NORTH BAY – A new partnership between Nipissing University and Kenjgewin Teg has been formed to offer joint delivery of the Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program (ICADP), a program designed to support the success of Indigenous children in both First Nation and Ontario provincial schools.
“This new partnership contributes to our shared goals of advancing and increasing control of Indigenous Education as one of many Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC),” said Stephanie Roy, president of Kenjgewin Teg. “Going forward, our local Mnidoo Mnising and surrounding communities will continue to see more opportunities in our teaching and learning programs for new and current educators, as we continue working together with partners like Nipissing University who support culturally relevant training and education closer to home.”
Upon successful completion of the ICADP, graduates are qualified to work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students as classroom assistants under the professional direction of a classroom teacher and school principal. Classroom assistants support teachers by helping to supervise activities in the classroom; working with children on an individual, small group or whole class basis. In some instances, classroom assistants work on a one-to-one basis with children with special educational needs.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Kenjgewin Teg to enhance and expand the Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program,” said Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila, provost and vice president, academic and research about the new partnership. “This program and the collaborative nature of its delivery underscores Nipissing’s commitment to providing accessible education to Northern learners and Indigenous communities.”
ICADP consists of online learning as well as two, six-week in-school placements. Recruitment for the program is underway with programming set to begin in January 2021. To qualify, prospective students must have completed a minimum of Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent. Candidates without Grade 12 can be admitted if they are 20 years or older and have been out of school for two years or more. Deadline to apply is December 1.
More information on the ICADP and how to apply can be found on kenjgewinteg.ca.
