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 Human Service Professional Practice (3,0,0) EDCS 1580 Introduction to Human Service Professional Practice (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to professional human service practice. Topics include professional values, ethics, conduct, and strategies for self-care. Specific to the field of education assistant and community support, students learn about their professional roles in school and community environments.
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EDCS 1640 Foundations of Education Assistant and Community Support Work (3,0,0) EDCS 1640 Foundations of Education Assistant and Community Support Work (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to the theory and perspectives related to supporting individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Students learn about historical movements, inclusive practices, and strategies for teaching. Specific exceptionalities, their characteristics, and etiology are also discussed.
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EDCS 1650 Understanding Behaviour: Learning for Independence (3,0,0) EDCS 1650 Understanding Behaviour: Learning for Independence (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course introduces students to non-aversive intervention strategies for dealing with problem behavior. Students will learn the role of team approach, individual program planning and ethics in the development of a behavior support plan. An educative approach to behavior change is emphasized.
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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 (0,2,14P) EDCS 1680 Field Work (0,2,14P)Credits: 4 credits This course requires students to be in the field two days per week and to attend weekly two hour practicum seminars. At this time such topics as team work, time management, advocacy, sexuality and family support for individuals with challenges will be discussed, in addition to practicum related issues/concerns. There will be a two week block fieldwork experience at the end of this course.
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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
