If you’re seeking a career that allows you to make a positive impact on young ones, perhaps you’ve considered becoming an educational assistant. In addition to relating well to children and being concerned about their well-being, you’ll need to possess a set of specialized skills that you’ll develop with support from our educational assistant diploma program. They will enable you to meet the many demands of this important role. 

Educational assistants support teachers in a classroom setting to ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. They must collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals to help the students. This is done by creating and implementing individualized, and group instruction plans to help students reach their academic and developmental goals. Keep reading to learn about three crucial skills you’ll acquire in training that will adequately prepare you to help educate the newest generation. 

1. Develop an Understanding of Common Learning Disabilities

As an educational assistant, your main objective is to ensure that no student is left behind. Traditional instruction methods don’t always make this easy, as not all students are able to process information the same way. Learning disabilities are among the most commonly diagnosed disabilities for young children. In educational assistant training, you will learn about common learning disabilities, which will help you to understand and assist special needs students. Some of the most common learning disabilities are dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. You will also learn how to manage these learning disabilities and how to teach in such a way that resonates with your special needs students.

2. Hone Your Behavioural Intervention Skills in Educational Assistant Training

Children with developing brains are prone to behavioural disturbances that must be handled correctly in order to ensure that lessons are not disrupted. Behavioural intervention involves the ability to recognize and address challenging behaviours, such as defiance, tantrums, or aggression. These competencies will be an extremely valuable asset throughout your educational assistant career, as you’ll be well-equipped to de-escalate situations where a child is overwhelmed by their emotions which can often occur in a classroom setting. Behavioural intervention micro-skills include modelling positive behaviours, positive reinforcement, and facilitating smooth transitions from one activity to the next. As an educational assistant, you may be required to assist with behavioural intervention plans to address concerning and repetitive behavioural patterns in students.

Educational assistant training will grow your behavioural intervention skills

3. Master Instructional Support Techniques

One of your principal roles as an educational assistant will be to assist teachers with lessons. You may take over a lesson when a teacher becomes occupied with a pressing task. You may also provide extra assistance by ensuring that children understand class material during independent work time. After career college, you may also be responsible for helping children navigate educational technology tools and other classroom resources. In addition to the skills discussed above, our educational assistant diploma program prepares you for professional success through hands-on learning with our 120-hour practicum component.