Be ready to empower students when you complete this one-year certificate online at a time and place that works for you.
In this program, you’ll discover how your patience, creativity and understanding can make a positive difference in students’ lives. Learning from experienced instructors with multidisciplinary perspectives, you’ll gain the skills you need to effectively help students in reaching their potential while fostering learning, independence and positive behaviour.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study to be an Educational Assistant at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Educational Assistant program offers flexible, online learning. You’ll have access to strong online support systems, and those already employed in the field can continue working full-time while completing their certificate. With small class sizes, you’ll receive personalized learning from our engaged and responsive instructors who will know you by name. You’ll participate in two practicum experiences during your learning to put your classroom theory into practice. Our comprehensive curriculum will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to continue your career.
100%
of our students are satisfied or very satisfied with the EA program curriculum
91%
of EDA grads had a related job less than six months after completing the program
1 year
is all it takes to earn a certificate
Career Opportunities
When you complete the certificate program, your expertise will be in high demand. You'll be able to find employment opportunities in:
- Alternative and outreach schools
- Before and after school programs
- Early intervention programs for children at risk
- Elementary, middle and high schools
- Kindergartens and preschools
- Private agencies who support families with children/youth with disabilities or behaviour challenges
- Recreation and community centres
- Respite care for families
- School lunch programs
- Summer camps and summer recreation programs
68%
of employers who hire educational assistants have recruited in the last two years
472
the number of new positions expected to be created in Alberta each year
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September, January and May
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Math 20-1, 20-2 or 20-3 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Educational Assistant certificate.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services | Outgoing |
September 2018 - August 2026
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human ServicesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Educational Assistant Certificate are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services. Students are required to present an additional 30 credits (60 total credits) prior to admittance to the program and should contact an Athabasca University Student Advisor for recommended courses. |
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements
This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.
Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:
- Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
- Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
- Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)
An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.
Security Clearance
Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.
WIL Agreements
Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)
In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement. Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.
Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.
Placement Locations and Scheduling
Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.
Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.
Employment and Professional Regulation
Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.
Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.
Fitness to Practice
Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.
Note: All students should consult an Academic Advisor (403.320.3366) to create a schedule. Academic Advising has program specific information for course order and program design. Certificate courses are offered multiple times per year.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| EDU-1153 | Foundations of Educational Assistance | 3 |
| EDU-1155 | Math Instructional Support | 3 |
| EDU-1156 | Language Arts Instructional Support | 3 |
| EDU-1162 | Self-Regulation in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU-1163 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| EDU-1165 | Applied Behaviour Analysis | 3 |
| Select 1 of the following: | 3 | |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | |
| ENG-1190 | Introduction to Language and Literature | |
| FWK-1160 | Field Placement I | 1.5 |
| FWK-1163 | Field Placement II | 1.5 |
| HSP-1151 | Family Systems and Development | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOC-2273 | Multicultural Issues | 3 |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Certificate)
|
$5,076.00
|
$2,278.00
|
$950.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
The Educational Assistant programs are available through online delivery only.
Online – Asynchronous
Some courses in this program are offered in an online asynchronous format meaning learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructors provide materials for online completion, including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams. Students access course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.
Featured Graduates
Sarah King
“This program helped me realize my skills and utilize them to their fullest potential. Thanks to this program, I have been able to get a career that I love, and I have made lifelong friends along the way!”
Nikki Gordon
“I have graduated from programs at Lethbridge College in both [online and in classroom] settings now and while having one-on-one instruction can often be beneficial, the freedom of distance education has been a great experience for myself and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Gail McCready
“Doing the first practicum so early on in the program has been great; it has boosted my confidence, made me more sure about my decision.”