geared to helping the student to understand the dynamics of the environment and how best to support students. Students will explore various observation tools and strategies used to support the daily routine.

TERM 2

Education Assistant - Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Hours
EDAS 1320	Speech and Language Development and Disorders	45	Students will become familiar with typical and atypical speech, language, and social development. Topics include adapted and inclusive learning supports, assistive technology, visual supports, augmentative communication, and collaborative classroom practices. Students will understand how EAs and SLPs work together to assist children in developing their communication skills.
EDAS 1440	Student Care, Safety & Complex Medical Needs	30	This course prepares students to safely and respectfully support children and youth with personal care and complex medical needs within educational settings. Topics include dignity in care, feeding, toileting, lifting and transfers, seizure response, diabetes awareness, safety procedures, and collaborative health support practices.
EDAS 1530	Executive Functioning & Inclusive Classroom Support	45	Students explore executive functioning skills and their impact on learning, behaviour, participation, and emotional regulation. Topics include attention, working memory, planning, organization, task initiation, cognitive flexibility, transitions, and self-regulation. Students learn practical classroom strategies and supports that promote student success and independence.
HSER 1520	Professional Practice and Self Care	45	This course examines the professional responsibilities, ethics, boundaries, and collaborative roles of Support workers within school and community systems. Students develop reflective practice skills while exploring self-care, nervous system awareness, burnout prevention, and sustainable approaches to supporting others in emotionally demanding environments. This course provides a concrete understanding of the concept of professionalism and explores how federal and provincial legislation impacts the social service work field.
HSER 1610	Neurodivergent Affirming Practice	45	This course provides an in-depth exploration of autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), ADHD, and other neurodivergent profiles. Students learn about SOGI123 and gender fluidity. Students examine sensory processing, communication, executive functioning, anxiety, adaptive functioning, and supportive approaches grounded in dignity, autonomy, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
HESA 1200	Emergency First Aid (Red Cross)	7	Learn how to save lives by enrolling in our comprehensive two-day course focused on first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED) for adults, children, and infants. This course is perfect for professionals or anyone who wants to improve their knowledge for personal reasons.

TERM 3

Education Assistant - Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Hours
EDAS 2900	Inclusive Field Practicum	135	This advanced practicum provides students with supervised experience supporting diverse learners within school environments. Students apply relationship-based, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches while developing confidence in communication, classroom support, co-regulation, collaboration, and inclusive practice.

Fall (September) schedule.

Important Note: Due to increased demand, we will be offering additional seats in January, 2027 with two different schedules to choose from. One schedule will continue classes on evenings and Saturdays and a new schedule will run classes Monday to Friday during the days within the hours of 9:00am to 2:30pm.

Any required textbooks for the EA program are purchased by the college.

Information Sessions

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Check back soon!

Program Brochure

FAQs

What type of experience is usually required for entry into the Education Assistant Program?
Experience working with children, particularly children with special needs is an asset to acceptance into the program.

What is the length of the program?
The EA program runs for ten months. The Fall start runs from September to June, and the Winter start runs from January to the end of October.

What are the components of the program?
The program is comprised of 18 courses including two fully supervised practicums. Typically, there are 2-3 courses going on at once. Homework/studying/assignments/projects can be up to 6-8 hours per week depending on the course(s) at the time.

What do the practicums involve?
There is a two-week observation practicum and a four-week full immersion practicum where students take on the responsibilities of an EA. Each practicum has accompanying seminars and assignments. Both are full time in school during the day approximately 8:00-2:30. Practicum sites are secured by the college.

What are the hours of the program?
Classes are on weekday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as Saturdays from 9:00-3:30. Every effort is made to ensure long weekends are free of classes.

Will there be breaks in the program?
The program has a two-week winter/Christmas break and sporadic breaks during the Summer.

What is the teaching format of the program?
The teaching format is in-person. Practicums are based in schools in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadow School District and sometimes placements are possible in the Coquitlam, Langley and Mission districts.

How many students are in program?
Each cohort contains a max of 24 students.

What are the instructor’s qualifications?
Our Instructors are/have been Elementary school teachers, school counsellors or Secondary school teachers. Many have their Master’s degree and special training/expertise in their area of instruction in the program.

How long have they been teaching in their field of expertise?
We have very experienced teachers who have been teaching anywhere from 20-40 years. Ridge Meadows College has offered this program for approximately 30 years.

What qualifications do employers typically look for in this occupation?
Individuals who have completed the Education Assistant Program.

Can I use this certificate to work in other school districts?
Yes. Our graduates currently work in Maple Ridge, Mission, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley and others.

What training or academic background is needed for a job in this field?
Education Assistant Certificate. School districts also prefer First Aid, CPI (non-violent Crisis Intervention) and POPARD’s Introduction to Autism course which are all apart of our program.

What are the typical duties and responsibilities for Education Assistants?
Education Assistants work in inclusive classroom settings with children diverse needs. Duties can include academic/learning support all the way to self-care and medical/health support such as G-tube feeding and toileting.

What is the success rate for hiring?
Virtually all graduates from our program are hired in BC school districts as there is currently a shortage of EAs in the province of BC. A recent survey we did of our alumni showed that all our graduates who wanted to work in the field are doing so. Salaries are approximately $32.00 – $35 per hour depending upon the school district.

Is there funding support for students?
Yes, there is a payment plan available. Some students may also apply for funding through WorkBC.

Payment Plans

Ridge Meadows College is committed to affordable tuition and accessible financing options to make post-secondary education more available to students in the community. As a result,R MC offers payment plans for students who wish to spread their payments out throughout the term.

Students can apply for payment plans via the MyRMC Student system upon being admitted to the college and enrolling in courses. Payment plans work by dividing total fees for the term into equal payments to be paid at the beginning of each month the student is enrolled in classes.

Related Programs

Community Support Worker: CSWs are dedicated paraprofessionals committed to improving the quality of life for individuals facing diverse challenges. CSWs administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services including life-skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, support programs, and more.

Early Childhood Education: The Early Childhood Education programs prepares students to work with young children in a variety of early learning settings.