HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school and look for entry-level work in a school setting. Some students gain experience through co-op, volunteering, tutoring, babysitting, or helping with children’s programs, which can build skills in communication, patience, and organization. Employers may prefer or require some postsecondary training in areas such as child and youth care, educational assistant, or similar programs, but requirements vary by school board, province, and the needs of the classroom. Helpful experience can include supporting small groups, using computers, and working with children who need extra help.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assist students with lessons under direct supervision of classroom teacher
- Monitor and report to classroom teacher on student progress
- Assist in preparation of learning materials and environment
- Accompany and supervise students during activities in school gymnasiums, laboratories, libraries, resource centres and on field trips
- Assist special needs students, such as those with mental or physical disabilities, with mobility, communication and personal hygiene
- Prepare classroom displays and bulletin boards
- Operate or assist teacher in operation of projectors, tape recorders and other audio-visual equipment and office equipment such as photocopier, fax machine and computer
- Carry out behaviour modification, personal development and other therapeutic programs under supervision of professionals such as special education instructors, psychologists or speech-language pathologists
- Work with special needs students using techniques such as sign language, Bliss symbols or Braille
- Monitor students during recess, at noon hour or during the day
- May assist with marking of tests and worksheets
- Assist with classroom inventory
- Assist in school library or office and perform other duties assigned by school principal.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Child DevelopmentCrafts MusicOffice machinery/computers