Educational Support and Educational Support- Intensive Field Placement

Overview

Mohawk College Educational Support (ES) and Educational Support Intensive (ESI) students transfer theory from related college courses into practice while on field placement. Benefits of Mohawk ES and ESI 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/ESI 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 Placements occur in each of the following settings:

  • Elementary school
  • High school
  • Specialized setting
  • In both the public/catholic school boards

Students are typically placed in schools from local school boards:

  • Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
  • Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Boards
  • Grand Erie District School Board
  • Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
  • Halton District School Board
  • Halton Catholic District School Board

Placements beyond these regions may be accommodated, however are not guaranteed. 

Field Placement Seminars

Field Placement seminars prepare students for the field. Outcomes of seminar include fostering professional habits, engaging in reflective practice, related field procedures, and evaluation of goal progression. Various guest speakers from surrounding school boards and the community share best practices with students. If you would like to participate as a guest speaker, please contact stacey.money [at] mohawkcollege.ca (stacey[dot]money[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).

In their final semester Mohawk ES students participate in a simulated 'Industry Interview Seminar' in-which representatives such as Principals, HR personal, and members of special education teams from surrounding schools interview students and provide immediate feedback. It is a great success of our program to annually bring together our community partners and graduating students to collaboratively foster the qualities, attitudes, and skills of Educational Support graduates.

Field Placement Requirements

Police Clearance

ES students are asked to obtain a police clearance about 8 weeks prior to starting their placement. Registered ES students receive a police clearance request letter in their field placement course. 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.

It is our process to advise students to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Clearance (VSC) only when it is in compliance with section 6.3(4) of the Criminal Records Act (CRA), which prohibits police services from conducting a VSC unless the individual requesting it will be in a position of trust or authority towards a vulnerable person. 

If unsure as to which type of police clearance you should be asking placement students to obtain, more information can be found by visiting:

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. Please review the Field Placement Agreement Word document (44kb) for more information.

Completion of Required Courses 

Educational Support:

Practicum Preparation 1 (EDUC 10075)
Foundations of Education (EDUC EDE14)
Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics (EDUC EDE17)
Safety in an Educational Setting (SAFE1004)

Educational Support-Intensive students complete these courses concurrent to their first placement.

Field Placement Specialist

A unique feature of the Educational Support program 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. Placement questions, concerns, feedback, or requests may be directed to Stacey Money at stacey.money [at] mohawkcollege.ca (stacey[dot]money[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

Educational Support
Stacey Money
905-575-1212 ext. 4077
stacey.money [at] mohawkcollege.ca (stacey[dot]money[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

 

Resources for School Supervisors

Placement Hours and Schedules

Each term students complete a minimum of 120 placement hours. Students may apply to the Educational Support program through full-time or part-time studies. Full-time ES student placements run for 20 days at 7 hours per day, which would include a break similar in length to the employed EA.

Fall Semester

  • 2nd year students - October to December - Wednesday to Friday
  • ESI 1st year student - September to December - Thursday and Friday

Winter Semester

  • 1st year students - January to April - Thursday to Friday
  • 2nd year students - February to April - Wednesday to Friday
  • 1st year ESI students - January to April - Thursday, Friday

Spring Semester

  • May to June - Tuesday to Friday


Contact Us Part-Time Distance Education Students:
Students may complete the Mohawk ES Diploma on a part-time, online basis through Ontario Learn. Placements will still occur in person at an approved school. Part-Time students may request a flexible placement schedule to complete the 120 hours, providing the placement school can accommodate. The start and end dates will vary, and will be communicated at the time of the request.

If you have additional questions, or are interested in hosting an Educational Support student placement, please contact Stacey Money at stacey.money [at] mohawkcollege.ca (stacey[dot]money[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)