Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Assistant

Program Description

The aim of this vocational competency-based program is to thoroughly prepare preservice teacher assistants for their future roles, ensuring they possess the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in their professional career. The program is designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and practical skills, emphasizing play-based learning intricately linked with the five domains of child development and relevant learning theories. Candidates will develop proficiency in crucial pedagogical skills supporting effective teaching and learning, including positive behavior management, resource preparation, and the creation of a favourable physical environment that enhances the learning experience. Moreover, the program addresses critical areas such as first language acquisition, general English language skills, and the differentiated needs of The Determined Ones (TDOs) and gifted learners, with a focus on Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and the use of assistive technology. It provides a robust foundation in health, safety, and nutrition practices within the learning context, while incorporating fundamental mathematical and scientific skills essential for the learning context. It, also, covers the vital aspects of assessment and documentation, enabling candidates to adeptly use them in their future roles. Finally, the program instils the importance of reflective practice and guides candidates in formulating a comprehensive professional development plan to ensure continuous growth and excellence in their future career.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of key concepts and skills about children’s developmental domains and related learning theories.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic teaching and learning strategies 
    and supporting pedagogical principles.
  3. Demonstrate the necessary competencies to support the teacher in 
    conducting class activities within a safe learning environment.
  4. Display effective use of assistive technology to support teaching and 
    learning in an inclusive educational environment.
  5. Function professionally in assisting the class teacher in preparing and 
    implementing lessons, as well as keeping track of children’s progress.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to support individual students as per 
    their personal needs.
  7. Display commitment to fulfilling job-related duties and responsibilities 
    through adherence to ethical standards, quality performance, and 
    continuous professional development.

Occupation and Industry Sector

Completion Requirements

Students seeking the Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Assistant qualification must successfully complete all mandatory core courses worth 90 credits 

Education Mandatory Core Courses
Required Credits : 90
GED 100Develop English language skills3
TCA 100Use play based learning to reflect the 5 domains of child development4
TCA 101Differentiate the learning needs of TDO and gifted children4
TCA 102Prepare and Reflect on Professional Practice2
TCA 104Explain Theories of Learning in Practice4
TCA 105Prepare Resources for Teaching and Learning4
TCA 106Use English for Classroom Management4
TCA 107Employ Pedagogic Skills to Support Teaching and Learning4
TCA 108Complete an Individual Education Plan4
TCA 109Use Assistive Technology to Support Teaching and Learning4
TCA 130Apply Professional Practice in the Learning Context4
TCA 200Implement Positive Behaviour Management Strategies4
TCA 201Use Classroom Displays to Support Teaching and Learning4
TCA 202Explain Inclusive Education Policies and Procedures4
TCA 203Implement First Language Principles and Teaching Strategies4
TCA 204Explain Health Safety and Nutrition Practices4
TCA 205Implement Assistive Technology and Strategies for TDO and Gifted Students4
TCA 206Complete a personal and professional development plan4
TCA 207Employ Basic Mathematical Skills to Support Teaching and Learning4
TCA 208Use Basic Science Skills in the Learning Context4
TCA 131Apply Assistive Technology and Strategies to Support Teaching and Learning4
TCA 230Apply Health and Wellness Principles in the Learning Context4
TCA 231Apply Assessment Strategies3
TCA 232Use Observation and Documentation in the Learning Context2
Description Data
Total Required Credits 90
Program Code DPETA
Major Code TAS

Recommended Sequence of Study

Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Assistant 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Credit Hours
TCA 100 Use play based learning to reflect the 5 domains of child development 4
GED 100 Develop English language skills 3
TCA 101 Differentiate the learning needs of TDO and gifted children 4
TCA 130 Apply Professional Practice in the Learning Context 4
TCA 102 Prepare and Reflect on Professional Practice 2
TCA 104 Explain Theories of Learning in Practice 4
 Credit Hours21
Semester 2
TCA 105 Prepare Resources for Teaching and Learning 4
TCA 106 Use English for Classroom Management 4
TCA 107 Employ Pedagogic Skills to Support Teaching and Learning 4
TCA 108 Complete an Individual Education Plan 4
TCA 109 Use Assistive Technology to Support Teaching and Learning 4
TCA 131 Apply Assistive Technology and Strategies to Support Teaching and Learning 4
 Credit Hours24
Year 2
Semester 3
TCA 200 Implement Positive Behaviour Management Strategies 4
TCA 201 Use Classroom Displays to Support Teaching and Learning 4
TCA 202 Explain Inclusive Education Policies and Procedures 4
TCA 203 Implement First Language Principles and Teaching Strategies 4
TCA 204 Explain Health Safety and Nutrition Practices 4
TCA 230 Apply Health and Wellness Principles in the Learning Context 4
 Credit Hours24
Semester 4
TCA 205 Implement Assistive Technology and Strategies for TDO and Gifted Students 4
TCA 206 Complete a personal and professional development plan 4
TCA 207 Employ Basic Mathematical Skills to Support Teaching and Learning 4
TCA 231 Apply Assessment Strategies 3
TCA 208 Use Basic Science Skills in the Learning Context 4
TCA 232 Use Observation and Documentation in the Learning Context 2
 Credit Hours21
 Total Credit Hours90