Program Description

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 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.

The program is equivalent to the Educational Support Diploma. 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.

If you choose full-time (online) delivery you will complete this program in three semesters.  If you choose part-time (online) delivery you will complete this program in approximately four semesters. 

Courses in this program cost approximately $400 to $550 each. Textbooks are extra.

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

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. If you are not fully immunized, it may have a significant impact on your ability to participate in clinical/field placement.

Additional Details

Admission and Registration

You must apply, and submit your official transcript, through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) (opens in new window) prior to registering for courses.

Intakes are available in the Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring (May).

You require:

  • Allied University degree or college diploma in Health Sciences or Human Services (70% guideline) with at least one course in developmental or abnormal psychology.
  • Proof of English proficiency for applicants where English is not their first language must be submitted to Ontario Colleges.

Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment.

Questions?

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. Students that graduate from any of the following programs are eligible to enroll in the Educational Support (Intensive) program: 

Graduates from the Educational Support (Intensive) program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs:

View our internal pathways map (PDF) which shows how the identified program can lead to future program choices.

Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario.

Visit ontransfer.ca to view opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.

Career Opportunities

  • Educational Assistant
  • Learning Facilitator

Industries of Employment

  • School Boards
  • Private Schools
  • Community Facilities offering Special Education
  • College and Postsecondary Programs

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 application to be approved. Once approved, you can select and register for your courses.

Field Placement / Clinical

Additional Information

iPads are required in this program. View the minimum requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Community Services and Support
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

14 Course(s)

teacher assisting a young student at a desk

 

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.

Required fields are indicated by .