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Mohawk College reserves the right to modify program availability, length, campus locations, or curriculum, or to adjust fees, admission requirements, policies or procedures at any time.

Prompt notice will be given to all affected applicants and students. Mohawk College cannot accept any liability for the consequences of these changes.

Mohawk College is fully accredited and funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and is a full member of Colleges Ontario and AUCC (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada).

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Educational Assistant FAQs

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM

INFORMATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

FIELD PLACEMENT / PRACTICUM INFORMATION

WORKING AS AN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

How can I apply?
Visit the Continuing Education EA Diploma website to obtain an application or request that one be mailed to you.

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What are the application requirements?
Visit the Continuing Education EA Diploma website to view the admission requirements.

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When can I apply to the Educational Assistant Program?
We have a Fall and Winter intake for the EA program. You can download the application form.

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How do I apply for an exemption?
Exemptions are now processed online.  A valid student number is required for an exemption.  It is recommended that students have successfully completed at least one EA core course prior to applying for an exemption.  Note that exemptions are granted by the individual academic area.  Click here to read more about the exemption process. 

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How do I get more information on Credit for Prior Learning?
Visit the Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition website for more information.

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How do I register for courses?
EA Courses require special approval so you can register in person, by fax or by mail only. For more information on how to register, visit the registration information web page.

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How long do I have to complete the EA program?
It is recommended that you complete the program within 5 years.

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I have taken my EA Certificate and want to complete the Diploma. What do I need to do?
You will need to complete the additional courses required for the diploma.  Click here to see a list of those courses (PDF format).

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Where do I get the Program of Study for the EA Diploma?
Click here to view the Program of Study.

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Are practicum courses done in a classroom?
There are online seminar hours and 15 - 20 days in a school setting.

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Can I complete my practicum courses through Credit for Prior Learning?
If you are a student currently working as an EA in a school board, you can complete EDUCEDE16, 24 and 25 through Credit for Prior Learning. (EDUCEDE15 cannot be done through Credit for Prior Learning). For details and contact information, visit the Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition website.

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Can I use my supply EA hours toward my practicum hours?
Yes but you will need 15 - 20 days in the same classroom for each practicum.

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What are the requirements for the practicum courses completed through Credit for Prior Learning?

  1. You have to complete the practicum package just as you would if you were to take the course.
  2. You will need a letter from the educational institution confirming that you have worked in the capacity of an educational assistant and for the required number of days.
  3. You must have completed the same number of hours or greater as required in the course.
  4. You will have to complete the assignments for the course.
  5. The Assessment component will be done by a teacher in the field.
  6. You may submit additional material - evaluations, letters of recommendation, etc.

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Where do I get my placement package?
Packages are available electronically only.  Please email Al Bernacki to request that a package be emailed to you.  Please note that we can only send packages to a valid Mohawk College email address.

Completed (signed) forms from the placement package must be returned to the College prior to starting your placement.

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Are Ontario Districts/Boards required to hire EAs?
No. Currently, EAs are not specifically mentioned in Ontario’s Education Act, although they are listed on Ministry financial documents and have been the subject of Memoranda. Local school boards determine the qualifications required for hiring.

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Can EAs supervise?
Under the supervision of the Principal, any responsible adult can supervise students; however, this does not mean teach them nor does it mean supervision which the professional staff could and should be doing. For example, an EA might supervise the class while a teacher takes an emergency phone call; however, an EA should not be left alone to supervise a class while the teacher is away on a field trip.

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Can EAs teach?
Not as an EA. Under Ontario regulations, if a district/board cannot get a qualified teacher, an unqualified person can be appointed by the board for a limited period of time. In such a case, the person is handling responsibilities as a teacher not as an EA.

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Do EAs carry out medical procedures?
Yes and No!  First, check your role description and the policies and procedures of the agency you work for. Second, do not carry out any such procedure without proper training by qualified personnel. Next, note the Ontario Ministry of Education memorandum that stated that trained EAs can do clean, intermittent catheterization but a nurse is required for sterile catheterization. Similarly, trained EAs can do shallow suctioning, but a nurse is required for deep suctioning.

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How do I apply to a district board?
In Ontario, every board is independent in hiring practices; therefore, check with the board you want to work for and ask what their application procedures are, whether a standard application form is available, what information they require, what their hiring procedures and timelines are, etc.  Some School Boards hire only through the Apply to Education website where jobs and resumes can be posted.

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What else can I do as a trained EA?
In addition to the usual employment by district boards of education, trained EAs sometimes work with private educational agencies, medically-based agencies dealing with individuals, etc. In Ontario, trained EAs who have or are willing to obtain a 3-year university degree plus 1 year of teacher training, often find their teacher training courses and work much easier due to their background as EAs. EAs often make some of the best teachers, if that’s what they want to do.

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Why do I have to be physically fit?
The EA role often involves lifting for toileting purposes, change of position from a wheelchair, etc. In addition to knowing how to lift properly and how to use assistive devices where needed, physical fitness is a must for the safety of the EA and the student. In addition, the EA role can be a stressful one. Mental fitness and physical fitness go together and affect each other, so good physical fitness will help an EA cope with mental/emotional challenges.

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