1. Professional Practice

2. Roles and Responsibilities of the Educational Assistant • Establishes rapport with students • Provides instructional support • Provides team support • Implements special education plans • Encourages students’ social and behavioural development • Provides clerical support • Practices ethical behaviour • (adapted from Gursky, Beatrice. The Art of Assisting in the Classroom,2003.)

3. Adaptations/Modifications Adaptations For students whose learning outcomes are the same as the provincial curriculum: • Teaching methods, materials and/or evaluation methods are adapted and identified in the IEP • Standard reports: structured comments for the primary years and letter grades or percentages after grade 3 • May be awarded a Dogwood GraduationDiploma - in a few cases this may be a School Completion Certificate Modifications For students whose learning outcomes are different from or in addition to the provincial curriculum: • Individualized, personalized goals are developed and stated in the IEP • Reports include structured written comments on individualized goals without letter grades or percentages • May receive a School Completion Certificate after meeting the goals of their Student Learning Plan/IEP

4. Health Care Levels Level 1 Basic level of training feeding toileting dressing Level II Child specific certification tube feeding routine oxygen seizure management insulin pump Level III Active nursing license required trach/ventilator care suctioning catheterization

5. Personal Characteristics of EAs Dependability Flexibility Adaptability Patience Cooperation Punctual Resourcefulness Initiative Creativity Sense of humor Energy Tolerant Work ethic Team player Confidential Ethical Caring Good communicator

6. Competencies and Skills for EAs • Skills working with children • Subject matter skills • Behaviour management skills • Management and organizational skills • Office/ clerical skills • Technology skills • Instructional strategies • Understanding of children with a range of special needs • Teaming and collaboration skills