What Educational Assistants Do All Day (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Posted by AOLCC | 17th February 2026

TL;DR: Educational Assistants support student learning, behaviour, communication, and daily routines—often in ways students and families never see. Their work helps classrooms run smoothly, supports inclusive education, and ensures students with diverse needs can participate safely and confidently in school life.

If you’ve ever watched a classroom run smoothly—students focused, transitions handled calmly, and every learner supported—there’s a good chance an Educational Assistant played a major role in making that happen. The truth is, what Educational Assistants do all day often goes far beyond what people expect.

This role isn’t just “helping the teacher.” Educational Assistants are trained support professionals who work directly with students, implement inclusive learning strategies, and help classrooms function in ways that protect both student dignity and student safety.

What does an Educational Assistant do during the school day?

To answer the question directly: Educational Assistants provide classroom support, learning support, and student supervision throughout the day, especially for students who need additional help to participate fully in school routines.

Educational assistant duties often include:

• Supporting students during literacy and numeracy activities

• Helping students follow classroom expectations and routines

• Assisting with communication tools (visual schedules, AAC supports, etc.)

• Providing behaviour support in a calm, structured way

• Helping students transition between activities

• Supporting safety during recess, lunch, and gym

• Documenting progress and observations for the school team

In other words, the education assistant's responsibilities shift constantly based on student needs, which is exactly why the role is so essential.

What are the most common educational assistant responsibilities?

While every school and classroom looks a little different, several educational assistant responsibilities show up consistently across BC schools.

Supporting learning without doing the work for the student

A key classroom support role is helping students stay engaged and confident. That might mean rephrasing instructions, breaking down a task into steps, or helping a student organize materials.

Supporting behaviour and emotional regulation

Educational Assistants often help students build self-regulation skills. That can include calming strategies, de-escalation, and consistent routines, especially for learners who struggle with transitions or sensory overload.

This kind of work aligns closely with BC’s focus on inclusive education, where the goal is to support student participation while maintaining belonging and dignity.

Educational assistant duties often include learning support, encouragement, and classroom assistance.

Do educational assistants work one-on-one with students?

Yes, many Educational Assistants do work one-on-one with students, especially when a student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or needs close supervision for safety.

However, working as an educational assistant often means shifting between one-on-one support, small-group support, and whole-class assistance depending on what the classroom needs in that moment. The most effective EAs are flexible, observant, and able to support without drawing unnecessary attention to the student.

Do educational assistants help with special education support?

Yes. In fact, supporting students with diverse needs is one of the most important parts of the job.

Educational Assistants may support students with:

• Autism spectrum disorder

• ADHD

• Learning disabilities

• Anxiety or emotional regulation challenges

• Physical disabilities or mobility needs

• Speech or communication needs

• Behavioural support requirements

This doesn’t mean EAs replace specialists. Instead, they help implement support strategies consistently throughout the day so students can participate in classroom learning safely and meaningfully.

Is an educational assistant the same as a teacher assistant in BC?

In casual conversation, people often use the terms interchangeably. But in practice, the educational assistant job description is more specific and student-support focused than what many people imagine when they hear “teacher assistant.”

Educational Assistants are typically trained to support inclusion, learning needs, behaviour strategies, and student safety. The role is recognized across Canada as a distinct occupation, with responsibilities that can include direct student care and supervision.

Where Educational Assistants work in BC schools

Educational Assistants may work in:

• Elementary classrooms

• Middle and secondary schools

• Learning support classrooms

• Special education programs

• Resource rooms

• Inclusive classrooms with integrated support

They often collaborate with teachers, counsellors, learning support teams, and education coordinators. That teamwork is a major part of what makes the role so impactful.

A key part of the educational assistant job description is supporting students with diverse needs.

How training prepares you for real classroom work

Because the job is fast-paced and highly people-focused, structured training matters.

A dedicated educational assistant training program helps students build skills in:

• Classroom strategies and learning support

• Child development and behaviour foundations

• Professional communication and collaboration

• Supporting diverse learning needs

• Safety practices and compassionate care

• Real-world practicum experience

If you’re exploring this career path, the educational assistant program in BC at AOLCC is designed specifically to prepare students for the realities of working in school environments:

And if you want the full step-by-step path, you can also read: How to become an educational assistant in BC.

Why the day-to-day work matters more than people realize

Educational Assistants don’t just help classrooms run—they help students feel safe, included, and capable.

In many cases, an EA is the person who helps a student stay regulated long enough to learn, who quietly supports a child through anxiety, or who provides structure so a student can participate without feeling singled out.

That impact isn’t always visible. But it’s real, and it changes student outcomes in meaningful ways.

Ready to explore working as an Educational Assistant?

If you’re drawn to meaningful work, enjoy supporting others, and want a career that makes a daily difference, Educational Assistant training can be a strong next step. Explore the educational assistant training program at AOLCC here.

Want to learn more about AOLCC’s educational assistant program?

Contact us for more information.

FAQ: What does an educational assistant do?

Q: Is an educational assistant the same as a teacher assistant in BC?
A: Not exactly. While the titles are sometimes used interchangeably, Educational Assistants typically focus more on direct student support, inclusive education strategies, and safety-based supervision.

Q: Do educational assistants work one-on-one with students?
A: Yes. Educational Assistants often provide one-on-one support, especially for students with IEPs or students who need extra help with learning, communication, or regulation.

Q: Do educational assistants help with special education support?
A: Yes. Supporting students with diverse needs—including learning, behavioural, physical, and communication challenges—is a core part of the role.

Q: What are the most common educational assistant responsibilities?
A: Common responsibilities include classroom learning support, behaviour and emotional regulation support, supervision during transitions, and helping students participate safely in daily routines.