<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate prepares you to support individuals with acquired and or developmental disabilities both ethically and professionally in the context of home, school, work, and community settings. You'll also develop a practice framework that supports the rights of individuals with diverse needs, reflects a social model of disability and embraces a strengths based philosophy. Graduates work as part of a professional team in community, home, school, and day program settings to support children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities.

Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate

Camosun College

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1. High school graduation or equivalent 
2. English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (C+) or equivalent 


Academic Admission Requirement

1. Attend a scheduled Education Assistant and Community Support program Information Session.
2. Completion of 40 hours of volunteer/work experience in the related field (must be with individuals who have developmental disabilities in the community or school settings) within the past five years* 

3. Upon acceptance to the program, the following is required:
    - Criminal Record Check (Camosun will send you information on how to complete your Criminal Record Check after you have been accepted to your program.)

4. The following may be required by the practicum site:
    - Current immunizations as per the Practice Education Guidelines of BC.

*Note: the requirement of 40 hours of volunteer/work experience is being waived for the Fall 2024 and any potential offerings in Winter 2025 


Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. If you are unable to attend a scheduled information session, please contact the Program Leader.

2. Your volunteer experience must be with individuals in the community (school or otherwise) who have developmental disabilities such as intellectual, physical, sensory and/or brain-based disabilities. The purpose of this is to ensure that you have had some experience with the individuals that the program is focused on in terms of practice in both the community or school settings.

Note: The volunteering setting must be related to disability. In addition, if you have a family member with a disability, this could count towards half of the required hours.

Admission Advice

Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended.

If you are a current Grade 12 at a Canadian high school, you can apply for conditional admission between September and May.

Verify directly with Camosun. 

When you are ready to apply, use our [pre-application checklist](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/go/resources) to make sure you have everything you need, and visit our [How-to guides page](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/help) for more information.

Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate

Camosun College

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