Special Education Teacher Assistant
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, behavioural, 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.
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 teacher assistants supporting students with diverse learning, behavioural, and personal care needs. The SETA Certificate is accepted as a qualification by all of the school districts in the Lower Mainland.
Entrance Requirements
In addition to the general Kwantlen admission requirements, including the English Proficiency requirement, prospective applicants must have completed:
- 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 search to be completed within three months of the first practicum (SETA 1270 – Practicum 1)
- Effective May 1, 2010, 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. Please note that your Criminal Record Search must be mailed directly from the issuing agency to Kwantlen Polytechnic University Admissions.
Please note that not all of the requirements listed above need to be submitted at the time of application. Please contact Enrolment and Registrar Services for further information.
Content
Term One / Year One
- ECHS 1135 Essentials to Person-Centred Practice
- ECHS 1125 Principles of Observation
- ETA 1101 Including Diverse Learners in Schools
- SETA 1161 Change & Development: Childhood
- SETA 1105 Supporting Learning in Schools
- SETA 1120 Principles of Proactive Behaviour Support
- ECHS 1112 Interpersonal Communications One
- ECHS 1114 Communications for Caring Professionals
- CMNS 1216 Writing for the Specialized Workplace (One)
Term Two / Year Two
- SETA 1270 Practicum One
- SETA 1162 Change & Development: Adolescence through Middle Adulthood
- CAHS 2120 Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- SETA 1225 Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- SETA 1280 Health & Personal Care Support for Teacher Assistants
- SETA 1305 Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools
- ECHS 1212 Interpersonal Communications Two
- CMNS 1217 Writing for the Specialized Workplace (Two)
Term Three / Year Two
This program consists of 890 hours of study for a total of 37.5 semester credits. Credits from the SETA program are accepted for transfer into select degree programs.
Costs
Fees are assessed on a per credit basis at $146.37 In addition to tuition fees, students will be required to pay a first-time application fee of $40.00 or a re-application fee of $20.00, as well as student association fees and other institutional fees for each course.
Other costs include the purchase of textbooks and course materials for approximately $300.00 fir 2 semesters for full-time students, $300.00 per year for part-time students. Students are also responsible for providing their own transportation to practicum placements. Fees are subject to change without notice.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for a Certificate in Special Education Teacher Assistant.
