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FAQs

Thank you for your interest in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Special Education Teacher Assistant Certificate Program. Listed below are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

*What are the employment opportunities available once completing the program?

Upon graduation, Special Education Teacher Assistants find employment in elementary and secondary schools in B.C. as teacher assistants supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and personal care needs.  The role of a teacher assistant is an important one in supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in their schools.

*What is the approximate wage?

The approximate wage for graduates of this program ranges from $18.00 to $26.00 per hour, depending upon the school district.

*Where will I be able to work?

The SETA Program is recognized by all of the school districts in the lower mainland.  As well, it is comparable to other post-secondary programs in the province, offering students transferability and mobility should they chose to move.

*Is this program transferable?

The SETA Program is a credit program, consisting of 37.5 credits. Students are able to transfer their credits to other Human Services Programs (for example, Child and Youth Care) in order to pursue Diploma and Degree studies.

*How many intakes does Kwantlen Polytechnic University offer?

The SETA Program intakes students for a September start. The full time program is offered on the Langley campus and the part time program is offered on the Richmond Campus.  Applications are accepted for the September intake beginning November 1. Applications for selective entry programs MUST be submitted by MARCH 31 in order to be given priority in the selection process.  Applications will only be accepted after the application cut-off (but before the start of classes), subject to space availability.

*What is the schedule for the SETA Program?

This program is 890 hours in length, and consists of classroom study and two four-week, full-time practicums in the schools.  The full-time program is offered over nine months, Monday through Friday (and three Saturdays during the second term).  Most classes are offered in the daytime, with one later afternoon/evening per week. Students will return to the classroom for a week after final practicum.  The part-time program is offered over two years in two evenings, Tue. and Thurs. (7:00-10:00) a week and every second Saturday (9:00-4:00).  It also includes two, four week practicums in the schools. During practicum, students are required to attend full time days.

*What is the minimum grade acceptable for each component of this program?

Students must achieve 60% (grade of C) or above in each course to progress to their final practicum.

*What is the cost of the program?

At present, the tuition cost is approximately $6,263.17 for the full time program.  Textbooks are approximately $670 per term/year. There are also varied miscellaneous costs such as transportation, pay parking at the Kwantlen campus and supplies, such as binders, pens, pencils, etc. These prices are approximate costs and are subject to change without notice.

*Is there a payment plan set up for this program?

Currently, the approximate breakdown of payment for full time students (may be subject to change) is as follows:

  • $250.00 – commitment fee (non refundable)
  • $2,613.03 – Term one ($2,863.03 (includes medical/dental $179.00) minus $250.00 commitment fee)
  • $3,400.14 – Term two

Part-time students: Total tuition $6,442.15 (includes medical/dental) (Subject to change)

  • $250.00 – commitment fee (non refundable)

The rest of the tuition will be broken down into 4 payments.

*Is funding available for this program?

Student loans are available for full-time students entering into this program.  For further information, please contact our Financial Awards office at 599-2000, choose “Option 4”.

*What are the entrance requirements for this program?

  • Grade 12 grad or the equivalent.  Grade 12 equivalencies could consist of the Adult Provincial Diploma or the GED ("Adult Dogwood")
  • Approximately 100 hours of successful experience working or volunteering with children, preferably in the schools.  (Applicants must submit two letters from employers or responsible persons in the community certifying this experience, letters should indicate number of hours, job duties, and performance.)
  • English 12 (minimum C) or equivalent (see our calendar under English Proficiency)
  • Attendance at an information session - check www.kwantlen.ca/events/ for dates and times
  • Participation in a small group meeting with the coordinator
  • Criminal Record Search to be completed prior to Practicum 1(SETA 1270) -You will be notified when to complete this requirement.  If the search comes back with having a record which “may or may not exist” you will be required to submit fingerprints–see policy C.10.

*What if I don’t have Grade 12 English at a C or above?

You can take an English Placement Test to determine equivalency.  To book an appointment for an English placement assessment, you must come in person to book and pay ($35.00), at any of our Admissions office locations (Langley, Cloverdale, Surrey, or Richmond campuses).

*If I have taken related courses at another institution, what do I do?

If you have completed courses at another post-secondary educational institution, and wish to use those courses to satisfy program requirements at Kwantlen, or substitute for courses in the program, you must submit a sealed official transcript and a Request for Transfer Credit form (available at all Admissions Offices) as soon as possible.  Please note that requests for transfer credit evaluations take up to 8 weeks for processing and the deadline is June1 for us to guarantee it will be done for September.  The document evaluation fee for out-of-province post-secondary transcripts is $25.00 and the fee to review all international transcripts is $50.00.

*When will you notify students whether or not they have a seat?

Once the applicant has met the prerequisites required for this program, a seat offer letter will be sent out, pending seat availability.  These letters usually begin to come out in mid April.

*If I need more information, whom do I contact?