You will participate in a four-week practicum in a K– 6 or 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 classroom teachers, you will work with students who have challenging needs.
You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: emotional and behavioural disorders, sensory impairments, traumatic brain injury and other low-incidence disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities.
You will examine the components of crisis situations and apply conflict de-escalation strategies.
You will learn and demonstrate the attitudes and skills of providing personal and physical daily care to persons with disabilities. You will learn the essential role of dignity and respect in person-centered planning and care. You will discuss your legal and ethical responsibilities while providing care. You will develop skills to safely assist individuals with activities of daily living and to support their optimal levels of independence. You will study the process of medication administration.
You will examine the dynamics of the Canadian family, the influence of family structure on the individual’s values and the mental, cultural and physical challenges faced by the families of today.
You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed in the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies, with emphasis on communicating a professional image through job search materials and interview skills.
You will be provided with an overview of the Saskatchewan curriculum with a focus on language arts, technology and basic mathematics. You will expand your knowledge of strategies to provide educational support under a teacher’s supervision.
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.
You will learn the roles involved in an educational assistant practicum and workplace setting. You will develop an understanding of practicum expectations including professional standards.
You will participate in a four-week practicum in a K – 6 or 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.