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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Across Contexts
COMM1085

Description:

This course explores the intersections of reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on academic and workplace competencies for the 21st century. Through regular reading, writing, and discussion, students will develop the ability to analyze texts, construct well-supported arguments, and express their ideas effectively by learning to meet the expectations of selected audiences, purposes, and contexts. The course also provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of research, information literacy, and ethical communication in relation to various contemporary social and cultural issues.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Role of the Educational Assistant
EDUC1550

Description: Through a lens of professional relationship building and communication, students will examine the roles and responsibilities of the Educational Assistant as a member of the multi-disciplinary educational team. Students will review and discuss how provincial legislation and school board policies, procedures, and protocols relate to the responsibilities of this role. In addition, they will review and develop strategies for creating inclusive environments that contribute to safe, caring, and secure educational settings for children and youth.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Student Growth and Development
EDUC1560

Description: This course introduces students to human development theories, covering concepts of child and youth development related to social, physical, emotional, psychosocial, and communication domains. The contribution of theorists and research will be examined as they relate to practices in supporting student learning. Students will explore the concepts and theories of educational psychology that have been influential in creating supportive teaching methods and educational practices and will differentiate learning opportunities for varying developmental levels and ages of students.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Introduction to Exceptionalities
EDUC1570

Description: This course will introduce students to categories of exceptionalities in educational settings associated with behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical, and multiple exceptionalities. Students will review, describe and compare characteristics of a range of exceptionalities related to each of the categories. They will discuss how assistive technologies and daily living aides support student learning and independence.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Elements of Practice
EDUC1631

Description:

This course will prepare students to participate in field placement. In addition to guiding students through the placement requirement process, they will be introduced to the day-to-day activities of the practice of Educational Assistants. Elements of a cohesive classroom, developing professional communication skills, and strategies to establish positive relationships in educational settings are emphasized through class experiences. With a view to supporting learners with exceptionalities, students will be introduced to trauma-informed practice and issues that impact student learning.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description:

This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct themself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines for the workplace. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while engaged in an unpaid placement as well as guidelines to follow in the event of an incident, injury or illness.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Level 2

Course details

Principles of Learning
EDUC1590

Description: With a particular focus on supporting learners with exceptionalities, this course will provide students with an understanding of the principles of learning that guide educational instruction. Students will be introduced to the principles of universal design for learning and will examine how these principles correspond with various exceptionalities. Students will learn various observational strategies to monitor, document, and report on the behaviour and progress of learners. In addition, students will examine differentiated learning and its role in supporting learning in educational settings.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

The Exceptional Learner
EDUC1600

Description: Building on the foundational information from Introduction to Exceptionalities, this course will focus on examining and creating strategies that support the exceptional learner. Students will expand their understanding of learner needs under the categories of behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical, and multiple exceptionalities. In addition, students will broaden their definition of exceptional learners to include gifted students and students learning English as an additional language. Students will explore educational strategies to support and respect social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Positive Behaviour Support and Strategies
EDUC2150

Description:

In this course, students will explore and apply current theories to develop personalized positive behaviour strategies for supporting students with dysregulated behaviour. Emphasizing a trauma-informed approach, students will learn to assess behaviour through the lens of positive professional relationships while considering the complex factors that influence student behaviour.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement 1 (Educational Support)
FPLT1611

Description: Through a combination of classroom seminars and field experience, this course will strengthen students understanding of the fundamentals of practice as Educational Assistants. Working as members of educational teams, students will engage in the development and application of differentiated learning to support various exceptional learners. With guidance from team members, students will participate in and support the implementation of IEP’s.
  • Hours: 161
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: EDUC1630 OR EDUC1631 OR FPLT1580
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 3

Course details

Essential Communication Skills for Educational Assistants
COMM1305

Description:

This course is designed to equip students with effective communication skills essential for professional growth in education. Students will develop competencies in engaging with learners, educators, administrators, and parents. Key topics include professional demeanour, verbal and non-verbal communication, attitude, and proper etiquette. The course will also cover conflict resolution, problem-solving, overcoming communication barriers, and fostering positive communication climates.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
EDUC2160

Description: This course will provide students with an in-depth overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including related provincial legislation and school policies. Classification and etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will be explored. Characteristics and management of behaviour will be examined and explained through the lens of Applied Behaviour Analysis principles as students review and examine evidence-based practices in the field of Autism.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Supporting Communication through Assistive Technology
EDUC2170

Description:

This course will examine various assistive technologies that augment the functional capabilities of learners with exceptionalities to support their communication and independence. Students will describe the roles of assistive technology and daily living aids in their ability to promote the independent participation of learners in the learning process. They will develop applied skills in the use of a range of devices, including but not limited to; reading aids, listening aids, speech, and augmentation aids, writing and keyboarding aides, digital media, and computer access aids.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement II (Educational Support)
FPLT2281

Description: Through a combination of classroom seminars and field experience, this course will sharpen students understanding of the practice of Educational Assistants as they expand their skills. Continuing to work as members of educational teams, students will engage in the development and application of differentiated learning to support various exceptional learners. With guidance from team members, students will integrate knowledge about learners with exceptionalities to create communication strategies that support learner independence.
  • Hours: 183
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: EDUC1615 OR FPLT1610 OR FPLT1611
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass one course, selected in the Student Portal from available course options.

Level 4

Course details

Collaboration and Professional Practice
EDUC2190

Description:

Educational Assistants operate in dynamic environments that demand collaboration and professionalism, which are critical to fostering a positive workplace that promotes student success. This course enables students to explore and apply the principles and explore the advantages of effective collaboration. Students will reflect on their practices, developing and evaluating strategies to respectfully and constructively address classroom challenges. Additionally, students will synthesize their classroom experiences to design a purposeful professional development plan for their ongoing practice.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Empowering Students Through Inclusive Practice
EDUC2200

Description:

This course explores inclusive practices for supporting learners in diverse educational settings. Focusing on evidence-based approaches, students will explore and analyze practices that support equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environments and help to better understand and respond to a variety of needs that may impact learning (i.e. trauma, mental health, family, etc.). Students will also learn to create safe, supportive environments that honour the uniqueness and diversity of children, families, and communities. Additionally, students will cultivate strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, ensuring they stay informed, effective, and resilient in their practice. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to contribute to the development of inclusive, holistic, and responsive learning environments.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Supporting Students with Physical and Medical Exceptionalities
EDUC2210

Description: This course will provide students with knowledge and techniques to work with children with physical and medical exceptionalities in educational settings. Students will review the various medical exceptionalities learners may present and will demonstrate strategies for supporting them. In addition, students will demonstrate the use of safe handling, positioning, and transferring techniques, including body mechanics, to support learners. As a component of this course, students will be introduced to the care and use of assistive devices and mobility aids required to support learners.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement III (Educational Support)
FPLT2292

Description: Through a combination of classroom seminars and field experience, students will continue to strengthen their skills and practice as Educational Assistants. Through guided discussion and reflective strategies, they will integrate the knowledge accumulated through classroom experience to create an intentional professional plan for their practice. Continuing to work as members of educational teams, they will engage in the development, application, and evaluation of differentiated learning to support various exceptional learners. They will model and demonstrate exceptional communication and team skills to support the independence of learners with whom they are working.
  • Hours: 183
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: EDUC2185 OR FPLT2280 OR FPLT2281
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass one course, selected in the Student Portal from available course options.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Comply with legislation, standards, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures in the provision of educational support.
  2. Support learner development with evidence-based behaviour and mental health strategies with a focus on self-regulation.
  3. Collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team to design and implement evidence-based educational support strategies, practices, and programs.
  4. Model empathetic, positive, and pro-social behaviours to facilitate the development of social competence in all learners and contribute to safe and equitable learning communities.
  5. Promote independence and/or provide assistance in the performance of routine and instrumental activities of daily living.
  6. Choose and implement assistive technologies and daily living aids to build capacity in learners.
  7. Monitor, document, and report on the behaviour, performance, and progress of learners.
  8. Create strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance, maintain currency, and foster holistic self-care.