Continuing Education Programs and Courses

Educational Assistant

Educational Assistant (formerly known as the Teacher Assistant Program) is a certificate program that provides the knowledge and skill development needed to assist the classroom teacher in inclusive educational settings with children and youth who have diverse learning needs. It combines theory and practical application for elementary and secondary age students in the K-12 school system.

You will be introduced to various learning styles and the adaptations required in assisting special needs students to reach their full educational potential. You will be prepared to reinforce student learning and support developmental and behavioural tasks. You will also learn how to address the personal needs of students. You will study:

social, emotional and cognitive development
health and wellness promotion
the role and responsibilities of being an educational assistant
how to support the teacher in particular subject areas
communication skills
classroom management techniques and crisis prevention
awareness of cultures
family dynamics
exceptionalities

As an educational assistant, you will support and assist in establishing ahealthy learning environment so that all children and youth may achieve their potential. A practicum provides hands-on experience and assures that you have the opportunity to use your skills in a real world setting.

This program is available in full through distance and/or continuing education. The program is available full-time at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon and SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina. For complete program information, check the program page.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit may be options for receiving credit. For further information see the PLAR candidate guide (pdf) or the transfer credit page.

Basic Care Skills (PERS 180)

You will study fundamental personal care skills for daily living while integrating basic concepts of respect, safety and rehabilitation. Opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills will be provided. You will study skills needed for assisting in feeding, toileting, grooming, lifting and transferring. You will be introduced to skills needed which support individuals to maintain optimal levels of independence.

Prerequisites: Health Promotion

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Behaviour Principles and Practices (MGMT 281)

You will be introduced to an overview of the behavioral change process. You will examine the principles and theories of behavior management. You will look at behavioural intervention strategies to increase or decrease desired behaviour. The value of functional behavioural assessments in managing disruptive behaviour will be reviewed. You will study practical guidelines and techniques for working with normal and exceptional children and youth. You will have the opportunity to select, implement, and evaluate a behavioural change project intended to modify a personal goal. You will discuss the benefits of an integrated perspective with dealing with parents and managing behavioural issues in the community.

Fee: $355, 40 hours/7 weeks (Prince Albert, Regina), $345, 40 hours/20 weeks (print), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-395	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Child and Adolescent Development (HUMD 100)

Your studies will focus on the period of development from conception to adolescence. You will receive information about the effects of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and adolescents. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality and methods of studying human behaviour.

Fee: $355, 45 hours/20 weeks (print), $390, 45 hours/8 weeks (Wascana, Woodland), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-399	January 7, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-394	February 4, 2013 - June 21, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-1065	March 4, 2013 - July 19, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Crisis Prevention (SFTY 184)

You will learn strategies for crisis prevention and be introduced to the model of Crisis Intervention. You will explore the role of self awareness, triggers and response patterns in conflict situations. You will learn techniques and skills to resolve conflict without the use of force. You will demonstrate the skills of crisis prevention by doing a five minute role play. The role and purpose of crisis debriefing will be discussed and reviewed.

Out of province students please call (306) 659-4034 (Saskatoon)

Fee: $210 20 hours/8 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-392	April 15, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Mandatory workshop in Saskatoon: Jun 1, Sa, 9 am-5 pm, SIAST Kelsey Campus, Room 144 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Culture and Diversity (CLTR 180)

You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of differences in society.

Fee: $355 45 hours/20 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-393	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Educational Assistant Certificate Practicum 1 (PRAC 174)

You will participate in a six-week practicum in a K-6 or a grade 7-12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, you will work in basic subject areas with individuals or small groups.

You must be assessed for practicum readiness by practicum advisor prior to registration.
Practicums in Regina and Prince Albert are arranged on an individual basis; call (306)775-7468 in Regina or (306)765-1781 in Prince Albert

Prerequisites: Supporting Instruction 1, Roles and Responsibilities, Studies of Exceptionality A, Behaviour Principles and Practices

Fee: $819 194 hours/6 weeks

CRN	Start Date	Location
	Delivered between September 1, 2011 and June 15, 2012 on an individual basis Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Regina
CRN: 09-104	October 1, 2012 - June 14, 2013 Register in Prince Albert or call 1-866-goSIAST	Prince Albert
CRN: 09-127	January 1, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Regina

Educational Assistant Certificate Practicum 2 (PRAC 175)

Prerequisites: Educational Assistant Certificate Practicum 1, completion of all Educational Assistant theory courses

Fee: $819 194 hours/6 weeks

CRN	Start Date	Location
	Delivered between September 1, 2011 and June 15, 2012 on an individual basis Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Regina
CRN: 09-105	October 1, 2012 - June 14, 2013 Register in Prince Albert or call 1-866-goSIAST	Prince Albert
CRN: 09-129	January 1, 2013 - June 29, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Regina

Family Dynamics (FMLY 181)

You will examine the dynamics of the Canadian family, the influence of family background on the individuals and the challenges faced by families of today.

Fee: $345, 40 hours/20 weeks (print), $355 (Woodland), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-132	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-1068	April 1, 2013 - August 16, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Health Promotion (HLTH 184)

The course presents a holistic approach to wellness with a focus on personal health. You will receive instruction in the lifestyle practices that promote health and wellness. You will study work place safety practices and have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in practical skills necessary for worker and client safety.

Fee: $315, 30 hours/18 weeks (print), $290 (Wascana), Additional costs: Text with DVD and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-390	January 21, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Interpersonal Skills (HUMR 186)

You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviours that facilitate client interactions.

Out of province students please call (306) 659-4034 (Saskatoon)

Fee: $390, 45 hours/8 weeks (Woodland), $355, 45 hours/20 weeks (print), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-891	April 22, 2013 - June 13, 2013 M&Th, 6:45-9:45 pm, No class May 20 Register in Prince Albert or call 1-866-goSIAST	Prince Albert
CRN: 03-389	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Mandatory workshop in Saskatoon: Jun 8, Sa, 9 am-5 pm, SIAST Kelsey Campus, Room 144/146 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-891	April 22, 2013 - June 13, 2013 M&Th, 6:45-9:45 pm, No class May 20 Register in Prince Albert or call 1-866-goSIAST	Prince Albert
CRN: 03-389	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Mandatory workshop in Saskatoon: Jun 8, Sa, 9 am-5 pm, SIAST Kelsey Campus, room 144 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Roles and Responsibilities (HUMR 180)

Your studies will focus on the responsibilities of teacher assistants and their relationship with classroom teachers and other professionals. You will explore the legal and ethical implications of your role as a teacher assistant and develop an understanding of the importance of professional behaviour.

Fee: $345, 40 hours/20 weeks (print), $355, 40 hours/8 weeks (Woodland), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-133	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Studies of Exceptionality A (SPSY 281)

You will be provided with an introduction to the area of exceptionalities. You will discuss issues and trends in the field and problems associated with defining and identifying individuals with exceptionalities. You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: speech and language differences, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and giftedness. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities.

Same text used for both Studies of Exceptionality A and B

Fee: $355 45 hours/20 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-400	January 14, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Studies of Exceptionality B (SPSY 282)

This course is a continuation of Studies of Exceptionality A (SPSY 281). You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality; behavioural disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, special health care needs, neurological disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and severe and multiple disabilities. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities. You will review the needs of adolescents and young adults as they make the transition from schools and family homes into the community.

Same text used for both Studies of Exceptionality A and B

Prerequisites: Studies of Exceptionality A

Fee: $355 45 hours/20 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-385	February 11, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Supporting Instruction 1 (EDUC 180)

The course provides an introduction to individual learning styles and other factors that influence learning differences in students. You will learn strategies that facilitate student learning including instructional approaches, class room management and effective observation and recording.

Fee: $395 60 hours/24 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-130	March 11, 2013 - August 23, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Supporting Instruction 2 (EDUC 181)

The course focuses on providing assistance in language arts (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and basic mathematics. You will expand your knowledge of strategies to provide developmental and remedial programs under a teacher’s supervision.

Prerequisites: Supporting Instruction 1

Fee: $370 50 hours/22 weeks, Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials