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Education assistant works with three children in a classroom setting

 

Format

7 courses (300 hours),
plus 2 practicums (180 hours)

Delivery

Online, Practicums | Learn more

Duration

10 months, up to six years

Education assistants, or teaching assistants, offer support to both students and teachers in educational environments. A strong focus is on helping students to learn and find success on both an educational and social level.

Prepare for a rewarding career as an education assistant with our Education Assistant Extension Certificate. Learn how to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives by supporting their learning in diverse and inclusive classrooms. Gain real-world experience with supervised K-12 practicum placements.

Educational assistants are in high demand. Our graduates are qualified to work in a variety of sectors in this growing field, including public schools, private schools, charter schools and other learning institutions.

To learn more about how to apply, review our Forms and policies page.

 

Highlights and benefits

Flexible schedule | Complete courses on a full-time or part-time basis online. We offer a fall and winter application period, so you can start the program when it's convenient for you.

Program support | Benefit from access to expert instructors, a dedicated program team, a collaborative community of practice and MRU Library supports and resources.

Relevant curriculum | Engage with dynamic curriculum, focused on building your confidence and skills to support children and youth in today's schools.

Real-life experience | Connect with teachers, students, and potential employers through your practicum experiences in K-12 classrooms.

Earn a credential | Earn a recognized credential (extension certificate) to enhance your career prospects.

 Upcoming information session

Interested in learning more about our Education Assistant Extension Certificate? Speak with program staff and instructors, and have your questions answered. Join us for a free virtual information session on Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Register now
  • You must apply for admission to this program.
  • A Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required by schools for practicums. Please see the Additional requirements section or contact edassistant@mtroyal.ca for more information.
  • Each province has its own licensing regulations governing work in education. Research the necessary certification in your province of residence. Employment as an education assistant in Alberta is not subject to provincial regulation.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) [PDF] is a method of recognizing and accrediting the demonstrated knowledge that has resulted from prior work, academic and life experiences.

Now that you've been accepted, what's next?

1. Plan your schedule

Select your courses by using the Program Planning Guide (PDF). A Fastest Completion Path is laid out in this document for full-time students.

Full-time

To complete the program in the shortest amount of time, follow the Fastest Completion Path in the Program Planning Guide (PDF).

  • Fall start - Complete within ten months.
  • Winter start - Complete within sixteen months.

Part-time

Want to slow things down? Register for as many or as few courses as fits your schedule. You have up to 6 years to complete the program.

2. Get registered

Now that you have selected your courses, the next step is to register. Select the courses listed on the right side of this webpage and follow the registration process.

3. Pay for your courses

Courses are paid for individually and payment for courses is due at the time of registration. Admitted students will be emailed information on registration deadlines for each semester. For a course-by-course fee breakdown, see the Program Planning Guide (PDF).

Financial Aid

Unfortunately, this program is currently not eligible for provincial or federal government student loans or scholarships. If you have questions, email edassistant@mtroyal.ca for more information.

4. Get your textbooks

For course materials visit the Cougars Campus Store and search by Term and Department (XEDU).

Submit the following documentation with completed application:

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all high school and post-secondary institution(s) you have attended are required for Mount Royal to make an admission assessment. You are required to request the transcripts yourself. Final / official transcripts are transcripts which are sent directly to Mount Royal University from the issuing institution and remain in the original sealed envelope. All transcripts become the property of Mount Royal University and will not be returned nor photocopied for the student.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for entrance to the program. Applicants 21 years of age or older who do not have a high school diploma are considered on an individual basis.

How to order your Alberta high school transcript.

Official transcripts must demonstrate the following percentages in the courses or equivalents below:
English 30-1 60% or English 30-2 (or equivalent) 70%

 

Two professional references

Provide two professional reference letters demonstrating volunteer and/or paid hours with children and/or youth within the past 5 years (e.g., coaching, Guides, Scouts, early learning and childcare centres, school lunchroom program, classroom experience). References from relatives or friends are not acceptable.

 

English Language Proficiency Requirement

All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for the purpose of admission if their primary or first language (meaning main language learned and used as a child) is not English. Please see MRU English Language Proficiency Requirement.

Mount Royal University will place students in various K-12 classrooms throughout the Calgary area.

Police information and other background checks

This program includes periods of placement or observation experience with community institutions or agencies as part of the course requirements. Many of these institutions or agencies, either for statutory reasons (e.g. Protection for Persons in Care Act) or for policy reasons, require police information or other background checks from employees as well. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain, at the student's expense, the necessary checks. The checks will be provided by the student directly to the institution or agency.

Completion of course requirements and eventual employment in the field of education are dependent upon the clear results of the Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search. Students may be required to complete more than one clearance letter during their program of studies. If a student is denied a placement as a result of the Police Information Check requirement, they are then not able to meet course requirements and will be required to withdraw from the program. Issues of non-compliance will warrant the student being required to withdraw from the program. This would apply to serious issues such as situations of abuse of professional power or potential breaches of the Criminal Code. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the policies and procedures of Mount Royal University as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the Education Assistant Practicum Handbook. Students must be available for the entire practica course dates to accommodate varied placement schedules within school districts/divisions/boards.

Police Information Checks are normally obtained from the police department having jurisdiction where the student normally resides. For those who normally reside in the City of Calgary, the appropriate agency is the Calgary Police Service (https://policeinformationcheck.calgarypolice.ca/). Outside Calgary, students should contact their local police agency.

 

 

Additional Details

Funding opportunities

This program qualifies for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant and other funding opportunities. Learn more.

Connect with us

Have a question about our programs or need help with course registration? Call or email us:

403.440.6875 or 1.866.775.2673
conted@mtroyal.ca

               

 

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