Support Student Success and Make a Lasting Impact in the Classroom

If you're passionate about helping children learn, grow, and thrive in an educational setting, the Educational Assistant (EA) Certificate Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is your ideal pathway. Respected by school boards across the province, this one-year certificate program prepares you to support students with diverse learning needs in both elementary and high school classrooms.

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Why Choose the Educational Assistant Program?

As an educational assistant, you’ll play a vital role in the classroom—helping teachers manage instruction while providing personalized support to students. Whether you're assisting a child with special needs, helping teens stay focused, or managing classroom activities, you’ll be directly contributing to student success.

Program Highlights:

• 1-year certificate recognized province-wide

• Offered on campus, through regional colleges, or via distance learning

• Two four-week practicums—one in an elementary school and one in a high school

• Develop real-world experience working alongside teachers and students

• Learn to support students with exceptionalities, behavioral challenges, and academic needs

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Hands-On Learning: Real Classroom Experience

The program features two four-week practicums, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn in actual school environments. You'll gain first-hand experience working with students of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds while building confidence in your role as an educational assistant.

Practicum Settings:

• Elementary school (Early learning and childhood development focus)

• High school (Teen learning, social development, and subject-specific support)

These placements ensure you're job-ready, equipped with practical skills, guidance strategies, and a solid understanding of classroom expectations.

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What You’ll Learn – Core Competencies and Skills

The Educational Assistant program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on developing your ability to work in inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Key Areas of Study:

• Basic Care Skills: Feeding, lifting, and assisting with physical needs

• Classroom Management: Techniques for guidance, supervision, and crisis prevention

• Communication & Professionalism: Build strong interpersonal skills for working with students, teachers, and families

• Cultural Awareness: Understand the impact of culture and family dynamics on learning

• Exceptionalities: Learn the causes, characteristics, and accommodations for various learning and developmental challenges

• Child & Adolescent Development: Study cognitive, emotional, and social development from early childhood through teen years

• Subject Area Support: Assist teachers in core subjects including reading, math, science, and art

• Your Role in the Classroom: Define your responsibilities as a supportive, ethical, and professional educational assistant