The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) has recently launched a new pilot program designed to support the professional development of permanent unqualified Education Assistants (EAs) within the Board, known as the KPDSB EA Certification Program. Introduced by Chantal Moore, Superintendent of Education, the program aims to provide an innovative pathway for EAs to achieve KPDSB qualification through a combination of active service hours and professional development (PD) sessions.
Previously, EA qualifications at KPDSB schools were deemed qualified if a staff member had an Education Assistant Diploma from an accredited college program, or if they held a comparable degree in an area such as Social Work. With the KPDSB EA Certification Program, staff members will now have the option to become qualified EAs through the completion of this 4-year pilot program. Those who participate in the program will have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and certifications necessary to be successful in their role as an EA in a student-focused working environment.
Part of the program's requirements for unqualified EAs is the completion of 4656 active service hours. Participants will engage firsthand with day-to-day EA responsibilities, such as supporting students, participating in school meetings, and working with educators during school hours. Additionally, unqualified EAs will be required to complete 240 hours' worth of Professional Development sessions. Learning opportunities may include PD days, staff meetings, workshops, webinars, and individual courses/learning outside of work hours, and will cover EA-focused topics such as tools for self-regulation, emotional literacy, positive relationship-building, strength-based approaches, mental health, and anti-racism/anti-oppression training.
The launch of this program reflects KPDSB's commitment to the learning, growth, and development of their employees. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for additional qualified EAs within classrooms and KPDSB's dedication to ensuring students receive the support they require for success.
Director of Education, Christy Radbourne, commented: "We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our employees. Our EAs play a critical and valued role in supporting students and we believe investing in them is a step forward for all."
KPDSB looks forward to the talented EAs who will emerge from this innovative program!
