The Instructional Assistant curriculum provides students with the necessary skills to seek employment working with school age children. Opportunities are available for work in a variety of settings including: parks and recreational facilities, before and after school programs, tutoring centers, public and private schools, and community agencies providing services for school age children and their families. The program focuses on child psychology, discipline techniques, curriculum planning, developmentally appropriate practices, safety, anti-bias environment, along with practical experience. CPR, First-aid training, TB and fingerprint clearances are required.

An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate through original written and/or oral presentations the ability to identify the theories and practices of the social, emotional, cognitive and physical developmental areas of the school age child.
• Demonstrate an awareness of and evaluate the important factors in planning an educational program , addressing diversity, ethical issues and developmentally appropriate practices in working with the school age child.
• Compare and contrast the skills necessary to support program practices for the school age child.

Requirements for the Occupational Skills Certificate 

Recommended electives