Teacher Assistant

Become a Teacher Assistant

Sydney Campus

Program Length:

24 Weeks

Program Hours:

730

Upcoming Start Dates

Sydney:

April 8, 2024

September 16, 2024

Request Brochure

Become a Teacher Assistant

Education is constantly changing with the implementation of the all-inclusive classroom. As a result, there is a growing need for support staff in the classroom. The Teacher Assistant program includes both academic and practical work-term study. The work placement applies the academic techniques taught in the classroom and allows feedback. This program is excellent for someone wishing to work with children in a public school setting.

The Teacher Assistant program designed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to meet the needs of the Nova Scotia School Board is a great fit for someone who:

Loves working with children
Wants to see children succeed in their education
Likes the idea of working one-on-one with students
Wants a consistent work schedule
Likes variety in their position

Working with kids of all ages isn’t always easy, but it’s also extremely rewarding. We all have a teacher or someone who worked in our schools as a kid who was special to us. That one person who took a bit of extra time and made us feel loved and supported. That person can be you!

Teacher Assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction. Assistants may also help students with research skills or help teachers by grading tests, checking homework, and taking attendance.

There are many varied day-to-day tasks for a teacher assistant and many opportunities for them within a school or grade level. For example, some teacher assistants work only with special education students. These students often attend regular classes, and teacher assistants help them understand the material and adapt the information to their learning style. With students who have more severe disabilities, assistants may work with them both in regular classes and separate classes. Teacher assistants may help these students with basic needs, such as feeding or personal hygiene. Young adults may help students with disabilities learn the skills necessary to find a job after graduation.

It’s also possible to specialize within a subject or area of learning. For example, as a teacher assistant, you may work in the computer lab, teaching students how to use computers and helping them use the software. Or you may work as a recess or lunchroom attendant, supervising students during these times.

In addition to earning your Teacher Assistant diploma, you will also earn the following certificates:

Workplace Health Management Information Systems (WHMIS)
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Food Handlers Safety
Mental Health First Aid

Job Market

Teacher Assistants work throughout Nova Scotia in both elementary and secondary schools. Teacher Assistants help support students, teachers, and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. For example, they help in personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers and other childcare professionals. They work in both public and private schools.

Average Pay: $18.00/hour
NOC: 4413

Wage information can be found at https://explorecareers.novascotia.ca/occupation/206

Program Outline

Please click on the course title to see the course description.

In this module, the learner will discuss and learn skills needed for communication and collaboration within an inclusive education setting. There will be a look at various observation and documentation tools and how to objectively record information. There will be a focus on professional communication and collaboration, examining policies and procedures within RCEs in Nova Scotia. The module will also examine the roles of LST and Specialists within our system and how the TA may support them (i.e. SLP, Psych, Specialists, Schools Plus, Student Support Workers, and others).

This module introduces the learner to the development of inclusive education in Nova Scotia. It will examine the Inclusive Education Policy and discuss Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy, and the role of the TA within these. Learners will also examine essential foundations for learning which include Mental Health, well-being, and the issue of trauma, especially the historical roots of trauma in families, including newcomers/immigrants, First Nations, and African Nova Scotian communities.

This Module introduces the learner to elements of personal safety as well as provides learners with the necessary training they will require to meet the physical, medical, and social-emotional needs of the students they will be working with. They will also focus on the acquisition of skills and competencies for how to maintain their health and well-being while working with students. Opportunities will be provided for practical, hands-on training, as well as certification in WHMIS, Standard First Aid/CPR (Level C), and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training. Learners will also gain an understanding of the Provincial guidelines, policies, and protocols for safely administering medications, as well as how to follow Plans of Care for students.

This module introduces the learner to the many learning differences which may be encountered in the school setting and the barriers students face to the curriculum. They will look at the diverse strengths and challenges that these differences present to the student and to their families and at the impact these may have on a student's well-being and achievement. The module will also introduce various terms used in Nova Scotia education and how these are used in programming.

This module will introduce and familiarize the learner with the use of the most current forms of accessible technology and assistive technology services to reduce barriers to learning for students. The lessons, activities, and hands-on learning format will allow the learner to become familiar with various operating systems, a range of assistive devices, apps, extensions, and software often used in the classroom and other learning environments. Universal Design for Learning principles will be discussed and considered within the context of the use and application of appropriate Accessible and Assistive Technology to enhance performance and ensure all students can engage in independent access to any given task.

Upon completion of this module, the learner will have an overall view of the study of human development, learning about the transition from conception to birth, and the many milestones that cross the lifespan until adolescence. Physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development will be examined, giving learners an understanding of the factors that influence each, and an appreciation of the importance of early foundational support.

This module provides the learner with an introduction to basic communication skills required by workplaces within schools. The learner is introduced to concepts in interpersonal communication, written communication and documentation, and basic computer applications used in today’s workplace. There will be an examination of the role of social media in today’s society and its implications. The learner will also explore effective job search techniques

Admissions Requirements

Standard Admissions Policy:

Grade 12 or GED equivalent
Admissions Interview

Mature Student Admissions Policy:

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age and have been out of school for at least one year
Demonstrate the necessary numeracy and literacy skills which may be documented in an assessment tool such as TOWES

In addition to the above, applicants must also provide the following:

Vulnerable Sector Check – must be completed within six months of acceptance into the program
Child Abuse Registry Check
Criminal Record Check
Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the official language in which the program is delivered (English)

This program is an excellent fit for:

Someone who's great with kids and families.
Someone who's passionate about inspiring the brilliant minds of the future!
Someone who is attentive, gentle, and nurturing.

Why choose the Teacher Assistant program?

Join a career that's in high demand and will always be needed.
Become part of an educational community.
Lifetime career services!

Save time & money

Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
With career support for life with CBBC Career College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!

Your future is our priority

Start school NOW with most program intakes happening frequently (no need to wait!)
No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
We take a student-centric approach to learning, with small class sizes to empower you to collaborate with your peers and receive more attentive support from your instructors.

Career-relevant education

Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
Most CBBC Career College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified CBBC Career College graduates!

Become a Teacher Assistant

Sydney Campus

Program Length:

24 Weeks

Program Hours:

730

Sydney:

April 8, 2024

September 16, 2024

Request Brochure

Become a Teacher Assistant

Education is constantly changing with the implementation of the all-inclusive classroom. As a result, there is a growing need for support staff in the classroom. The Teacher Assistant program includes both academic and practical work-term study. The work placement applies the academic techniques taught in the classroom and allows feedback. This program is excellent for someone wishing to work with children in a public school setting.

The Teacher Assistant program designed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to meet the needs of the Nova Scotia School Board is a great fit for someone who:

Loves working with children
Wants to see children succeed in their education
Likes the idea of working one-on-one with students
Wants a consistent work schedule
Likes variety in their position

Working with kids of all ages isn’t always easy, but it’s also extremely rewarding. We all have a teacher or someone who worked in our schools as a kid who was special to us. That one person who took a bit of extra time and made us feel loved and supported. That person can be you!

Teacher Assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction. Assistants may also help students with research skills or help teachers by grading tests, checking homework, and taking attendance.

There are many varied day-to-day tasks for a teacher assistant and many opportunities for them within a school or grade level. For example, some teacher assistants work only with special education students. These students often attend regular classes, and teacher assistants help them understand the material and adapt the information to their learning style. With students who have more severe disabilities, assistants may work with them both in regular classes and separate classes. Teacher assistants may help these students with basic needs, such as feeding or personal hygiene. Young adults may help students with disabilities learn the skills necessary to find a job after graduation.

It’s also possible to specialize within a subject or area of learning. For example, as a teacher assistant, you may work in the computer lab, teaching students how to use computers and helping them use the software. Or you may work as a recess or lunchroom attendant, supervising students during these times.

In addition to earning your Teacher Assistant diploma, you will also earn the following certificates:

Workplace Health Management Information Systems (WHMIS)
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Food Handlers Safety
Mental Health First Aid