How to become an Education Aide

Education aides assist teachers with the supervision and support of students and the delivery of learning programmes. They also provide support and assistance to students with special needs, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities, or behavioural issues.

Personal requirements for an Education Aide

Good communication skills
Patient in dealing with people
Mature and sensible
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Enjoy helping children learn
Able to accept direction and supervision

Education & Training for an Education Aide

You can work as an education aide without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. Some courses provide training in specific education areas such as science, food or information technology. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Additional information

Before undertaking practical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a Working with Children Check. A National Police Certificate may also be required. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of an Education Aide

Education aides:

Assist and participate in activities that improve the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in schools and preschool centres
Prepare indoor or outdoor areas for learning or recreational activities
Assist children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies
Assist students with physical challenges by lifting, positioning and exercising, and transferring them to or from transportation
Assist with personal hygiene, toileting and feeding requirements as required by each individual student
Undertake specific therapy tasks with individual students under the guidance of the teacher or nominated professional
Assist students with intellectual disabilities with the use of learning aids
Assist children individually to learn social skills
Assist with the preparation of teaching materials, copying and collating written or printed material
Distribute and collect lesson material.

Tasks

Assisting children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies
Distributing and collecting lesson material
Assisting with preparing teaching aids, and copying and collating written and printed material
Providing home-school liaison and counselling for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori students and their families
Demonstrating, supervising and participating in activities which enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in schools and preschool centres
Assisting children individually to learn social skills
Preparing indoor and outdoor areas for learning and recreational activities
Providing assistance to small groups of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori students

Employment Opportunities for an Education Aide

Education aides are employed in primary and secondary schools and colleges. The hiring of support staff is usually done by the school's principal. Jobs may be full time or part time.Contact the Department of Education in your state or territory for more information.

Specializations

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Education Worker

An aboriginal/torres strait islander education worker provides assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and liaises with educational bodies, government agencies and committees.

Education Aide - Braille

An education aide - braille provides assistance to blind or vision-impaired students and facilitates communication between teachers and other staff members.

Education Aide - Auslan

An education aide - auslan provides assistance to deaf and hard of hearing students and facilitates communication between teachers, other staff members, and hearing students.