Educational Assistant-Special Needs Support

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required courses:
  • English - any Grade 12 (C) or (U),or equivalent.

Recommended Courses and/or Recommended Skills (Not Required for Admission):

• Challenge and Change in Society - Grade 12 (M).
• Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society - Grade 12 (M).
• Issues in Human Growth and Development - Grade 12 (M).
• Parenting and Human Development - Grade 12 (E).
• Living and Working with Children - Grade 11 (C).
• Health Care - Grade 11 (C).
• Related volunteer or cooperative work experience.

Selection and Ranking Process:

• For competitive programs (the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available places), selection will be based on the highest senior level final grade available at the time of ranking. Mid-term grades are not used for ranking purposes.
• Testing or other supplemental evaluation may be required.

Note:

• Secondary School grades from co-op courses and half credit courses are not considered.

Criminal Reference Check (CRC):

• Many employers, have instituted a CRC with vulnerable sector screening as a requirement for appropriate field placements. The CRC will be required at the beginning of the program term 2. All costs associated with the CRC are the responsibility of the student.

Note:

• Students with criminal charges or convictions will be severely limited in placements and/or employment opportunities. Those with criminal charges impending or an uncleared criminal record (criminal convictions must be pardoned, sealed or expunged) are not eligible for a field placement experience.

Health Requirement:

• The confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance form must be completed and mailed, faxed or emailed to Niagara College Health Services prior to the first day of Term 1. Requirements include proof of immunity to varicella, measles, mumps, rubella (2 doses), hepatitis B and tetanus diptheria. Students also must provide date of last pertussis immunization. Influenza vaccination is recommended. Documentation of a 2 step TB test is required prior to start of program..
• All costs associated with vaccinations and/or verification, are the responsibility of the student.
• A current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR level C) and Standard First Aid certification is also required by the end of term 1. Training and certification will be arranged and paid for through the program. No refunds will be granted for previous certification.
• Please note that work as an educational assistant may require lifting up to 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds).
• All health requirements must be met one month prior to the start of placement term or a placement will be denied.

Transportation:

• Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete field placement requirements. Niagara cannot guarantee placements that are readily accessible by public transportation. Students are responsible for all costs connected with such transportation.