Education Assistant Certificate

Career Prospects

Qualified Education Assistants are employed in public and independent (private) schools around the province. Graduates of the Northern Lights College Education Assistant program may seek a variety of positions in elementary and secondary education settings, including Special Needs Support Worker, Personal Care Attendant, Settlement Workers in Schools and Playground and/or School Supervision Monitor. Education Assistants may be employed at any grade level, from kindergarten to high school graduation, to provide support to children with varying levels of special needs or they may provide general support in the delivery of educational programs to a number of children.

Prospective students are encouraged to research employment prospects for Education Assistants in their local community and school districts prior to applying to the program.

Details

Still have questions?

Contact:

• info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
• info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
• ece-ea-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements

English Requirement

For applicants from countries that practice Standard Written English, one of the following:

• English Studies 12 with a C grade or higher
• English First Peoples 12 with a C grade or higher
• English 12 with a C grade or higher
• English Literature 12 with a C grade or higher
• ENGL 050  with a C grade or higher
• ENGL 099  with a C grade or higher
• Any university-level English course with a C grade or higher
• NLC Writing Assessment with placement at the college level (100)

For concurrent studies (dual credit) applicants:

• English 11 and enrollment in English 12 or equivalent with an interim grade of C or higher

For all other applicants, one of the following:

• IELTS result with an overall score of 6.0 or higher with no band less than 6.0

Document Requirements

All of:

• Copy of a government-issued photo ID with full legal name
• Completed EA Entrance Questionnaire
• Comprehensive letter¹
• Two letters of reference²
• Completed Certificate of Health³
• Clearance letter from the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP), for a Schedule “B” Criminal Record Check (CRC), WORKS WITH Children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults.  For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks .

¹ The comprehensive letter must state the applicant’s background, interest, and goals for pursuing this program.

² The letters of reference must be written and dated within a year of application.  Each must attest to the candidate’s knowledge, skills and attitudes as a fit for the education assistant profession. One letter must be from a recent employer, and one letter must be a personal reference from a non-family member.

³ This form provides assurance of good health and must be signed by a physician.

Important Notes

1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.

2. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.

3. This program is affiliated with Collège Éducacentre for delivery to French-speaking students.​
   * indicates alternative courses for Collège Éducacentre students and are taught in French.

4. Local education assistants working in local school district that have an MOU in place with NLC for discounted tuition pending seat availability must submit proof of employment from their school district.

Program Requirements

Credential

Certificate in Education Assistant