GFE-E1 - Educational Assistant - Job Description

Immediate Supervisor: Principal

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Certification can be obtained by completing one of the following programs:

• Educational Assistant Program Diploma (University of Winnipeg) 

• Educational Assistant Certificate (Red River College)

• Education Assistant Program (Assiniboine Community College)

• Teacher Aide Program (ICS Canada)

• Teacher Aide Program (Stratford Career Institute)

Non-Certification 

Senior Years graduation or eligibility for Educational Assistant training.  Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge and Skills

1. Special interest in, and empathy for children and the learning process;

2. Must enjoy working with children and youth and have a basic understanding of their needs;

3. Maintain confidentiality in ways necessary to protect the privacy and integrity of all persons and data;

4. Have a pleasant, outgoing, and patient disposition; 

5. Must exhibit a willingness to accept guidance and supervision from the professional staff.

Types of Work Experience

Demonstrated ability to work with children and youth (i.e., school volunteer work, work with community organizations involving children and youth).

Summary of Responsibilities

1. Be aware of the Educational Assistant Handbook and specific duties outlined by their principal, resource teacher, or classroom teacher.

2. Educational Assistants are employed by the Division on a case-specific basis to supplement the regular instructional program, working under the direction of a Classroom Teacher, Resource Teacher or a Clinician.

3. Work towards increasing the school success of designated students – either by assisting the Classroom Teachers where the students are placed, or by working directly with the designated students in or out of the classroom.

4. Maintain confidentiality with respect to all school and program information, and show a sense of discretion that respects the privacy and integrity of all persons and data;

5. Provide positive reinforcement to individual students with respect to their performance in programs, in order to enhance their self-concept and confidence; 

6. Function as a positive role model in order to foster the development of desirable traits and habits in individual students;

7. Adhere to Classroom or Resource Teacher’s and/or Clinicians’ approaches to expectations, discipline, and interaction with individual students;

8. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills with students, staff, and community;

9. Be reliable;

10. Be flexible, as expectations may change with varying needs;

11. Keep a log of activities and observations; and be prepared to communicate same with the educational team;

12. Will be willing to accept guidance and supervision from the professional staff and follow appropriate lines of communication;

13. The specific duties of Educational Assistants will vary between positions. The duties are dependent on the program plan developed by the educational team.

14. If Educational Assistants become aware of a threat or if a threat is made to them, they must report it to their principal immediately.

15. If Educational Assistants have reason to suspect that a child or youth has suffered or is suffering from abuse, they are required by law to report this information to Child and Family Services (usually by telephone).  The Educational Assistant may seek assistance from the principal when completing the “Follow-up to Oral Report of Suspected Child Abuse” form in JLI-E1.  (This form is also located in the School Emergency Preparedness Binder.)