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Education assistant program helps address special needs
Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by
students with special needs, the Richmond School District is stepping up.
Through its continuing education division,
the district is offering a unique program for those interested in pursuing a
career working with special needs youth. In addition to offering a full-time
program, a part-time education assistant program begins this February, with
study sessions two evenings per week for the next year. Participants will also
engage in a three-week and four-week practicum during school hours. The course
provides instruction with how to work with Kindergarten to Grade 12 students
with physical, behavioural, sensory and learning needs in schools.
The 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability,
released by Statistics Canada, found mental health-related and learning
disabilities to be the most common types of disabilities among youth. At eight
per cent, mental health is the most common, followed by learning at six per
cent.
“The need (is) there to support students who
exhibit challenging behaviour,” explains program administrator Kathleen
Champion.
A longtime, and strong advocate for providing
more assistance for students with special needs, she says the reasons for their
requiring support are varied. But creating an inclusive learning environment is
seen as an important and positive step in a child’s education.
Champion is proud of the Richmond program,
noting a large percentage of graduates have already been hired by the Richmond
School District.
“They’re absolutely grateful they’ve got
these people because there is a shortage everywhere. And our students graduate
with great skills,” says Champion. “Our program has been really exemplary, and
that’s in no small part to the credit of the education assistants already in
the schools who have been their mentors. They’ve embraced them and that’s
really important.”
The number of students in both the full-time
and part-time education assistant programs are capped at 32.
Champion says she’s pleased to see the
Education Ministry in B.C. is committed to inclusive education.
“I think even though people can argue there is
not enough funding, the mission and vision is there,” she says. “I think it
just means we have to all try the best we can, and that’s what we are trying to
do (in Richmond).”
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