Job Summary

The Casual Educational Assistant (EA) at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is a versatile, on-call role dedicated to supporting students with exceptional needs. As a “Learning Facilitator,” you provide the essential bridge between the curriculum and students who require specialized assistance to succeed. This role requires the “wit” to adapt to various classroom environments at a moment’s notice and the “grit” to manage complex behavioral and physical support tasks across Ottawa’s largest school board.

Job Details

Employer: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB).
Location: Various Elementary and Secondary schools across Ottawa, ON.
Pay Rate: $28.45 per hour (plus 4% in lieu of vacation).
Status: Casual/On-call (must work at least 5 assignments per school year to remain active).
Core Function: Student support for Autism, developmental delays, and physical/behavioral needs.

Key Responsibilities: The Inclusive Education Lifecycle

You are an integral member of the school team, working under the direction of the Principal and in collaboration with teachers.

Specialized Support: Implementing behavior management programs and supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or developmental delays.
Academic Adaptation: Modifying programs for students with learning disabilities and using assistive technology like Dragon or Kurzweil.
Physical & Medical Assistance: Assisting with physiotherapy exercises, stretches, and participation in pool programs.
Daily Care: Handling “high-touch” duties including lifting, toileting, and outside yard supervision.
Sensory Support: Providing specialized aid to students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Education: Community college diploma (DSW, CYW, or equivalent). New grads are encouraged to apply.
Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of related experience with school-aged special needs children.
Certifications: Valid First Aid/CPR Level C and completed Behaviour Modification training (e.g., BMS or CPI).
Technical Wit: Knowledge of the Ontario Curriculum and educational communication software is a major asset.
Flexibility: Must be available to accept assignments on an as-needed basis across various locations.

Technical Insights: The EA’s Toolkit

Working within the OCDSB involves navigating specific provincial frameworks and assistive tools.

Individual Education Plans (IEP): You will be responsible for implementing the specific goals outlined in a student’s IEP, ensuring that accommodations (changes to how a student learns) and modifications (changes to what a student learns) are applied correctly.
Assistive Technology (AT): You will often act as the “Technical Coach,” helping students use speech-to-text or text-to-speech software to overcome barriers in reading and writing.
Behaviour Management Systems (BMS): You are trained to recognize “acting-out” cycles and utilize de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe learning environment for the student and the class.

Diversity and Statistics in the OCDSB

The OCDSB is committed to a workforce that reflects the diverse student population of Ottawa.

Board Scale: The OCDSB is the largest in Eastern Ontario, serving 75,000+ students across nearly 150 schools.
Special Education Statistics: Approximately 17% to 20% of students in Ontario school boards are identified as having special education needs, creating a high and consistent demand for qualified EAs.
Representation: In line with the board’s “Educating for Success” mission, they actively seek candidates from all backgrounds. In Ottawa, 26% of the population identifies as a visible minority, and the board strives to increase representation among staff to mirror this diversity.
Indigenous Recognition: The board operates on the unceded land of the Algonquin people, and EAs play a role in fostering an environment that honors Indigenous history and presence.

Job Description

Do you believe that every child deserves a champion? The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is seeking Casual Educational Assistants. We aren’t just looking for “helpers”; we are looking for committed educational leaders who have the “grit” to provide physical and behavioral support with dignity and the “wit” to unlock a student’s potential using creative learning strategies. If you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of Ottawa’s youth, you belong in our classrooms.

In this role, you are an “Empowerment Agent.” You understand that your support is the key to a student’s well-being and academic achievement. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Special Education,” ensuring that every school is a nurturing community. We look for “Compassion-first” professionals who are flexible, creative, and ready to meet the individual needs of our diverse student body.

Joining the OCDSB means joining a professional teaching community with competitive casual wages and the opportunity to transition into permanent roles. We offer a workspace that respects your lived experience and values your contribution to student success. If you are a qualified EA with a commitment to “Inclusive Learning and Student Well-being,” we invite you to apply through ApplyToEducation (Keyword: 3915219) and help us build brighter futures together.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board: Educating for Success

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is the largest school board in Eastern Ontario, defined by a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and social responsibility. Its mission, “Educating for Success: Inspiring Learning, Developing Well-being, and Building Social Responsibility,” serves as the foundation for a district that manages over 75,000 students across 143 schools. The board’s culture is rooted in a student-centered approach, prioritizing the dignity and unique identity of every learner while fostering a “Culture of Caring” that extends to staff and the broader community.

The OCDSB’s operations are centralized in Ottawa, providing a diverse range of educational pathways from Kindergarten to Grade 12:

Administrative Headquarters: Located at 133 Greenbank Road, this facility houses the Board of Trustees, the Director of Education, and the central administrative departments that manage a $1.1 billion annual budget.
The “One Community” Model: The board operates a vast network of facilities, including:
- 113 Elementary Schools: Including specialized centers for special education and early learning.
- 25 Secondary Schools: Offering diverse pathways such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and the International Certificate Program (ICP).
- Alternate and Adult Education: Five alternate programs (like the Urban Aboriginal Alternate High School) and the Adult High School at 300 Rochester St. provide flexible learning for those outside the traditional secondary model.
Indigenous Education & Equity: A core cultural priority is the Indigenous Education Action Plan. Initiatives like the InSTEM program at Gloucester High School integrate traditional knowledge with science and technology, guided by Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. The board is actively working to dismantle systemic barriers through its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) mandate.
Specialized Support (Tiered Intervention): The OCDSB uses a Service Delivery Model based on a continuum of care. This ranges from regular classroom support to specialized program classes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Language Learning Disabilities (LLD), and Gifted learners, ensuring that “Learning for All” is a practiced reality rather than just a slogan.

Working or learning within the OCDSB means being part of a future-focused ecosystem. As the board moves through its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, the focus is on modernizing instructional processes and building a “Culture of Social Responsibility.” Whether it’s through environmental sustainability projects or global partnerships for international students, the OCDSB is dedicated to developing “ethical and compassionate individuals” ready to contribute to a global society.

To apply for this job please visit www.ocdsb.ca.