Following an operational review Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services has determined the Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate program (EACS) needs to reduce the overall number of classes it will be offering in the upcoming 2025/26 academic year. Classes offered in the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters will be delivered in online or blended formats. In addition, the EACS program will be moving to the Faculty of Education August 1, 2025. We understand this news may disrupt your plans, and we are sorry for any impact you will experience. In support, below is an overview of the courses that will be offered in the upcoming Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms.
Semester 1: Fall 2025
- EACS 110 F25W01 - Foundations for Practice
(Online Synchronous: Mondays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
- EACS 130 F25R01 - Teaching and Learning Strategies
(Blended Synchronous: Online Tuesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
(In Person Seminar: tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus Powell River 9:00am-4:00pm Sat. Oct. 18)
- EACS 150 F25R01 - Health and Wellness
(Blended Synchronous: Online Wednesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
(In Person Seminar: tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus Powell River 9:00am-4:00pm Sun. Oct. 19)
- EACS 190 F25W01 - Practicum: Community-Based
(Online Synchronous: Thursdays 5:30pm-8:30pm Sept. 18, Oct. 9 & 30, Nov. 20)
(In Community Practicum: Times and Days vary)
- OR EACS 190 F25W02 - Practicum: Community-Based
(Online Synchronous: Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm Sept. 19, Oct. 10 & 31, Nov. 21)
(In Community Practicum: Times and Days vary)
- CYC 152 F25N01 – Interpersonal Communication Skills in a Therapeutic Context*
(Face to Face: Nanaimo campus Mondays 11:30am-2:30pm)
- ENGL 115 or ENGL 125 or ENGL 135 requirement, see offerings in the VIU Timetable*
Semester 2: Spring 2026
- EACS 140 S26W01 - Understanding and Supporting Behaviour Across the Lifespan
(Online Synchronous: Mondays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
- EACS 160 S26N01- Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology
(Blended Synchronous: Online Thursdays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
(In Person Seminar: Nanaimo campus 9:00am-4:00pm Sun. Mar. 8)
- EACS 170 S26N01 - Challenging Conditions
(Blended Synchronous: Online Fridays 12:30pm-3:30pm)
(In Person Seminar: Nanaimo campus 9:00am-4:00pm Sat. Mar. 7)
- EACS 180 S26W01 - Practicum: School-Based (Jan. to Apr.)
(Online Synchronous: Tuesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm Jan 20, Feb 10, March 10, March 31)
(In School Practicum: Times and Days vary February to April 10 as course end date)
- OR EACS 180 S26W02 - Practicum: School-Based (Feb. to May)
(Online Synchronous: Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm Feb 13, March 6, April 3, April 24)
(In School Practicum: Times and Days vary March to May 29 as course end date)
- ECEC 150 S26W02 - Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice*
(Online Synchronous: Wednesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm)
- ENGL 115 or ENGL 125 or ENGL 135 requirement, see offerings in the VIU Timetable*
* Only one of ECEC 150 or CYC 152 required
* Only one of ENGL 115 or ENGL 125 or ENGL 135 required
Revised Program Information Sessions:
Day: Wednesday July 2
Time: 5:00 – 6:00pm PST
Virtual Meeting Format: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 244 607 118 287 0
Passcode: PM9vY2br
- OR -
Day: Thursday July 3
Time: 9:00 – 10:00am PST
Virtual Meeting Format: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 244 999 445 989 6
Passcode: Ci3VJ2rd
Program Overview
Looking for a career you can feel good about? Hoping to make a positive difference in the lives of people with learning or behaviour challenges with a job as an education assistant (EA) or community support worker? With the Education Assistant and Community Support (EACS) program, you get the skills you need to work with people of all ages. At VIU, you get expert instruction in theory course, and practical hands-on training in real life settings.
What does an EA do?
EAs work public and private school systems, helping students with disabilities. Their job is to help the student succeed.
What does a community support worker do?
Community support workers help people with special needs in community and residential programs.
Practical experience in both roles
In this program, you get to try both jobs and find your best fit. You do two practicums, one in a school setting and one in a community setting.
The practicums are your chance to put everything you've learned into action. You'll see how the values and theory you studied in the classroom are used in real-world situations. And you get real-world experience that will make you a top candidate when you enter the workforce.
Options for your future
When you complete this program you get a VIU certificate that qualifies you to work as an EA or Community Support worker in BC.
You also get the option to continue with your education at any time. With your certificate, you get credits you can use toward other VIU degrees including:
Ready to join us at VIU?
Ready to get started? Apply to VIU and we'll be in touch about next steps.
Questions?
Connect with us at EACS@viu.ca.