Special Education Teacher Assistant: Certificate
Description
The Special Education Teacher Assistant (SETA) Certificate program prepares students for a variety of paraprofessional duties in schools. Special education teacher assistants work in Kindergarten through Grade 12 and assist teachers in providing personal care, behavioral, and learning support to students with diverse needs.
The program is completed in one year of full-time study on the Langley Campus or two years of part-time study on the Richmond Campus. Full-time students attend classes during the day from September through May over one year. Part-time students attend classes two evenings per week and alternate Saturdays from September through May over two years. Course delivery is largely face to face with some blended and online learning.
To integrate the knowledge and skills learned in the program, all students complete two four-week, full-time practicums in the schools over the course of their studies, one in an elementary school and one in a secondary school. During this time, a student will observe, assist, and work with children and adolescents with diverse needs under the guidance and supervision of professional staff.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the SETA program find employment in elementary and secondary schools in B.C. as education assistants supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and personal care needs. The SETA Certificate is accepted as a qualification by all of the school districts in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and province-wide.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.
- The SETA English proficiency requirement, which can be met through one of the following:
- A grade of “C” in one of the following courses (or equivalent from another school system):
- English 12
- English Literature 12
- English 12 First Peoples
- IB English A1 or A2 (HL or SL)
- English 12 from a completed Adult Dogwood Diploma
- A minimum grade of "A" in Communications 12
- Completion of one of:
- ENGQ 1098 with a minimum grade of "C" (or transferable equivalent)
- ELST 0281 or ABEE 0081 with a minimum grade of "B-" (or transferable equivalent)
- ENGL 1100 (or transferable equivalent)
- One of the following testing options:
- KPU Placement Test into one of: ENGQ 1099, ABEE 0091, ABEE 0092 or ELST 0381
- LPI Essay score of 26 Level 4
- Internet based TOEFL (iBT) score of 80 (taken within the last two years)
- Paper-based TOEFL 550 with TWE 4.5 (taken within the last two years)
- IELTS Academic Module overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band (taken within the last two years)
- A grade of “C” in one of the following courses (or equivalent from another school system):
- Grade 12 or the equivalent. Grade 12 equivalencies could consist of the Adult Provincial Diploma or the GED
- Approximately 100 hours of successful experience volunteering or working with children or youth, preferably in the schools. (Applicants must submit two letters from employers or responsible persons in the community certifying this experience.)
- Attendance at an information session
- Participation in a small group meeting with Coordinator or designate
- Criminal Record review issued by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
- If you are not a Canadian citizen, you are required to secure a Criminal Record Search with the Vulnerable Sector from your country of origin. Note that your Criminal Record Search must be mailed directly from the issuing agency to Kwantlen Polytechnic University Admissions.
Program Requirements
This program consists of 890 hours of study for a total of 39 semester credits. Credits from the SETA program are accepted for transfer into select degree programs.
Note: ECHS and SETA courses are assessed Tuition Category 2.a.2 tuition and fees for domestic students.
Term One
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All of: |
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| CMNS 1216 | Writing for the Specialized Workplace 1 | 1.5 credits | |
| ECHS 1125 | Principles of Observation | 1.5 credits | |
| ECHS 1130 | Interpersonal Communications 1 | 2 credits | |
| ECHS 1135 | Essentials to Person-Centered Practice | 3 credits | |
| SETA 1101 | Including Diverse Learners in Schools | 3 credits | |
| SETA 1105 | Supporting Learning in Schools | 3 credits | |
| SETA 1120 | Principles of Proactive and Positive Behaviour Support | 2 credits | |
| SETA 1161 | Change and Development: Childhood | 1.5 credits | |
Term Two
|
All of: |
|||
| CAHS 2120 | Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 2.5 credits | |
| CMNS 1217 | Writing for the Specialized Workplace 2 | 1.5 credits | |
| ECHS 1230 | Interpersonal Communications 2 | 2 credits | |
| SETA 1162 | Change and Development: Adolescence through Middle Adulthood | 1.5 credits | |
| SETA 1225 | Alternative and Augmentative Communication | 1.5 credits | |
| SETA 1270 | Practicum One | 3.5 credits | |
| SETA 1280 | Health and Personal Care Support for Teacher Assistants | 2.5 credits | |
| SETA 1305 | Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools | 3 credits | |
Term Three
| SETA 1370 | Practicum Two | 3.5 credits |
Other Information
Costs
In addition to tuition fees, students will be required to pay a first-time application fee or a re-application fee, as well as student association fees and other institutional fees for each course. For more information, visit the fees section of the online calendar.
Other costs include the purchase of textbooks and course materials for approximately $350.00 for 2 semesters for full-time students, $300.00 per year for part-time students. There is also a $20.00 fee associated with the Criminal Record Checks. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to practicum placements. Fees are subject to change without notice.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate in Special Education Teacher Assistant.
