The curriculum of the University Preparation Course: Education Assistant (Special Needs) will develop high level classroom support skills for students entering educational settings as Education Assistants (Special Needs). Skills will be developed over four units of study, which will enable students to work with learners with a wide range of specific learning needs. Students will develop knowledge, skills and an understanding of the classroom, as well as curriculum support skills required to work as an educational assistant with special needs learners in educational contexts from Kindergarten to Secondary level. Specific disabilities to be investigated will include learning, intellectual and physical disabilities. Professional skills and knowledge included in this course will increase students’ academic writing, referencing, and professional presentation skills to support entry to University.

This course will require students to spend one day per week (Friday) on a workplace experience in the final unit. Students will be placed in an educational setting working with learners with special education needs.  

To undertake a professional practice in a school/centre, ALL students must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         National Police History Check from the Department of Education WA.

In addition, all students 18 years of age and over must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         Working with Children Check from the Department of Child Protection WA.

Further information and application forms can be found at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/portal/

NOTE: Australian citizens, holders of humanitarian or permanent visas and New Zealand citizens who will be resident in Australia for the duration of their unit/s of study are normally eligible for Commonwealth funding, making the course free, with no up-front or deferred tuition fees. The course is also available on a full fee paying basis.

The University Preparation Course is open to school leavers, recent school leavers under 20 years of age and mature age applicants. Standard entry requirements for University Preparation courses apply.

This course has four units of 15 credit points each. Each unit will consist of three modules and each module will represent two full days of weekend instruction. Students can choose to complete this course in six or twelve months of study. This course will only be held on Mount Lawley campus. Students will complete written and practical skills assessments in each unit.

This course will require students to spend one day per week on a workplace experience in the final unit. Students will be placed in an educational setting working with learners with special education needs.