What an Educational Assistant Does + 4 Steps To Become One

Classroom environments are exciting — Teachers play a key role in fostering growth, education, and empathy in the next generation. If you’re craving a workplace environment where each day is full of potential and you have the opportunity to guide Canada’s youth, then a career as an Educational Assistant (EA) could be a fit.

Jobs in education are in high demand in Canada. We’ll help you learn what Educational Assistants do, determine if the role is right for you, and help you plan how to land a job in the classroom.

5 Core Educational Assistant Duties

Educational Assistants work in schools and classrooms as a resource for Teachers. Educational Assistants’ role is to support throughout lessons, supervise free time, enhance students’ experience, and help Teachers manage their classes.

Some core duties for this position include:

• Supervise free time: EAs help monitor students during classroom free time, recess, and field trips.
• Assist during lessons: EAs help manage disruptions during lessons and help teach sections under the Primary Teacher’s guidance.
• Advise small student groups: EAs meet with small groups of students for extra support or homework help. 
• Prepare lesson supplies: EAs help prepare supplies for lessons, such as worksheets, arts and crafts preparation, and more.
• Help create lesson plans: EAs help Teachers gather resources for lesson planning.

The role of an Educational Assistant is to help the classroom’s Teacher and students wherever they can. This can include working with children of different abilities one-on-one or in small groups, helping students with transitions during the day, and being a vital resource for the Teacher. 

A quality Education Program can help you build a strong foundation to be the best Educational Assistant possible.

Qualities and Skills of an Educational Assistant 

If you’re considering a career as an Educational Assistant, a few traits might make you an ideal candidate. Working in a classroom can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding for someone with the right skills and qualities:

Essential skills of an Educational Assistant:

• Knowledge about early childhood education 
• Leadership
• Lesson planning
• Emotional support and development
• Fine and gross motor skill development

Qualities that make a good Educational Assistant:

• Emotional intelligence
• Patience
• Organization
• Positive attitude
• Desire to work with children of different abilities

Some Educational Assistants have other specialized skills that focus on supporting students with different needs. For example, Educational Assistants might have educational backgrounds or certifications to work with neurodiverse children, children who speak other languages, children with developmental disabilities, and more. 

Educational Assistant Job Description Example

Classrooms can sometimes feel chaotic. As an Educational Assistant, think of yourself as the Teacher’s go-to person who helps keep the class functional. You should be able to think outside the box to help struggling students and be a consistent support resource for the Teacher.

When you’re looking for an Educational Assistant position, you might see something like the example job description below.

Example Educational Assistant Job Description:

We’re looking for an Educational Assistant to work with an experienced Teacher in an elementary school classroom. In this role, we expect you to arrive before the students do to help the Teacher prepare for the school day and assist with various tasks.

To succeed in this role, you should have excellent leadership skills and be confident working with students in small groups to review homework or provide extra lesson support. Applicants with experience working in classrooms with neurodivergent children are preferred.

Core responsibilities include:

• Preparing materials for lessons
• Assisting with lesson planning
• Conducting learning support for small groups of students
• Supervising recess
• Managing the classroom during lessons

Qualifications and skills:

• Post-secondary education is required
• Educational Assistant Diploma or equivalent is required
• Practical classroom experience is required
• Knowledge of assistive technology is preferred
• Experience assisting neurodivergent children is preferred

How To Become an Educational Assistant

To become an Educational Assistant in Canada, you’ll need to meet a few requirements before you can work in a classroom. We’ll dive into more detail about how you can:

• Research your preferred field and its requirements
• Complete the required education
• Get classroom experience
• Earn the necessary licensing

1. Research the Field and Local Requirements

The requirements to become an Educational Assistant will vary depending on the region and place of work. For example, working in a preschool classroom might only require a Secondary Degree and classroom experience, while working as an Educational Assistant in a school for deaf students may require a Degree in sign language.

Research the regulations in your province and desired field to determine what type of program and experience will make you the best candidate when you apply for Educational Assistant positions.

2. Complete Your Education 

In Canada, EAs must have a Secondary Degree. Most — but not all — positions will also require you to complete a 10-month college program in a related field, such as education or teaching assistance. If you’d like to work with a particular group, such as students with autism, you’ll need to gain related education and experience before securing an Educational Assistant position.

Robertson College’s Educational Assistant Program is an 11-month online program where you’ll learn about classroom management, early childhood development, educational technology, and more. You’ll also complete a 160-hour practicum as part of the program, so you’ll graduate with the right education and working experience to start your career.

3. Gain Classroom Experience

After gaining a formal education, you’ll need classroom hours to show practical experience before you become an Educational Assistant. Certificate and Diploma programs in fields such as Educational Assisting, Education, and Early Childhood Development typically include classroom hours. You can reference these hours on your applications to show experience. You can also volunteer in schools or other educational programming to gain experience.

4. Obtain Necessary Licensing 

The last thing you need before applying to become an Educational Assistant is to secure any relevant and necessary licensing. Requirements will vary depending on the region and position. For example, if you’d like to work in a school for deaf students, your potential employer may want to see licensing to work with children with special needs.

Browse job boards for positions that interest you and review their requirements to help determine which licenses you should apply for.

Average Educational Assistant Salary

In Canada, the median salary for an Educational Assistant is $23.56 per hour. The median hourly wage in Canada ranges from $19 in Nova Scotia to $35 in the Northwest Territories. 

Your potential wage depends on factors such as the location of the position and your level of education, past experience, and specialization. A career as an Educational Assistant can also be a stepping stone to a higher-paying position, such as a Speech Pathologist. 

See how much each region typically pays Educational Assistants below:

Let Robertson Assist You In Your Education Journey

Set yourself up for success with our Educational Assistant Program and earn a diploma that prepares you to take the next step in your career. Our intensive online coursework and 160-hour practicum provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in the workforce.

Contact admissions today and join the Robertson College School of Community Services to unlock your future as an Educational Assistant.

FAQ

What Does an Educational Assistant Do? 

Educational Assistants work in classrooms to support Teachers and foster a better learning environment for students. They assist during lessons, supervise free time, and work with students in small groups to provide a better education for students.

Is an Educational Assistant a Good Job?

An Educational Assistant is a great job choice for anyone interested in education and working with children. Whether you choose to become a Teacher later or prefer an assistant role, Educational Assistants can positively impact Canada’s youth.

How Much Do Educational Assistants Make?

The median salary for an Educational Assistant in Canada is $23.56 per hour. The median hourly wage for Educational Assistants in Canada ranges from $19 in Nova Scotia to $35 in the Northwest Territories. 

How Long Does it Take to Become an Educational Assistant?

It typically takes a minimum of two years to become an Educational Assistant in Canada. This includes time earning a Secondary Degree, completing an Educational Assistant program, and gaining practical experience before you can apply for a job.