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Sheridan’s Educational Support Fast Track Intensive Program prepares you to work in a school setting, where – as a member of the educational team – you will support students with special needs.

The program was designed specifically for those who have completed university or college programs and seek a fast track to a career as an educational assistant. In addition to full-time day studies, the option of part-time evening classes accommodates the needs of adults who work during the day.

The students you will learn to support include those with:
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Learning disabilities
  • Sensory or physical disabilities
  • Behavioural disabilities
Through the program you will:
  • Support students with special needs using modified curricula and materials created to accommodate their diverse strengths and developmental needs
  • Use assistive technology and other educational resources to implement individualized educational goals
  • Respond to and assist with personal care needs of students in educational settings from kindergarten to high school
  • Work as a member of the educational team with specialists and family members
  • Report information related to the learning environment
  • Maintain a safe and professional environment which promotes the well being of the student with special needs
  • Support inclusion of the student to aid his or her social development and sense of belonging
Professors with specialized graduate degrees and who are highly experienced in the field of special education teach your courses.

Your Educational Support classroom activities will include:
  • Group seminars and cooperative learning
  • Reflective practice linked to field placement experiences
  • Lectures combined with activity-based learning that incorporates the laptop

Field Placement Provides On-The-Job Experience


During Semesters 1 and 2, you'll be placed in a school supporting students with special needs in the classroom. Sheridan arranges the field placement experience for you. During your placement experience, you'll encounter students with a range of exceptionalities including physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, hearing loss, autism and learning disabilities.

Mobile Classroom


The Educational Support Fast Track Intensive Program uses laptop computers for in-class work and home assignments. All course materials are Web-supported, with materials available to you 24/7 through your laptop and the Internet. Your learning opportunities will be greatly enhanced by having increased access to the Internet, learning resources and your classmates.


The Educational Support Fast Track Intensive Program is located at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.

CODE TITLE CREDITS
 
TERM 1
EDUC 25738 Educational and Assistive Technology 4
EDUC 18081 Teaching and Learning Strategies 3
PSYC 28823 Challenging Behaviours and Discipline 4
FLPL 14310 Orientation to Field 1
EDUC15436 Intellectual, Sensory and Learning Disabilities 4
EDUC 15586 Physical Exceptionalities and Personal Care 3
FLPL 20261  Field Seminar and Placement 2 4
Total: 23
 
TERM 2
EDUC 16859   Autism Spectrum Disorders 3
EDUC 20123 Foundations of Education 3
EDUC 19599 Disability Issues 3
EDUC 27370 Assessment in Education 3
EDUC 26048 Communication Disorders 3
COMM 24049 Working with Teams 3
EDUC 10146 Inclusion Strategies / Education in Ontario 3
FLPL 26367 Field Seminar and Placement 3 4
 
Total: 25

Note: Courses subject to change.

Sheridan provides skills training that leads to good jobs. When you complete your Educational Assistant diploma program, you'll be ready to seek employment in a:
  • Public or private school supporting learners with special needs
  • Social-or health-based program which includes a special education component

“The program really gives you the edge you need to prepare for the workforce.”
Student in Sheridan’s Educational Assistant Program

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Postsecondary diploma or degree
and/or
  • Demonstrated competence through related work and/or educational experience

Note: The Educational Assistant student must have the energy and stamina to respond to the physical demands associated with the role of the assistant.

APPLICANT SELECTION

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of previous academic achievement and related courses, and/or demonstrated experience.

Applicants will be required to submit a résumé which includes details of related work experience.

Postsecondary transcripts, indicating courses completed to date, must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Sheridan field placement agencies may require a police record check for criminal offences, a vulnerable sector check and/or a current acceptable record of immunization. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities. Please refer to the Sheridan Health Services website at Immunization.sheridancollege.ca for complete information, or come in to one of the campus health centres.

Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies
Program Code:
PEDSI
Duration:
1 Year (PEDSI)
Designation:
Ontario College Diploma
Campus:
Trafalgar Road Campus
Start:
September