Education Assistant - PALS (part-time) - Temporary

Elk Island Public Schools; Ardrossan; On-site; CAD 21,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Elk Island Public Schools is seeking a temporary part-time Education Assistant for the PALS program at Ardrossan Elementary in Ardrossan, AB. The role supports early intervention for 3- to 5-year-olds with mild to moderate delays, following play-based and literacy-rich approaches.

The position runs September 7, 2026 to June 29, 2027, 18 hours per week across four days (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri), AM only. Open to internal and external applicants.

Qualifications

• Education Assistant Certificate or related education would be an asset.
• Courses related to working with students with special needs would also be an asset.
• Minimum of one-year related experience.
• High School Diploma - required.
• First Aid certificate would be an asset.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Education Assistants (EAs) assist teachers with instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and with school activities.
• The EA provides routine and repetitive instructional support under the direction of the teacher, following an individually prescribed learning program.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team player

Tech / devices familiarity

Education

Education Assistant Certificate

Special needs courses

High School Diploma

First Aid certificate

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Tools

Computers

Job description

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the education needs of approximately 17,750 students in 43 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.

Elk Island Public Schools is recruiting atemporary part-time Education Assistant for the PALS program at Ardrossan Elementary.

The PALS (Play and Learn at School) program is an all-inclusive package of early intervention programs supporting childrenfrom three to five years of age with assessed mild and/or moderate developmental delays. PALS programs are founded on three principles: play-based learning, literacy-rich environments and an emergentcurriculum.

• Commencing September 7, 2026 to June 29, 2027
  
• 18 hours per week - working4 days per week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) 4.5 hours per day (AM Only)
• Open to internal and external applicants

Ardrossan Elementaryserves approximately 600 students in kindergarten to Grade 6, with 29 teaching staff and 11 support staff. The school is located in Ardrossan, AB, approximately 10 minutes east of Sherwood Park, AB.

Ardrossan Elementary is a dual-track school offering an English program and a French Immersion program, both known for their strong emphasis on academics and leadership. Ardrossan Elementary community believes all students can succeed in our respectful, safe and caring learning environment. Ardrossan Elementary is also a designated Play and Learn at School (PALS) pre-kindergarten site within the Division.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

Education Assistants (EAs) assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and with other school activities. EAs work as members of the school and student support team. EAs either work with a particular special needs student or a group of students within a class or in a special program.

The EA provides routine and repetitive instructional support. Under the direction of the teacher, an EA assists the student in acquiring the education and skills necessary for advancement in the educational setting. To reach this objective, the EA follows an individually prescribed learning program through team planning and working one-on-one with the student(s). This involves routine recording, basic charting and logging of observations. EAs may provide personal care and additional assistance for students depending on their particular needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education Assistant Certificate or related education would be an asset
• Courses related to working with students with special needs would also be an asset
• Minimum of one-year related experience
• High School Diploma - required
• First Aid certificate would be an asset
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training would be an asset

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Strong oral and listening communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills combined with tact and diplomacy
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and pacing skills to support student scheduling
• Reliability and dependability
• Ability to work effectively as an active team member in cooperation with other team members and students
• Comfort and competency working with personal computers and other technologies to support student learning, including communication devices
• Ability to respect and value all individuals with sensitivity to diversity
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours of students
• Ability to effectively utilize crisis intervention strategies
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility in work assignments
• Willingness to tend to the personal care needs of students if required

Note: This position might require lifting and carrying demands that require the ability to bend at the waist, stoop, and twist frequently, the ability to lift between 10 to 50 lbs., the ability to carry, push and pull between 10 to 50 lbs., and the ability to stand, walk and sit frequently. The incumbent may be subject to challenging behaviours of students.

For further information, contact Jason Michaud at [e-mail].

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.