Human Services
Educational Assistant Courses
Location
Online
Credential
Certificate
Program Length
Varies/40 credits
Below is a list of required courses and their descriptions.
Online courses are delivered over 3 semesters - fall, winter and spring.
- Part-time students can apply to start the program in the fall, winter or spring term. Most students complete the program on a part-time basis.
- Full-time students must apply to start the program in the fall term. This will provide the pre-requisites to continue in the winter term as a full-time student. Full-time is not available to students who begin studies in the Winter or Spring term.
To find the academic schedules and more information on application and registration open and close dates, go to the important dates page.
Online course information
Enrolment is the final step after you've been accepted.
- You will self-register in your courses.
- You can expect an email from the Office of the Registrar beginning one week before registration opens. It will include instructions on how to self-register and pay tuition using My Lakeland.
Please work with the academic advisor to develop a plan for the courses you want to take.
Contact the human services academic advisor if you need help setting up a program plan:
- by email at hsacademic.advisor@lakelandcollege.ca
Notes:
- We recommend you take CO 118 Communication Skills as one of your first 2 courses.
- If you are working, we recommend you limit registration to 2 courses.
- Please check the course descriptions for pre and co-requisites.
Required courses
| CO 118 Communication Skills - 3 credits |
| This communications course focuses on the development of academic and practical Human Services related writing skills. Students develop critical thinking skills and strategies for integrating their own ideas with those of other authors following APA guidelines for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Students also develop skills in resume and cover letter writing, and in crafting other written documents used in the human services related workplace. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| HS 114 Lifespan Studies I - 3 credits |
| This course provides students with an understanding of the developing child from birth to five years. It traces the changes that occur physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually during this period in an individual's life. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| HS 115 Foundations of Inclusion - 3 credits |
|
This course introduces students to inclusive attitudes and approaches in the context of disability studies. Students develop an awareness of the nature of disability, neurodiversity, and developmental diversity, and explore the bias, stigma and systemic challenges which often create barriers to inclusion and support. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for person-centered, inclusive practices. Pre/corequisites: None |
| HS 155 Positive Behaviour Supports - 3 credits |
| The course includes an examination of attitudes, values, and skills within a holistic approach to support social and emotional development in terms of positive behaviours. Opportunities for examining the dynamics of behaviour are provided. This course also discusses various strategies to support the development of social and emotional skills and prosocial behaviour. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| HS 225 Supporting Diverse Needs - 3 credits |
| This course provides students with an understanding of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to supporting diversity and promoting positive outcomes for those with disabilities. Discussions, activities and case studies provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in critical inquiry about minimizing barriers to access, supporting diverse needs and engaging in advocacy. Prerequisite: HS 115. Corequisites: None |
| HS 230 Sensory Development - 3 credits |
|
This course examines brain development and sensory processing as it relates to planning activities for children. Special emphasis is placed on sensory processing differences. This course explores strategies in relation to designing and adapting environments to meet the needs of children. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| TA 121 EA Field Placement I - 5 credits |
| This course is the first practicum for Educational Assistant students. Students gain experience as educational assistants in classroom settings. This practicum is a four-week block placement. P/F. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 4 courses including TA 140 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater. |
| TA 122 EA Field Placement II - 5 credits |
| This course is the second practicum for Educational Assistant students. Students gain experience as educational assistants meeting needs of individual students and groups of students where possible. This practicum is a four-week block placement. P/F. Prerequisites: TA 121. Corequisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 8 courses including TA 141 with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater. |
| TA 140 Educational Assistant Professionalism - 3 credits |
| Students examine personal beliefs and values, professionalism and ethics and expectations of educational assistants in the constantly changing world of education. This course focuses on developing skills and attitudes necessary for an educational assistant to work as an effective and professional team member in a school setting. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| TA 141 Supporting Instruction - 3 credits |
| This course examines the theories, key concepts, approaches and instructional strategies related to the teaching of language arts and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on adapting strategies, materials, activities used to support children needing assistance learning math, how to read and write. Pre/corequisites: None |
| YC 102 Building Resiliency - 3 credits |
| This course provides an introduction to developing specific knowledge, attitudes and skills about interacting with children and youth at risk and supporting the development of resiliency. Prerequisite: TA 140 or YC 100. Co-requisites: None |
Electives
You choose one of the following.
| ASL 101 American Sign Language I Part A - 3 credits |
| In this course, students are introduced to American Sign Language (ASL), its culture, and to the community of Deaf persons who use this language. Students learn how to have basic conversations as well as use appropriate behaviours within the Deaf Community. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| ED 120 Observation & Play - 3 credits |
| This course is an overview of the significance of play in the development of the child. It includes the nature and development of play in the environment. The course explores how early childhood educators co-construct meaningful play experiences with the children. Special consideration is given to observing, designing responsive environments, and focusing on children's natural disposition to learn in both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Pre/corequisites: None |
| HS 183 Personal Assistance Awareness - 3 credits |
| This course provides the human services worker with a basic understanding of personal assistance practices for supporting individuals with physical limitations and disabilities. Students are introduced to personal care skills and medical procedures, focusing on activities for daily living (ADL), which are essential to supporting children, youth, and adults with physical limitations and disabilities across different settings. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| YC 218 Animal Assisted Interventions - 3 credits |
| Animal Assisted Interventions is a unique and growing field in working with Children, youth, and families. This course explores why/how qualified practitioners partnering with animals can be such an effective helping modality. An overview of the different ways animals can partner with practitioners to help people is provided. Students should take this course to gain a better understanding of the human - animal bond and the potential benefits of partnering with animals in practice. Pre/co-requisites: None |
About practicums
- Practicum agencies require a criminal record check, vulnerable sector.
- An Intervention Record System (IRS) check may also be required.
- You need a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) to be eligible for your practicum/field placement.
- You must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing:
- 4 courses including TA140 to be eligible to register for TA 121 EA Field Placement I
- 8 courses including HS 230 and TA 141 to register for TA 122 EA Field Placement II
Withdrawal and Refund Policy:
You can find this information on the important dates page.
Please note: Lakeland College reserves the right to cancel programs and courses due to insufficient enrolment.