Education Assistant and Community Support

• General admission requirements apply
• English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent
• Two letters of reference
• Résumé with covering letter.

Recommendations for Admission

• Volunteer or paid experience working with people with various support needs.

Flexible Admission

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant experience relevant to the field. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and attitudes to complete the course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:

• Provide a letter of intent explaining why they wish to pursue the program;
• Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
• Appear for an interview 

Notes on Admission

• The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis with courses delivered primarily synchronously online with some in person seminars.
• Most of your classes are in the evening and delivered synchronously online.
• Applicants will require a satisfactory Criminal Record Check as processed by the British Columbia Criminal Records Review Program through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in conjunction with the Criminal Records Review Act. The Criminal Record Check is requested through VIU upon program application and applicants are responsible for completing all required steps for a Criminal Record Check in the alotted time.
• A Criminal Record Clearance Letter as issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is required prior to commencing the program.
• A Criminal Record Check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements for the program, nor is a previous Criminal Record Clearance Letter issued prior to program commencement.
• To ensure applicants are suited to work with children and vulnerable adults throughout the duration of the program, the Faculty of Education may require additional screening to the satisfaction of individual practicum placements and/or submission of new Criminal Record Clearance Letter. This may include individuals re-entering the program after a leave.
• Applicants are advised that a criminal record may limit program entry, practicum placement possibilities and/or limit work in the field.
• For program admission,  applicants will be assessed on past academic achievement, related volunteer/paid employment, writing skills, and (if applicable) performance at an interview with faculty.
• Applicants may be required to provide a physician’s letter attesting to physical suitability to take the program.

Transfer Credit (from other institutions)

• Vancouver Island University recognizes  academic knowledge and achievement of  post-secondary studies undertaken at other colleges, institutes, or universities.
• Transfer credit is assigned on the basis of an official transcript, course outlines, and other supporting documentation.
• Transfer students must meet all of Vancouver Island University's admission requirements.
• Applicants seeking feedback on potential credits to be transferred should meet with the Program Chair upon program application.

Student Transfer into Other Programs

Graduates of the Education Assistant and Community Support certificate will be able to apply program credits to other VIU diplomas and degrees such as the Social Services and Child and Youth Care diplomas, as well as the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degree.

Domestic (Canadian)

International