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NIC’s Human Services department and its programs are part of a provincial network that ensures not only high-quality instruction and programming, as well as transferability throughout the province. As a graduate of the Educational Assistant/Community Support program you will be prepared to assist individuals who have physical, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities.
The Educational Assistant/Community Support program is offered over ten months at the Comox Valley campus, and is divided into three terms.
The first term exposes you to an anti-oppressive, feminist framework with which to examine and understand social issues and ethics pertaining to disabilities. Communication skills and critical thinking are highlighted.
The first semester includes five courses. You will learn a variety of frameworks for analyzing the structure and problems within society and exploring the different models for supporting families and individuals. You will study human development and develop strong research and writing skills through university English.
During the second term, you will continue your study of human development through the lifespan. There will be opportunities to explore in-depth theories, skills and positive behaviour support strategies. You will learn to support the health and wellness of individuals in the community and in school settings through supervised placements in a community agency or school and participation in weekly seminars to discuss ethical issues and reflect on practical experiences.
The third term consists of six weeks of full-time supervised practice experience in a school or community agency. This invaluable experience allows you to use your new skills and knowledge in practice. The final term also provides you with exposure to the field and employment connections. You will attend a weekly seminar to continue learning through reflection, discussion and writing.
Career Opportunities
As education assistant, you will qualify to work in schools and, under the supervision of the teacher, provide classroom support.
As a community support worker, you may pursue a career in community-based or government agencies, in departments that assist individuals with special needs.
Some graduates have started their own community support businesses and hold contracts with a variety of government and non-government agencies in departments that assist individuals with developmental or physical disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of volunteer experience can I use when applying for this program?
You are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer service in a human service agency, in direct contact with clients, prior to entering the program. Your supervisor must verify the number of hours completed and confirm that your performance with the volunteer organization was acceptable.
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Are class-related activities held in the evenings or on weekends?
Some classes are held in the evening, although most are scheduled during the day. You may be required to work evenings or weekends for their practicum placement.
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Can I work while taking the program?
The program is a full-time commitment. Working in addition to study is not recommended.
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What kinds of assignments will we do?
You will write research papers, contribute to group projects, write tests and participate in many other classroom activities. Because you are expected to complete many essays and research papers, strong writing skills and computer literacy are important.
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How much homework can I expect?
You should expect to spend at least an hour of homework for every hour of class.
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What kinds of workplace experience sessions are available?
Workplace experience sessions are available in group homes, community outreach agencies in areas supporting individuals with special needs, the school district, alternative school-based programs and a variety of other human service or community based agencies.
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Do I need a car?
You will need to have reliable transportation to reach your practicum placements. You can also accept practicum placements located close to public transit or within walking distance.
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Can classes be transferred?
Some classes are transferable to other BC universities and colleges. If you plan to continue into a university degree program in education, social work or child and youth care, ensure that your elective choices are university-transferable. For more information, meet with an educational advisor.
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Can I use this qualification in other provinces or countries?
If you wish to pursue employment outside of BC, it is advisable to check required qualifications for your career in the province or country in which you want to work. Graduates of the Education Assistant/Community Support Worker program have used their qualifications to work in other jurisdictions, but it is important to confirm transferability with agencies ahead of time.
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What if I have a lot of experience in human services already?
If you have worked or volunteered extensively in the human services field, you may be able to receive credit for your work. Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) is a process that allows you to get credit for learning through employment, volunteering, workshops or other life experiences. You are still required to pay a fee and complete some work to demonstrate your knowledge and skill level in the course for which you wish to receive credit. For more information on PLAR, visit Assessment Services.
Transfer Credit & Credit For Prior Learning
Students with previous course work from another accredited institution may apply to transfer course credits to North Island College. For more information contact an Educational Advisor.
Your previous life, work, or study experience, unassociated with formal education, may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Your knowledge and skills will be evaluated to determine if you meet the objectives for selected courses up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the program. To qualify for PLAR, you must apply to the program, meet all the program requirements, and complete the PLAR before entering the program or one term before the scheduled course(s). The fee for each PLAR course is 75 per cent of the regular course fee.Refer to NIC policy #4-10: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. For information about which courses qualify for PLAR please contact the program department chair.
When you meet some learning objectives in a course(s) the assessment process may result in an exemption from some portion of the course(s). You will be required to register in the course and pay full tuition but your workload would be reduced. Note that eligibility for this process will be granted on an individual basis by the department. You must apply one semester in advance of the course start date. For more information please contact the program department chair.
To Be Successful
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You must adhere to the program expectations document and standards outlined in individual human service course guides (ie: attendance, confidentiality, professional conduct, etc). You are encouraged to review this document and decide if you are able to meet the standards outlined. If you have concerns about meeting program expectations, you are encouraged to speak with a human services faculty member or college counselor.
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Strong essay writing and good computer skills are required as you are expected to submit well-written, word-processed assignments and access online resources.
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If you are planning to continue on to a university degree program in education, social work or child and youth care, ensure your elective choices are university transferable.
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