Under the direction of the teacher, Educational Assistants support students’ educational goals and work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to support teacher/team developed goals, instructions, and activities in a school setting.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Working and communicating in a professional and ethical manner with team members/families in a school setting and at meetings
- Knowledgably discussing individual education planning and reviewing processes to support development of realistic and achievable goals for students
- Identifying learning styles, learning about/applying behaviour/crisis management techniques, reporting observations, and maintaining flow of information among team
- Gaining thorough knowledge of relevant acts and codes, including Education Act, Child and Family Services Act, Young Offenders Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act
- Observing and monitoring student performance by gathering data and sharing observations with team to help identify/address student strengths/needs
- Assisting with development of life skills, monitoring administration of medication, and facilitating personal care
- Conducting routine inspections of physical settings to ensure student/staff safety
- Accessing instructional resources and leveraging professional network within the school, board, and community
- Supporting development and maintenance of support and instructional materials to facilitate student learning and educational plans
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma with English credits; social services or child/youth co-op an asset
- Completion of 2,730-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
What's Your Future as a Educational Assistant (620E)?
- Full-time employment, sometimes unionized and often for a 10-month (school year) period; indoors in classroom setting; may use computers and other office equipment
- May become a teacher with additional education
- Employers include school boards, private schools, and centres for children
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified assistants earn an average of $23.56-$29.75 per hour.
Self-Rating
Educational Assistant (620E)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you enjoy working with children of all ages? | ||
| Do you enjoy problem-solving and coming up with a solution? | ||
| Do you have good listening skills? Do you have patience? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? Do you have a clean criminal record? | ||
| Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time? | ||
| Do you have excellent reading, writing, and communication skills? | ||
| Are you interested in learning and performing different educational theories and behaviour management techniques? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as an Educational Assistant (620E) may be for you!
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- Child & Youth Worker
- Early Childhood Educator
- Personal Support Worker
- Social Worker
- Psychologist
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