An In-Depth Guide to the Roles of an Education Assistant
By: Suzanne Adams
Published On:
July 19, 2022
Across Canada, EAs assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and other school activities. They work under the supervision of one teacher or several different teachers, work independently with students or in the classroom, work with a particular student or a group of students, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Depending on the province, school district and school, your specific role will be set up for you.
Below is a listing of all the possible roles or tasks you could be responsible for after completing a teaching assistant course.
Instructional Support
Provide assistance in all curriculum areas/one-on-one or in small groups as directed by the teacher
Help with organizing notebooks, timetables, agendas and lockers
Scribe notes from board, scribe and read exams for students as required
Working with the teachers to modify and adapt the program for individual students
Assist in the implementation of IEP or IPP goals and adaptive devices
Provide support for students utilizing various educational software packages
Providing assistance in communication needs in the school (ASL, assistive tech, devices)
Behaviour
Under direction of the teacher, observes, charts, and monitors individual student progress and behaviour
Assist the teacher in maintaining a safe and secure environment for both students and staff through the application of Positive Behaviour Support, de-escalation strategies and non-violent physical intervention techniques
Provide behavioural management assistance for students with behavioural challenges (implementing predetermined non-aversive disciplinary methods)
Give support to the student and assist with classroom discipline
Student Assistance and Personal Care (EAs are trained by health unit nurses for a specific student)
Assist student with personal care and hygiene, which may include food preparation, dressing, grooming, toileting
Feed assistance (spoon or tube feeding), lifting and handling of medically fragile students
Catheterization
Respiratory therapy interventions, physiotherapy interventions and other medically related tasks
Toileting and diapering for students who are physically dependent
Monitor feeding, tube feeding and breathing apparatuses, seizure management
Operate specialized equipment to support instruction for students with physical care needs (wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, toilets, commodes)
Help student with speech language difficulties, as instructed by Speech Pathologist
Update progress on a daily basis for IEP/IPP purposes
Provide physiotherapy program as directed
Model and practice speech
Liaise with members of Assistive Technology Team to monitor progress and use of devices
Communication and Reporting
As requested by the teacher, communicate observation regarding health and behaviours to the teacher (logs, charts, data sheets, sub-book)
Participate in student team conferences when requested by the teacher
Under the direction of the classroom teacher, maintain a home-school communication book
Assist Teacher/Classroom Preparation
Modify and prepare materials for special needs student
Ensure equipment and facilities are kept in a clean, safe, orderly manner
Assist in marking, testing, and filing of students work
Supervise Students
Supervise and assist students in preparing for special activities (swimming lessons, skating, etc)
Supervise playground, classroom
Supervise small groups on field trips
If qualified, assist students boarding and disembarking from buses
Student Personal Development
Assist in building the self-esteem and self-confidence of students
Encourage students to participate in classroom activities to build social skills
Provide and encourage routine and repetitive personal care to students
Administer first aid as required
If you would enjoy helping children and aiding their development, look no further than this fantastic career. Ashton College’s education assistant program provides an in-depth education to best prepare students for this challenging but fulfilling field.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.