Student Success & The Northern Experience
The Educational Support program offers practical learning and knowledge to prepare graduates for the educational support field. Informed by best practices, the program ensures graduates develop the necessary skills to work collaboratively and support all learners in diverse educational settings.
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Course Information
2025-2026 Academic Year
Semester 1
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of literacy development in children at different ages through various forms of communication and different forms of writing.
42 Hours.
Students will explore the role of the education support worker in the classroom environment, and within Individual Education Plan (IEP) and special education teams.
42 Hours.
In this course, students will develop their communication and interpersonal skills to build team rapport and collaborative partnerships. Students will learn how to cultivate a collective and caring classroom environment, use appropriate classroom team language, and will explore and identify professional boundaries.
42 Hours.
In this course, students will learn to identify the five categories of exceptionalities that define exceptional pupils in the classroom, as identified in the Education Act, including: behaviour, communication, intellectual, physical and multiple exceptionalities. Students will also understand the subcategories that are outlined in the Education Act, as well as IEP placements in Ontario classrooms. Students will also explore appropriate assistive technologies to support the respective exceptionalities and learn how to leverage technology to support all learners.
42 Hours.
This course equips Educational Support with the skills to build positive and meaningful interpersonal relationships with students and staff, thereby creating a foundation for effective communication and fostering an inclusive learning environment that acknowledges student diversity and needs. Participants will develop strategies for managing distress and challenging behaviours with empathy and professionalism. Through authentic activities, critical reflection, and real-world scenarios, participants will enhance their proficiencies to promote inclusivity and implement preventive approaches that respect individual strengths and identities. This course emphasizes practical techniques that can be applied to all educational support staff roles.
42 Hours.
Students will be introduced to the developmental stages of childhood from birth to young adolescence and will explore the possible impact prenatal development may have on later development. Students will apply theoretical and practical applications to study the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of infants, toddlers, preschool children, middle childhood, and young adolescents.
42 Hours.
Students will observe, document, and report on learners with exceptionalities’ behaviour, performance and progress in accordance with their IEP.
28 Hours.
Semester 2
Students will observe, document, and report on learners with exceptionalities’ behaviour, performance and progress in accordance with their IEP.
42 Hours.
In this course, students will learn how to collect and analyze student behaviour using appropriate technology. Students will record observations and analysis to inform approaches and interactions and update students’ IEPs, as required.
42 Hours.
Students will build on their knowledge and understanding of different exceptionalities. Students will further their study of appropriate assistive technologies to support all learners, including those with exceptionalities.
42 Hours.
In this course, students will explore and examine the many layers of diversity that surround individuals and identifiable groups in society to better understand how these layers contribute to a rich, diverse, Canadian cultural landscape. Students will identify, discuss and define core terminology including privilege, cultural competence, and cultural safety. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal attitudes, assumptions and views toward diverse population groups and will explore the impact of governmental policies on certain segments of Canadian society.
42 Hours.
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
In this course, students will learn how to support students who have an IEP in math and in literacy-based classrooms, using appropriate technologies to support learners’ math and literacy skill development.
42 Hours.
Students will begin to integrate theory with practice in an educational setting. Students will define the required competencies needed in the field and will follow all required policies and processes of their placement host, helping them to understand their roles and responsibilities. Using reflective practice, students will be introduced to professional development as a means of lifelong learning.
84 Hours.
Semester 3
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will identify cognitive profiles based on information and observation of learners, apply appropriate universal design for learning strategies, and select technologies to support differentiated learning approaches to meet learners’ needs.
42 hours.
Students will use their knowledge and understanding of different exceptionalities to select appropriate assistive technologies and strategies to support all learners, including those with exceptionalities.
42 Hours.
In this course, students will learn how to support Canadian families in contemporary society. Using an anti-oppressive lens, students will examine the challenges that Canadian families face to develop awareness of the principles and values that guide human service practice.
42 Hours.
Using a developmental psychology lens, students will improve their understanding of self. Students will examine the human lifespan to gain an understanding and perspective of development across physical, cognitive, social and personality contexts. Fundamental theories, historical arguments and perspectives will be examined in the context of current issues to further develop students’ critical thinking skills.
42 Hours.
To be selected by students.
42 Hours.
Following all required policies and processes of their placement host appropriate to their role, they will demonstrate their skills by supporting learners in an educational setting. Students will continue to use reflective practice to further their professional development.
84 Hours.
Semester 4
In this course, students will learn the biopsychosocial model of analysis to better support learners from different domains, including emotional, social, cognitive, and physical.
42 Hours.
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
In this final placement, students will apply all of their acquired skills and knowledge to support learners in an educational setting with minimal supervision in accordance with host policies and procedures, relevant legislation, including health and safety regulations.
280 Hours.
Career Ready Graduates
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities
This program requires a field work component.
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found at Articulation Agreements.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List (International Students)
CIP Code: 13.1501
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Pathways to Success
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Comply with legislation, standards, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures in the provision of educational support.
- Support learner development with evidence-based behaviour and mental health strategies with a focus on self-regulation.
- Collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team to design and implement evidence-based educational support strategies, practices, and programs.
- Model empathetic, positive, and pro-social behaviours to facilitate the development of social competence in all learners and contribute to safe and equitable learning communities.
- Promote independence and/or provide assistance in the performance of routine and instrumental activities of daily living.
- Choose and implement assistive technologies and daily living aids to build capacity in learners.
- Monitor, document, and report on the behaviour, performance, and progress of learners.
- Create strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance, maintain currency, and foster holistic self-care.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Northern College’s Education Support program will be well-equipped to:
- Supervise and monitor behavior.
- Document and prepare classes.
- Assist exceptional students up to the age of 21
Employment Opportunities:
Educational Support Assistants are needed in diverse educational settings, such as:
- Public and private schools
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Treatment centers
- Special needs schools
- School boards
- Community-based programs
Career Prospects:
Graduates can pursue various career paths, including:
- Educational Support Assistant
- Support activities that enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being.
- Foster emotional, social, language, cognitive, and physical development.
- Learning Support Assistant
- Provide clerical and administrative support to multiple learning coordinators.
- Education Assistant
- Assist in the delivery and development of educational programs.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Grade 12 English (C, U) (Minimum 60% GPA required) or equivalent
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems.
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program. For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Program Specific & Field Placement Requirements, & Additional Information
It is important to note that this program requires a fieldwork component. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the student’s own community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from fieldwork placement sites, parking costs, etc.
International students require a criminal reference check from their home country on top of their criminal reference check in Canada in order to be able to go on placement.
In order to prepare you for fieldwork placement, you will be required to have a current resume and cover letter. Fieldwork placement (FWP) agencies may require additional documentation in order for you to begin FWP. The specific documents will be made known to you in your Field Placement Orientation and Observation course. A recent criminal reference check – (within 3 months) may be required prior to the start of classes in September.
Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements may not be allowed into the fieldwork settings and as such, may not be able to complete the placements and practicums required for graduation from the program.
To be eligible for participation in fieldwork practice, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record may result in the inability to participate in fieldwork practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.
A passing grade of 60% is required for all Community Services program courses and 50% for General Education Electives.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $15,257.86
Program Specific Fees
Fee in Year 2 subsidizes participation in McMaster University’s Standardized Patient Program that provides second year students with two opportunities to participate in client mock interviews.Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
The Convocation and Official Documentation Fee (GRA) of $100.00 only applies for the first year of each program.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus | Domestic | International |
| Distance (CK, CH, OL) | $772.50 | N/A |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.