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 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. 

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 the program within three semesters (1 year). If you choose part-time delivery, we recommend you complete the program in approximately 2-4 years.

Courses in this program cost approximately $300 to $600 each. Textbooks are an additional cost if required. 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).

The program is equivalent to the Educational Support Diploma (747). 

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

During program completion, students will complete two 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

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:

  • Allied University degree or college diploma in Health Sciences or Human Services (70% guideline)
  • At least one post-secondary course in developmental or abnormal psychology. 

All applicants submitting academic history completed outside of Canada must provide confirmation of equivalency. This can be coordinated through one of the following:

To request further assistance with the application process or to request an update on your OCAS application, please contact 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 an 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 the Educational Support (Intensive) program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs:

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

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

Field Placement / Clinical

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Education and Library Studies
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.

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