Williams Lake Campus
Education Assistant and Community Support
The Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate (EACS) is an eight-month employment-ready program that prepares students for careers that provide support and service to children, youth or adults with exceptionalities. Students are prepared to work as an education assistant in British Columbian school districts or in communities as support workers.
The program includes a fieldwork practicum in the winter semester. Practicum placements are offered in many different schools and community agencies.
Graduates from the Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate may ladder directly into year two of the Human Service Diploma program. At TRU Williams Lake, EACS is used as year one of the Human Service Diploma program.
Intake date
The EACS program in Williams Lake offers one intake every year, beginning in September.
Learning options
Full-time and part-time study. The program is offered on a full-time basis (five courses per semester) over eight months. Part-time study is also available; most part-time students take two or three courses per semester over two years. The Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate is not available online through TRU Open Learning, although some courses may be available by distance. Please contact the TRU Williams Lake Academic Advisor for more details.
Educational requirements
- Grade 12 (or equivalent) or Mature Student Status
- English 12/English 12 First Peoples 73% (B)
General requirements
- Citizenship: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years old as of Dec. 31 of their fall semester in order to meet the expectations of a criminal record check for practicum placement
- Two letters of reference
- Immunization record
EDCS 1540 Interpers Commun/Interpers Relation (3,0,0) EDCS 1540 Interpers Commun/Interpers Relation (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Self-awareness is a foundation for the development of competent human service workers. By focusing on personal development this course offers an opportunity to learn and use interpersonal communication skills effectively. Students will also be introduced to knowledge and skills that increase effectiveness in helping relationships with client populations. Topics such as group dynamics, assertive behavior and conflict management will be covered.
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EDCS 1580 Introduction to Inclusive Practices in School and Community (3,0,0) EDCS 1580 Introduction to Inclusive Practices in School and Community (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the field of inclusive community and education support, including personal and professional values and ethics and self-care. Students will identify the key features of inclusive support roles in school and community environments.
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EDCS 1640 Foundations of Educational and Community Support (3,0,0) EDCS 1640 Foundations of Educational and Community Support (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students will develop a critical awareness of disability and the learning and support needs of people with disabilities in school and community. Students investigate person-centered, strength-based strategies and barriers to social inclusion and education.
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EDCS 1650 Principles of Behavior (3,0,0) EDCS 1650 Principles of Behavior (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course introduces students to strength-based, educational approaches to understanding challenging behavior with a focus on pro-active, reflexive, emotionally and culturally safe practice.
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EDCS 1660 Health Care Principles (3,0,1) EDCS 1660 Health Care Principles (3,0,1)Credits: 3 credits This course overviews the theory and application of preventive health care planning and personal care principles. Areas of study include body mechanics, basic anatomy and physiology of body systems, nutrition, recognition of illness, referral procedures to health care services and issues related to basic pharmacology. Ethical and legal concepts of human service work in relation to health care practice will be discussed.
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EDCS 1680 Field Work (0,16,0) EDCS 1680 Field Work (0,16,0)Credits: 4 credits Students complete a practicum in either a school or community setting that offers supports for individuals with disabilities. This course requires students to be in a scheduled placement and to attend a weekly two-hour practicum seminar. Practicum placements are designed to provide supervised experiences that reinforce and apply learning from other program courses.
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EDCS 1750 Alternative and Augmentative Communication (3,0,0) EDCS 1750 Alternative and Augmentative Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course introduces students to a range of communication strategies used in working with children and adults who have limited or not verbal skills. Technological supports for communication will be introduced.
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Inquiries and Advising
Phone: 250-392-8000
Email: williamslake@tru.ca
Admissions
Phone: 250-392-8020
Email: wladmissions@tru.ca
