Education Assistant Certificate

Certificate
Type
Length
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Courses

Required Courses

CASS-105
Practicum
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: Criminal Records Check through Office of the Registrar
  • Required Supporting Practicum: CASS-105P
Description
CASS 105 is a school or community-living based practicum. This practicum provides an opportunity for students to learn the paraprofessional roles of either an EA or a CSW. Students complete 65 hours of volunteer work experience under the supervision of a classroom teacher, other school personnel, or a community living supervisor. Practicum students complete a variety of online assignments and journal exercises.
CASS-110
Communication Skills
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
Effective, ethical communication is the foundation of human service practice. CASS 110 helps human service paraprofessionals to develop this foundation. Topics examined in the course include perception of self and others, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict management, communication in work relationships, and effective participation in groups and teams. Consideration is also given to the influence of disability, gender, and culture on communication.
CASS-120
Hum Div: a Disability Perspect
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
Human development takes many diverse paths. CASS 120 examines disability as one expression of this richness. The common categories of disability are surveyed within the context of the person and his/her cultural, social and physical environments. Students will also explore how disability is viewed and valued in Canada, as well as some current examples of disability culture.
CASS-130
Ethical Foundations of Pract
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
In CASS 130, you will evaluate the relationship between your personal and professional values, adopt a code of professional ethics to guide conduct in the workplace, and develop an approach to ethical decision-making. You will identify the ethical issues raised in a variety of short case studies, evaluate options for resolution, and make clear arguments for decisions made. The course also reviews law relevant to human service work in British Columbia.
CASS-140
Positive Approaches to Teach 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
This course introduces learners to strategies for teaching new skills and addressing challenging behaviors. This course intends to provide a thorough exposure to training principles and procedures while alerting the learner to ethical concerns when using these strategies. Learners are expected to demonstrate reading and writing skills appropriate for the work place and entry-level college courses.
CASS-145
Positive Approaches to Teach 2
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: CASS-140 minimum C
Description
A continuation of CASS 140, this course builds on the introduction to behavior change. Successful students will expand their knowledge on developing and implementing procedures of behavior change to enhance the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities.
CASS-150
Life Planning & Support System
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
In this course, life planning is presented as a process that values and empowers individuals and their families. Several person-centered methods to assess needs, make decisions, act, and evaluate are discussed. The course also surveys a variety of formal (e.g., education, social service) systems and informal (e.g., family) networks that support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling their life dreams.
CASS-160
Physical Care/Health Wellness
Typical Offerings
Timing All Terms, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
Developing and maintaining good health and wellness practices for ourselves and the people we support is the focus of this course. Emphasis is given to providing personal care in the most dignified and least intrusive ways possible. Topics covered in the course include good mental and physical health, personal hygiene, eating and nutrition, body mechanics, lifting and transferring, and medication safety, as well as the impact of drugs and alcohol, stress management and the challenges of aging.
CASS-180
Supporting Lit. in Diverse Pop
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
CASS 180 introduces students to the basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for supporting literacy in classroom and community settings. The course introduces a wide variety of practical and positive ways to support diverse learners with communication, auditory, visual or other challenges.

Required Practicum

CASS-195
EA Practicum
Typical Offerings
Timing All Terms, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisites: CASS-105, CASS-110, CASS-120, CASS-130, CASS-140, CASS-145, CASS-150, CASS-180 minimum C
  • Required Supporting Practicum: CASS-195P
  • Pre-Requisite: Criminal Record Check
Description
CASS 195 is a school based-based Practicum. It is an opportunity for students to integrate and apply skills, attitudes, and knowledge learned in prerequisite coursework. Students work under the supervision of classroom teacher or other school personnel, assisting in the classroom as directed. Practicum students complete a variety of assignments and journal exercises and participate in a seminar.

CASS-189 or three credits from Arts, Sciences, ECCL, HCAP, SSWK

Entry Requirements

While it wasn’t always easy combining classroom time and field trips on top of the hours for studying and homework, it’s been great to gain so much hands-on experience during the courses.

Michelle Lindemann
Civil Engineering Technology

I like the problem-solving nature of millwrighting. I love how diverse the trade is. There’s always something new and different to work on.

Dusty Cathcart 2026
Vanderhoof Industrial Mechanic

This program gives you the ability to have a lot of hands-on time in the clinic where you can practice the skills you are learning and get a bit of an idea of what it is like to be a dental assistant.

Jordyn Karl
Dental Assistant Certificate Student

Taking this program is one of the most exciting things I could've done. It helped me grow into a professional, while also growing personally. I have carried my knowledge forward and will always hold the program and faculty close to my heart.

Janessa Sigurdson 2025
Accounting and Finance

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