This two-year program is designed to provide the graduate with the knowledge and skills to work under the supervision of professional educators with children of diverse learning abilities and backgrounds. Graduates will be able to articulate specific approved plans of action/intervention on behalf of the child/adolescent with individualized educational needs. Students will become familiar with adaptive technologies and be introduced to strategies and techniques for implementing the individual educational plan (IEP) and for assisting children with personal care and life skills. Practical experience through field work placements will allow the student to apply the theory and knowledge learned in the classroom to the school setting.

Double Diploma Northern College provides students with the opportunity to obtain a double diploma in Educational Assistant and Developmental Services Worker. To receive a second diploma in the Developmental Services Worker program, students can complete additional courses*, as well as an additional placement. *(See list with Program of Studies.) Fees will be based on the additional courses and placement.

Educational assistants work as members of an educational team of professionals to assist children who experience cognitive, physical, social/emotional and behavioural difficulties that impact upon their learning. Educational assistants provide specialty knowledge and skills in the areas of teaching and learning; special education; augmentative communication; educational and adaptive technology.

Employment Opportunities

Upon graduation, students may find employment with the primary, secondary, postsecondary school systems. Graduates may also secure employment with other educational, cultural or governmental agencies

Program Contact

communityservices@northern.on.ca

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U) (Minimum 60% GPA required.)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and demonstrate equivalency with the admission English requirements. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Additional Admissions Requirements

• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by College
  
• Proof of current immunization* including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the Mantoux test is positive), measles and mumps
  
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (CPR – Level B or C).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
  
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
  
• A recent criminal/vulnerable sector reference check (within three months) is required in the second year of the program prior to the start of classes in September*** (unless participating in double diploma option- in which case DSW requirements apply).

*Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements may not be allowed into the field work settings and as such, may not be able to complete the placements required for graduation from the program.

** CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Students will not be allowed on placement if documentation is not completed.

***To be eligible for participation in field work practice, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which they have not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record may result in inability to participate in fieldwork practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Any cost of these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.

It is important to note that this program requires a field work component. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the student’s own community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from field work placement sites, parking costs, etc. A dress code is in effect during the field work component of the programs. All courses in Semesters I, II and III must be successfully completed before enrolling in Semester IV.

A passing grade of 60% is required for all Community Services core courses and electives.

Program of Studies

Semester 1
CM1913 Communications I - Module B
DS1014 Introduction to Developmental Services
DS2053 Supporting the Instructional Process I
EA1003 Education & Role of Assistant
EA2033 Introduction to Learning Technologies
EC4024 Children with Exceptionalities
HS1022 Community Services 1st Year Orientation (1 week)
PS1163 Developmental Psychology
AA1063 Behaviour Intervention
EC1053 School Age Environment

Semester 2
AA2063 Autism Spectrum Disorders
CM2913 Communications II - Module B
EC2003 Creative Teaching Strategies
DS4053 Supporting the Instructional Process II
DS4063 Health & Nutrition
EL1003 Elective I

Semester 3
AA3004 Pharmacology Theory & Lab
CM3033 Report Writing
PS3033 Abnormal Psychology
SW3023 Interviewing Skills I
AA3063 Building Family Support
EA3013 Educational Assistant Reflective Practice

Semester 4
EA4001 Fieldwork Placement
EA4011 Educational Assistant Fieldwork Seminar

Students wishing to complete a double diploma in Developmental Services Worker require these additional courses:

Semester 1
DS1002
PS1053

Semester 2
DS1013
DS2000
DS2043
SW2033

Semester 3
DS3001
DS3003

Semester 4
DS4001 (8 weeks)