Discussions

I'm looking for experiences working as an EA. I'm looking at switching jobs and deciding if it'd be worth it to take the course. I'm a single mom so obviously the summer not working is my biggest hesitation. Can you apply for EI during the summer?  
Any help would be appreciated!

I've been an EA for a few years and I never took any certificate for it. I do have training and experience teaching English to immigrants though. Any volunteer work or "related" certification is just as good. Honestly, imho no need to spend money on the EA certificate - it doesn't really make a difference when being hired (although I speak from experience with a non-Brandon School Division division)

I only know of one EA that has taken that course. They said the best thing was the practicum. Depending on the skills and experience you have, it might be worthwhile taking.  
 
If you’re applying to BSD, be prepared for a long wait unless you are applying for a specific position.  
Casual EA’s can have the opportunity to work almost everyday (from what I’ve been told) but being hired as a casual takes a long time. I started as casual before I got into terms and it took approx 2-3 months before I was finally hired.  
Make sure you have your paperwork done (criminal record and child abuse check) done to send in with your application as they can take awhile to get back.  
 
And yes, unlike teachers, EA’s can apply for ei in the summer.

the pay is a good hourly rate but not a good yearly income. After all the holidays and days off that you wont get paid for, the yearly income is pretty close to minimum wage income. For a single parent I would think it would be a major struggle.

I agree with the above comment about pay. Hourly it seems great but when you consider the short day (I think they get paid 5.75 hours/day) it’s really not much at all. Yes you can go on EI in the summer but you aren’t paid for the inservice days if I remember right.  
 
If it’s your sole/main income, I would really give it serious consideration

I agree that the course is a waste of money and time. My daughter took the course while I was working as an EA. The course work she brought home was laughable. Half of it she would never need at all. My daughter stayed on the sub list and got a few calls, but not enough to live on. She quit and found a job somewhere else.

As someone who’s been in the field for over 12 years, I can answer your questions. Yes, of course you can collect employment insurance. And now that the waiting period is only one week, it’s a little better.  
 
I wouldn’t waste my time or money on the course, it doesn’t matter in the long run. You get plenty of OJT (on the job training) and no amount of course training will prepare you for the real thing, it’s like jumping in without a parachute and hitting the ground running!  
 
You’re best suited for this profession if you have experience working with children, such as respite, daycare, babysitting, etc.  
 
The sub booking has changed. It’s strictly by computer, and easier to book a shift. Yes, the pay sucks. We deserve more money for what we do. But if looking to supplement your income, there’s always students whose parents are needing respite. Also, the pay is slightly better in lifeskills and there’s a bit of extra healthcare pay.  
 
Your typical day likely will be 5.5 hours, but you may sub for someone who works a 6 hour day.  
 
Edited by Facade, 2018-04-02 19:34:53

Something that is also worth considering is that if your kids are in school, you have the same hours/days off as them...so even though it is (like someone mentioned) with all the days off i:ncluded, almost like minimum wage: you get to be with your kids summers, PD days, holidays, etc. This will not only save on daycare, but give you time with your kids! I was an EA for years: never took a course, got lots of experience working casual before landing more permanent positions. It can be challenging, but you get to leave at the end of the day, unlike teachers with their many hours of prep work, calls from parents, etc. It's a great job!