Program Description

Make a difference providing support to exceptional students dealing with physical, emotional or intellectual challenges while attending school.

This online learning program has been designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue a career as an Educational Support or are already working in the field and need to upgrade their qualifications. Although this program has undergone a name change from Educational Assistant to Educational Support, the program outcomes and career opportunities remain the same.

The provincially-approved curriculum has been designed to develop the aptitudes, knowledge and skills needed 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.

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.

If you choose full-time delivery, you will complete this program in four semesters (1.5 years). If you choose part-time delivery, we recommend you complete this program in approximately 2-4 years.

Interested in learning more about this program?
Register for the next information session!

During program completion, students will complete three in-person placements. Potential and in-progress students must be aware that most agencies accepting clinical/placement students require you to be fully vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines and submit a Vulnerable Sector Check. Students are strongly encouraged to review placement expectations by visiting our Educational Support Field Placement Information webpage. 

Additional Details

Tuition and Fees

Course Fees

Continuing Education students will register and pay on a course-by-course basis. Students will pay for each course selected during the registration process. The Continuing Education course cost breakdown can be found on the Fees and Financial Information webpage. OntarioLearn fees will be charged where applicable.

PC/Laptop Requirement

Students are required to have reliable access to a computer/laptop. Use of iPads may be required for this program; however, students should refrain from making a purchase until instructed to do so (View the minimum requirements).

Textbooks

Textbook costs can be found on the Campus Store website.

Preplacement Requirements

If programs include a clinical, practicum, or field placement, students may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in the course. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services website and Educational Support Field Placement Information webpage.

Admission and Registration

You must be accepted into the program prior to registering for courses. Intakes are available every Fall, Winter, and Spring.

Application Process:

Admission Requirements:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) OR equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) OR Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
  • A pass in Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent

All applicants submitting academic history completed outside of Canada must provide confirmation of equivalency to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This can be coordinated through one of the following:

If you do not meet the academic eligibility requirements for this program, you may request a Pre-Admission test. You can request a Pre-Admission Test, request an update on your OCAS application, or request assistance with the application process by emailing our Admissions Team at coach@mohawkcollege.ca. Applicants are encouraged to check their email and OCAS accounts regularly for updates on their application.

Recommended Requirements:

  • Experience in a educational setting is recommended, but not required
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
    • If you struggle with communications or your first language is not English, you are encouraged to explore upgrading options available through our Applied Communications Centre.
  • Basic computer skills.
    • Be familiar with basic computer skills (word processing, email-based systems) prior to considering this program. To upgrade computer skills, consider an introductory 'Computer Basics' course or a Learning Support Centre workshop before applying.

Financial Assistance

green checkmark OSAP funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.

Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.

Review the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) program learning outcomes.

Opportunities

Academic Opportunities

Mohawk Pathways offers a diverse range of programs to further your studies. Equivalences and/or course exemptions may apply. Prerequisite courses and/or minimum averages may be required. Our internal pathways map (PDF) demonstrates how completion of this program can lead to future education choices. For example, graduates from this program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs:

A partnership exists between Mohawk College and Georgian College to facilitate individuals who are working as Educational Assistants and have met all requirements for the Educational Assistant Apprenticeship Certification of Completion, to be awarded an Educational Support Ontario College Diploma. Email us for more details on this bridging opportunity.

Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario or visit ontransfer.ca to view opportunities at other colleges or universities within Ontario.

Career Opportunities

For details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).

Next Steps

Wait for your Offer of Admission through OCAS. Once accepted into the program, you will receive a Welcome Email from Mohawk College with further information on how to register for courses.

Field Placement / Clinical

During the program, you are required to complete three in-person field placements. Students are strongly encouraged to review placement expectations by visiting our Educational Support Field Placements page for details.

Additional Information

This diploma program requires the completion of two General Elective courses. Students are encouraged to view current General Elective courses offered through Continuing Education by visiting our General Elective Course Search webpage. Students must review the General Elective Restriction List webpage prior to registering for General Elective courses as each program has specific courses that cannot be taken as General Electives. For more information on General Electives and the General Elective Restriction List, please email gened@mohawkcollege.ca or visit the General Education Elective webpage.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Education and Library Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

24 Course(s)

teacher and young student at a desk with a tablet

 

This program of studies 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 email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings.

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