SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
Applying for Fall (September) 2007? Click here for updated program information
The Special Education Teacher Assistant (SETA) Certificate Program is being offered in cooperation with the Delta, Richmond, Langley, and Surrey School Districts. This 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, behavioural, and learning support to students with diverse needs.
The program is completed in two years of part-time study on the Richmond Campus or one year of full-time study on the Langley Campus. Part-time students attend classes two evenings per week and alternate Saturdays from September through May over two years. Full-time students attend classes during the day or evening from September through May over one year.
To integrate the knowledge and skills learned in the program, all students complete two four-week, full-time practicum in the schools over the course of their studies. During this period, a student will observe, assist, and work with children and/or adolescents with diverse needs under the guidance and supervision of professional staff.
Graduates of the SETA Program find employment in elementary and secondary schools in B.C. as teacher assistants supporting students with diverse learning, behavioural, and personal care needs.
In addition to the general Kwantlen University College admission requirements (see exceptions below), prospective applicants must have completed:
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Grade 12 or the equivalent. Grade 12 equivalencies could consist of ACP Provincial Diploma or the GED ("Adult Dogwood")
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Approximately 100 hours of successful experience working or volunteering with children, preferably in the schools. (Applicants must submit two letters from employers or responsible persons in the community certifying this experience)
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English 12 (minimum C) or equivalent
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Participation in a small group interview session (usually held in January)
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Criminal Record Search to be completed prior to Practicum 1 (SETA 1270)
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Attendance at an information session (usually held in January)
Applicants are assessed on the basis of prerequisite fulfillment, and those who fully qualify for entry will then receive permission to register in the program according to their application date.
(Curriculum currently under review)
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TERM ONE / YEAR ONE
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SETA 1100 Introduction to Inclusive Education
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SETA 1161 Change and Development: Childhood
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SETA 1111 Interpersonal Communication Skills - Level 1
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SETA 1105 Working with Students
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SETA 1220 Introduction to Practice as a Teacher Assistant
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SETA 1205 Introduction to Diversity in Learners
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SETA 1270 Practicum 1
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CMNS 1110 Introduction to Business and Technical Writing
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TERM TWO / YEAR TWO
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SETA 1162 Change and Development: Adolescence through Adulthood
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SETA 1112 Interpersonal Communication Skills - Level 2
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SETA 1280 Health and Personal Care Support for Teacher Assistant
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CSWC 1330 Supporting Learning III (Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviour)
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SETA 1305 Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools
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SETA 1370 Practicum Two
This program consists of 856 hours of study for a total of 36 semester credit hours.
Fees are assessed on a per credit basis at $135.25 per credit. In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a first-time application fee of $40.00 or a reapplication fee of $20.00, as well as student association fees for each course. The total cost of program fees is approximately $5100.00.
Other costs include the purchase of textbooks and course materials for approximately $300.00 per year for part-time students, $300.00 per term for full-time students.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded a Certificate in Special Education Teacher Assistant.