Educational Support (Intensive) - 997
Overview
| Program Length: |
Full-time: 3 semesters Part-time: approximately 4 semesters |
| Delivery: | Part-time or Full-time, online |
| Cost: | Approximately $400-$550 per course + textbooks |
| Intakes: | Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May) |
| Application Process: | Application must be submitted, with your official transcript, through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) www.ontariocolleges.ca. Visit the Admission & Registration tab for more information. |
This online learning program has been designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue a career as an Educational Support/Assistant or are already working in the field and need to upgrade their qualifications.
The provincially-approved curriculum has been designed to develop the aptitudes, knowledge and skills EAs need to work with, and support children and youth with special needs during their educational experience. Through a carefully designed program of studies that combines theory and hands-on practice in school-based field placements, candidates prepare to work with teachers, and other professionals in meeting a wide-range of exceptional student needs.
The program is equivalent to the two year, full-time Educational Support Diploma program offered at Mohawk and other community colleges. The online format enables you to learn at your own pace and continue current full-time employment.
What You'll Learn
- Develop skills to work with and support students with exceptionalities across a variety of settings.
- Assist students with academics, behaviour, life skills and personal care in a school or alternative setting.
- Use technology and implement strategies to maximize student learning and success.
- With a high demand for Education Support graduates in all area school boards, many students are hired upon graduation.
Admission & Registration
- Allied University degree or college diploma in Health Sciences or Human Services (70% guideline) with at least one course in developmental or abnormal psychology.
- Attendance at program orientation is strongly recommended.
- iPads are required for some courses within this program (see Additional Information for more details).
- Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment.
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Proof of English proficiency for applicants where English is not their first language must be submitted to Ontario Colleges.
Language Requirements for International Students:
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of GAS-EAP (478) Program Level 8
- TOEFL minimum score of 560 (83 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirement
How to Apply:
Application must be submitted, with your official transcript, through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Questions?
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Options are available for mature applicants.
Financial Assistance Information
OSAP funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.
Program of Studies
Course Overview & Descriptions
The program of studies displayed below applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion contact Continuing Education - Community Services and Support.
Visit the Textbooks page for information on ordering your course materials.
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Click on the course code below to check current availability and for registration information |
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Mandatory Courses |
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Semester 1 |
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| Course Code | Course Name | Course Description |
| EDUC10094 | Technology and Adaptive Devices in Education |
Demonstrate technology skills for the Educational Support student's own use and for the effective assistance of students with their technology literacy. Explain the use of software and apps that support the Ontario curriculum. Investigate assistive and adaptive devices, both hardware and software, that will provide the Educational Assistant with valuable skills when working with students. 42 hours.
Students can register for equivalent EDUC10140 - Assistive Technology Introduction if EDUC 10094 is not available. |
| EDUC10116 | Inclusion & Diversity | Examine opportunities and challenges presented to the Educational Assistant in diverse settings. Develop a sensitivity and awareness of strategies to support inclusiveness and equity in the classroom for all students, especially those from marginalized groups. 42 hours. |
| EDUCEDE14 | Foundations of Education | Foundations of Education will review the historical development, legislation, ethical practices, access to services, the special education team, and the EA role. Curriculum documents, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the AODA , workplace Safety and other legislation will be discussed. Students will develop awareness of the rights, responsibility and supports for working with exceptional students across a variety of settings. 42 hours. |
| EDUCEDE17 | Personal & Interpersonal Dynamics | Define interpersonal communication and describe barriers to effective interpersonal communication. Complete a variety of personality inventories and discuss ways to improve your own interpersonal communication competence. Evaluate self-care techniques. Identify listening styles, conflict management styles and the skills needed to manage conflict. 42 hours. |
| MATH10065 | Math in an Educational Setting | Review the five strands of Mathematics; Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, Data Management and Probability. Review previously learned concepts from grades 2–10 using the Math program IXL Math. Create visual representations of math concepts and problems to assist exceptional learners. Explore a range of hands-on and virtual manipulatives. 42 hours. |
| SAFE10004 | Safety in an Educational Setting | Students will develop strategies to manage personal safety concerns and safety issues for students. Relevant to the EA role, students will review Safety legislation, receive training on WHMIS, AODA, safe physical care, lifts, physical restraint, medication, and special conditions (e.g. allergies, mental health). This course must be completed prior to registering for a placement. 42 hours. |
Semester 2 |
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| Course Code | Course Name | Course Description |
| EDUC10040 | Total Communication Part 1 | Understanding the concepts of Total Communication and its use within Special Needs and/or classroom setting will help support the role of the Educational Assistant and the Assistant's needs for recognition of the barriers of hearing loss and how this can affect the learner. Total communication will focus on many combined elements including visual communication, hearing loss, body language interpretation, non-verbal communication and assistive devices. 42 hours. |
| EDUC10098 | Physical Multiple and Communication Exceptionalities |
This course develops awareness and insight into a variety of special needs including, Physical, Multiple and Communication Exceptionalities. Students will review current legislation, research and initiatives developed in response to academic and developmental challenges requiring specialized programming and the support of an Educational Assistant. Awareness of strategies and competence in implementing effective use of technology, especially Ipads, for a variety of needs will be reviewed and evaluated. 42 hours.
Students should register for equivalent EDUCEDE26 - Physical and Multiple Exceptionalities OR EDUCEDE23 - Communication Exceptionalities. |
| EDUC10099 | Placement 1 |
Experience the role of an Educational Assistant and implement strategies to support learners. Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behaviour, positive attitudes and team-work in the school setting. 132 hours.
Students should register for equivalent EDUC10085 - Placement 1. Pre-requisites include EDUCEDE14 and SAFE10004. |
| EDUCEDE22 | Behaviour and Mental Health Exceptionalities | "Behaviour and Mental Health Challenges" will focus on the role of the Educational Assistant in managing behaviour and supporting those with behaviour and mental health challenges. Through the identification and awareness of symptoms, strategies and interventions, students will become familiar with available resources and supports in both the school and community. The development of a continuum of strategies in response to escalating behaviours and evaluating implementation through concrete data collection will prepare students to effectively manage behaviour and support mental health challenges. 42 hours. |
Semester 3 |
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| Course Code | Course Name | Course Description |
| EDUC10001 | Autism Spectrum Disorder - Assisting Student Development | Examine the Autism Spectrum Disorder to acquire the tools needed to work effectively with students diagnosed with this complex condition. Develop effective strategies and supports for those on the Autism spectrum by exploring evidence-based research. Demonstrate the Educational Assistant role in supporting students on the Autism spectrum with a strong emphasis on communication, social skills, behavioral challenges, family, sensory, and educational issues. 42 hours. Prerequisite: EDUCEDE23. |
| EDUC10037 | Transition Planning | Transition Planning will develop the skills and awareness of supports available to assist the exceptional learner with transitions throughout school, and ultimately to adulthood. Learning will focus on maximizing the exceptional learners potential and autonomy through developing basic life skills, vocational training and job readiness. As an EA or job coach, ES students will collaborate to support the transition to successful living; including vocational, residential, social and recreational opportunities. Portfolio development and job search skills for the EA and for the exceptional learner, will also be a major component of the course. 42 hours. Prerequisite: EDUCEDE23. |
| EDUC10041 | Total Communication Part 2 |
Understanding the concepts of Total Communication and its use within Special Needs and/or classroom setting will help support the role of the Educational Assistant and the Assistant's needs for recognition of the barriers of hearing loss and how this can affect the learner. Total communication will focus on many combined elements including visual communication, hearing loss, body language interpretation, non-verbal communication and assistive devices. 42 hours. Prerequisite: EDUC10040. |
| EDUC10086 | Placement 2 |
Apply theory to practice to support exceptional learners in a variety of settings. 132 hours. Prerequisite: EDUC10085. |
| EDUC10097 | Learning Strategies in the Classroom |
Investigate how we learn and remember information. Explore problem-solving models and strategies Identify and assess learning preferences and gain experience in adapting curriculum-based activities to meet the needs of a variety of learners. Investigate how we learn and remember information. Explore problem-solving models and strategies Identify and assess learning preferences and gain experience in adapting curriculum-based activities to meet the needs of a variety of learners. 56 hours.
Students should register for equivalent EDUC10139 - Learning Strategies Intro. |
Students are responsible for ensuring required prerequisites are completed prior to registering in subsequent courses.
As part-time studies enables students to work at their own pace, as per the Program Promotion and Graduation Requirements policy, all students must be aware that to be eligible for graduation, students are expected to demonstrate mastery of current competencies outlined in the Program of Studies applicable at the time of graduation. In cases where study has been interrupted or a Programs of Studies has been updated to reflect industry standards, the College may require a student to repeat a subject area.
Course Schedule
The list of scheduled course offerings for this program is below. Please note that all offerings are subject to change. Not every course is offered every semester, so please consider this schedule when planning your academic path.
Due to ongoing restrictions, all courses are being delivered online except for field placements. Delivery method and course options are subject to change.
To enquire about course delivery, please contact cecommunity [at] mohawkcollege.ca.
| Course Code | Course Name |
Fall (Sep to Dec) |
Winter (Jan to Apr) |
Spring (May to Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC10140 |
Assistive Technology Introduction (Equivalent to EDUC10094) |
OntarioLearn | ||
| EDUC10116 | Inclusion & Diversity | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUCEDE14 | Foundations of Education | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUCEDE17 | Personal & Interpersonal Dynamics | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| MATH10065 | Math in an Educational Setting | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| SAFE10004 | Safety in an Educational Setting | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10040 | Total Communication Part 1 | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
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EDUCEDE26 |
Physical and Multiple Exceptionalities (Equivalent to EDUC10098)
Students can take EDUC EDE26 OR EDUC EDE23. |
OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUCEDE23 |
Communication Exceptionalities (Equivalent to EDUC10098)
Students can take EDUC EDE26 OR EDUC EDE23. |
OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10085 |
Placement 1 (Equivalent to EDUC 10099) |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
| EDUCEDE22 | Behaviour and Mental Health Exceptionalities | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10001 | Autism Spectrum Disorder - Assisting Student Development | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10037 | Transition Planning | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10041 | Total Communication Part 2 | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
| EDUC10086 | Placement 2 |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
OntarioLearn & FieldWork |
| EDUC10139 |
Learning Strategies Intro (Equivalent to EDUC10097) |
OntarioLearn |
Getting Started
Visit CE Get Started, your go-to online resource for getting started. You’ll find information on online tools and the wide range of student services available to you to support your success as a Mohawk College student and to help you achieve your future goals!
Login to MyMohawk
MyMohawk is the college portal used to access your student account information, email, grades and more. Your username and password can be found on the Continuing Education Acknowledgement of Registration & Student Account form that was sent to you after you registered for your course. Visit the Getting Started - MyMohawk Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Access Mohawk Email
On the MyMohawk Home screen you will see a link to Mohawk email. Visit the Getting Started – Mohawk Email Guide to learn how to set up your account on your devices.
Access OntarioLearn
Visit www.ontariolearn.com to access your course. Visit the OntarioLearn Course page for step-by-step instructions. Please note your course will not appear in OntarioLearn until the scheduled start date.
Find your Textbook
Use the Mohawk College Textbook Search to find your course materials.
Explore Contacts and Services
Online Learning
Online learning courses provide you with the opportunity to learn online, anywhere, at your convenience! You can study at home or at work - wherever you like, whenever you like, within a predetermined time frame.
Courses are delivered over a set time period and are led by instructors. Most courses do not require that you be online at a certain time of day or night, but that you are active in the course during the schedule. There are scheduled start and end dates and you cannot start courses late nor finish early.
Visit the OntarioLearn Course page to discover how to get started on OntarioLearn. Please note your course will not appear in OntarioLearn until the scheduled start date.
Visit Exams for Online Courses for everything you need to know about booking and writing your online learning exam.
Field Placement / Clinical
Field Placement
Mohawk College Educational Support - Intensive students transfer theory from related college courses into practice while on field placement. Benefits of Mohawk ES placements are reciprocal; as our students actively participate and contribute at the placement site by supporting diverse learners, they are also developing the skills related to the EA role. Committed members of your school team have the opportunity to share professional experiences, insight, and feedback which shape future educator attitudes and promote best practices in the field.
While on placement, Mohawk ES students are encouraged to expand into a professional network, seek learning opportunities, to be accountable for their experience, and to acquire and demonstrate the necessary skills to participate in a school environment.
Field Placement Requirements:
Field placements may occur at locations that are not accessible by public transit. As such, students shall be expected to either have access to a car or the ability to supply their own transportation when attending field placement activity. Mohawk shall not be responsible for providing students with transportation to field placements within or outside the Hamilton region
Police Clearance
All costs associated with obtaining the police clearance are the responsibility of the student. The placement agency, school and/or school board are responsible for verifying that the police clearance is valid.
Please note: Registered students who have been convicted of an offense under the Criminal Code of Conduct for which they have not been pardoned may be denied the opportunity for placement.
Compliance to Procedure and Policies
Students must be in compliance of Mohawk's placement policies, rules, and procedures which includes, but is not limited to: confidentiality, WSIB procedures, liability release, student conduct, and placement selection.
Field Placement Specialist:
A unique feature of the Educational Support programs at Mohawk College is the role of the Field Placement Specialist (FPS). The FPS is available to the student throughout their placements and works with the placement sites to secure assignments based on specific goals, skill set, preferences, and restrictions. The FPS provides the necessary resources, information, supervision, and guidance to support highly successful field placements.
At times, the FPS will visit the placement site to meet with the student and their direct supervisor. For further information on field placements related to this program, please contact cecommunity [at] mohawkcollege.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Opportunities
Opportunities
Mohawk Pathways
Mohawk offers a diverse range of programs to further your studies**: Students that graduate from any of the following Ontario College Diploma, and Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs are eligible to enroll into the Educational Support (Intensive) program:
Graduates from the Educational Support (Intensive) program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs:
- Autism and Behavioural Science
- Brain Disorders Management
- Concurrent Disorders
- Mental Health and Disability Management
- Expressive Arts
- View our internal pathways map PDF. This Pathways map shows how the identified program can lead to future program choices within Mohawk.
- Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario.
- See ontransfer.ca for additional opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.
Future Career Options:
- Educational Assistant
- Learning Facilitator
Work Environments:
- School Boards
- Private Schools
- Community Facilities offering Special Education
- College and Postsecondary Programs
Additional Information
Minimum iPad Requirements
iPads are required to be used in this program.
Mohawk College makes every effort to keep all our educational costs to a minimum, these costs are subject to change. Additional costs may apply.
For questions, please email cecommunity [at] mohawkcollege.ca.