What does a Educational Assistant (620E) do?

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!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Child & Youth Worker
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Psychologist

Ready to get started?

Find your perfect job match