EDUCATION ASSISTANT DIPLOMA
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Are you looking for a rewarding career in the field of education? Education Assistants work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to support students with exceptional learning needs. Consider becoming part of an educational team who are committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. A team whose goal is for students with physical, health, social/emotional, sensory and/or learning challenges to be the best they can be! Give yourself the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
Our EA program will give you the knowledge and skills for employment in public and private schools, child care centres, and community drop in centres.
▶ Full-time program – runs Monday through Friday, 9:00-3:30 pm for six months
▶ Part-time program – runs 2 evenings per week plus Saturdays for one year
Note: The practicum will take place Mon-Fri during the day for both part time and full time programs.
This program will be delivered through in-person classes. Remote delivery of the courses will be offered in case of extreme weather conditions and/or instructor illness.
The remote delivery requires you to have the following:
– a laptop computer with a webcam and microphone (or headset)
– a reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth and connection speed (2-3 Mbps); (can be checked here https://www.speedtest.net/
– a compatible browser (most recent version of Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Chromium) or Firefox, for Mac)
– access to a printer – you will be required to print some material during the course; consider investing in a printer if you do not have easy access to printing.
NEXT PROGRAM START DATES
- VANCOUVER FULL-TIME
◆ Schedule: September 14, 2026 to February 26, 2027 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
◆ Location: partly online, partly in person at Garibaldi Annex, 1025 Slocan St.
◆ Tuition Fee: $7700
◆ Application submission for the Vancouver September 2026 program is CLOSED.
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview. - BURNABY FULL-TIME
◆ Schedule: January 4, 2027 to June 30, 2027 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
◆ Location: mostly in person at Marian Education Center (7650 Sapperton Ave, Burnaby).
◆ Tuition Fee: $7700
◆ Application submission for the January 2027 full-time program is OPEN.
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview. - BURNABY PART-TIME
◆ Schedule: January 9, 2027 to February 11, 2028 – Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-9:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
◆ Location: mostly in person at Marian Education Center (7650 Sapperton Ave, Burnaby).
◆ Tuition Fee: $7700
◆ Application submission for the January 2027 part-time program is OPEN.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Read the application requirements below carefully. All applications will be reviewed. Qualified applicants will be short-listed for an interview, and successful applicants will be offered acceptance. Previously unsuccessful applicants who are able to complete all outstanding requirements are welcome to reapply with a new enhanced application package.
- Updated resume
- 2 professional reference letters (ideally related to your experience working with school-aged students)
- Must have experience working or volunteering with school-aged students in a Canadian school. Similar experience will be considered, however, you may still be asked to complete additional volunteer hours in a school. (indicate the number of hours accumulated and if any of your experience relates to working with special needs students; minimum of 60 volunteer hours is required)
- Graduation from High School (Grade 12 or equivalent) in any country; Submit proof of highest education level achieved. Copies of transcripts are acceptable.
- Proof of English language proficiency equivalent to Grade 12 English. (Acceptable courses and tests listed here)
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Ensure your application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be able to move forward for review.
- Combine all documents into 1 PDF file and email the file to EAdiploma@burnabyschools.ca with the subject line “EA Application – Full or Part time – First Name Last Name”
- Complete the intake form by clicking on the “Apply Now” button
- Pay the $30 non-refundable application fee
If you do not have access to a Scanner, here is an app called Simple Scanner:
Link to download the app on Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplescan.scanner&hl=en_CA&gl=US&pli=1
Link to download the app on Apple (ios):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simple-scanner-pdf-doc-scan/id1531265666
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, students must meet all the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all courses and practicums
- Minimum 70% final mark for assignments and tests
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Qualified Education Assistants are currently in high demand in school districts throughout British Columbia. Our graduates are qualified to work in public and private schools, childcare centers and community drop in centres.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Our Education Assistant program includes classroom theory, clinical instruction as well as supervised practicums in a school setting.
Core Courses:
- Foundations of History and Issues in Special Education
- Child Development
- Supporting Students with Diverse Needs
- Supporting Students with Communication
- Positive Behaviour Interventions
- Introduction to Technology for Education Assistants
- Working Effectively in Schools
- Inclusive Supports in Education
- Introduction to ABA/POPARD (Burnaby) & Supporting ASD in Schools (Vancouver)
- Supporting Personal Health Care (Nursing Focus)
- Supporting Personal Health Care (OT-PT Focus)
- Working with Youth at Risk
- Managing Challenging Behaviour-Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- First Aid
STUDENT FEEDBACK