Special Education Teacher Assistant Certificate

Program Overview:

The Special Education Teacher Assistant (S.E.T.A.) program prepares students for a variety of careers in schools, institutions and other workplace settings.

SETA’s provide support in training and/or education involving basic life skills support and academic support in subjects requiring an understanding of the course curriculum content and learning concepts. Various alternative communication techniques may also be included. Assistants help classroom teachers in the implementation of behaviour programs that assist with the severely behaviourally challenged to achieve specific goals. Personal care assistance may be required.

The Program includes both theoretical studies and practical applications of the role of the Education Assistant. This program is designed for completion in one year.

Classes are scheduled for evenings and Saturdays. Students must also be available for a three-week practicum placement during the day in a school arranged by RMC. PLEASE NOTE, the practicum may be extended to 4 weeks in the 2012 -2013 term. You can expect between 1 and 3 evenings of course work a week, Monday – Thursday, depending on the time of the year, and several Saturday workshops. There are no classes on Saturdays that fall near a statutory holiday.

Program duration is approximately 460 hours. Application for admission is required and attendance at the application session is mandatory. Program duration: Minimum 400 plus hours (completed within school year – September through May)

Admission Requirements:

• Registration form for the application session must completed on Friday June 7, 2013 (a limited number of registrations are accepted on a first come – first served basis, see below). There is a $28 application fee to be paid at registration.
• Once accepted at registration, applicants are required to attend the Application Session Friday, June 14, 2013, please bring all relevant documentation as below:
  • Grade 12 (G.E.D. not accepted), copy of diploma or transcript.
  • Volunteer time and/or appropriate work experience (100 hours) – ideally, volunteer or work experience would be in a school setting, though experience with special needs individuals in other supported goal-oriented environments can apply: for example, formal recreation programs, group homes, pre-school or after school programs. Parents of special needs children would benefit from some volunteer time in a school setting.
  • Criminal record check – required for practicum placements. This can be supplied after you have been accepted to the program, though if you have a current CRC on hand you may bring it to the application session.
  • English and math skills assessment, performed at the application session. A writing sample will be taken.
  • Two professional references – written. These are not personal references; if you have volunteered in a school setting, we recommend references from the school administration, teachers and support teachers. Relevant employer references are accepted as well – for example: group home, care facilities or after school programs.
  • Bring documentation, references and a calculator to the application session.