Yukon government renews funding for the Educational Assistant certificate program

WHITEHORSE—Students can continue to train for careers as educational assistants with the Yukon College’s Educational Assistant certificate program (EACP). The expanded program has received $156,583 in funding over the next three years from the Yukon government.

”We are pleased to renew funding for the successful Educational Assistant certificate program for another three years,” Education Minister Scott Kent said. “This program reinforces the Yukon government’s commitment to increase support for vulnerable learners.”

The next round of students in the accredited certificate program will begin their course this fall and will now have more study options. Students can choose to complete the EACP with two years of full-time study or the original three years of part-time study. Students from across Yukon can participate in the program through videoconferencing at any Yukon College community campus.

“With renewed funding through the Department of Education, students will now have more flexible learning options when accessing the Education Assistant certificate program,” Yukon College vice-president Academic Dr. Bill Dushenko said.

Eleven students graduated from the pilot program, which ran from 2009 to 2012. Six are already working in Yukon schools, and several are working with youth in other capacities.

“Two of the grads are from Watson Lake and participated entirely through videoconferencing,” Dushenko added. “This is a strong example of how our 12 community campuses are able to help students pursue their education goals, no matter where they live.”

Elizabeth Bauman is one of those graduates. Bauman works in Watson Lake as a facilitator with I Am Me, a program that works with children ages three to six years who exhibit changes in their behaviour as a result of difficult circumstances in their lives.

“I was thrilled to be able to obtain my certification at the community campus in Watson Lake. It simply would not have been possible otherwise,” Bauman said. “The training I received in working with at-risk youth and children with FASD has proven very useful in my current job.”

The EACP is intended as a professional development opportunity for current employees and as pre-employment training for individuals seeking employment as an educational assistant or remedial tutor.

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Contact:
Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Chris Madden
Communications, Education
867-456-6789
chris.madden@gov.yk.ca

Michael Vernon
Communications, Yukon College
867-668-8786
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca