Program_Educational Assistant

Educational Assistant Certificate

As an Educational Assistant, you’ll work alongside teachers and other professionals to help students get the most out of their learning. This ten-month program will give you the tools and knowledge you need to start your rewarding career.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Waitlisted
Next Start date:
Certificate
1 Year
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus Online

About the Educational Assistant Certificate

Educational Assistants are a vital part of the educational team in today’s schools and classrooms. In this program, you will learn the theory, skills and strategies to provide effective academic, behavioral and emotional student support in an inclusive setting. You’ll also complete two practicums where you will apply the theory you’ve learned in real classroom situations, under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher.   

Courses are offered online, on-campus or in a blend of these options, providing you with choice and flexibility, based on how you prefer to learn. Full-time or part-time study is available. 

To complete the program in one-year, full-time study must begin in Fall term. Part-time students can begin in Fall, Winter or Spring terms. 

Find more information about Flexible Learning here.   

Work-integrated Learning

Experiential learning is important in this field. Over the course of your program, you’ll complete two practicums in education settings that will help you connect the program theory to real-world situations.  

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions. 

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Educational Assistant Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Educational Assistant must have a minimum of 50% in:     

  • ELA 30-1, or equivalent 

OR 

A minimum of 65% in: 

  • ELA 30-2, or equivalent 

OR 

A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test. 

OR  

Previous completion of three College-level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0. 

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.   

Study Permits

Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in child care, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.  

Practicum Requirements

Government requires people who work directly with young children to have a current immunization record and a Police Information Check. While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations. Information about obtaining Police Information Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program. Some programs may require medical examinations, as well. Students should be prepared for approximately $50 to $75 in extra expense to acquire these documents.  

Practicum courses are usually in the Red Deer area, but you should plan for some extra costs associated with completing your practicum, including travel, clothing and other expenses.  

Students with an academic status of Academic Warning or Probation will not be placed in EDAS 114 (Field Experience practicum) or EDAS 181 (Field Practice practicum) until they have cleared this status.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students with previous courses taken at accredited post-secondary institutions are advised to submit an application for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to have their transcripts assessed for possible Transfer Credit. Students who previously took RDP courses in a different program may apply for possible Advanced Placement. You are advised to submit your PLAR application as soon as possible after applying to the program.  

Advanced credit is not given for EDAS 181 (Field Practice) 

Courses not open to challenge: EDAS 181(Field Practice) 

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$7,906.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$21,285.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

All students in this program will take the same eleven courses and participate in two practicums.   

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses and achieve an overall GPA of 2.00.  

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.