The Government of Yukon, through the Department of Education, is committed to supporting the learning, wellness and growth of all Yukon youth and children.
As part of this commitment, the Government of Yukon contracted EnGauge Consulting to lead a consultation process regarding the territory’s educational assistant allocation. The purpose of the consultation process was to collect feedback aimed at guiding the Government of Yukon in enhancing the allocation of Educational Assistants (EAs) in all Yukon schools.
The report marks the initial phase of the Educational Assistant Allocation Process Improvement Initiative. This initiative involves analyzing current practices, gathering insights from stakeholders and conducting extensive research to inform future improvements.
The first phase of the initiative involved conducting anonymous interviews with 30 staff and stakeholders to assess current issues. These interviews revealed common themes, leading to a two-day workshop where staff and stakeholders discussed recommendations for potential process changes and operational updates to current process. Recommendations, based on interview insights and research, were incorporated into the report.
The report was shared with stakeholders on April 22, 2024, in anticipation of a meeting scheduled for April 25, 2024. Following the meeting, the Department of Education will continue to analyze the report, discuss findings and collaborate with partners and stakeholders to determine the way forward. The Government of Yukon remains committed to providing updates on this vital initiative's progress.
Our government is committed to holding Yukon youth and children at the core of everything we do. We are working tirelessly to strengthen the allocation of Educational Assistants across our schools. This involves gathering input from partners and stakeholders and keeping the discussions active. Together, we have made significant progress in ensuring students receive the necessary supports. I look forward to using this report to further strengthen our discussions as we move ahead with improving the EA allocation process across the territory.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
The Educational Assistant Allocation Process Improvement Initiative falls under the Department of Education’s Reimagining Inclusive and Special Education (RISE) program.
Interview were conducted with:
- Administrators (Principals, Vice Principals)
- Yukon Child Development Centre
- Performance and analytics
- Educational Assistants
- Yukon First Nations Education Directorate
- Human resources
- Learning Assistance Teachers (LATs), classroom teachers
- School councils
- Student Support Services (SSS)
- Superintendents and Executive Directors
- Yukon Association of Education Professionals’ union representative
For the 2023–24 school year, 40 new school-based staff were added, including educational assistants, learning assistance teachers, and school wellness specialists, providing crucial support for students and enhancing learner outcomes.
In the following year, 2024–25, 21 positions will be added – 10 educational assistants, eight learning assistance teachers, and three school wellness specialists.
An additional 20 positions are planned for the 2025–26 year.
The proposed actions for each deep dive topic and their short, medium and long-term goals:
|
Deep dive topic |
Short-term goals |
Medium-term goals |
Long-term goals |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Efficiencies |
Hire EAs between April-June. |
Allocate EAs for K-three in every school. |
Conduct funding research for wellness evaluation and support. |
|
Use a whole school approach for submissions (one form). |
Collaborate with Executive Director/Superintendent. |
Implement a 1:1 long-term needs model. |
|
|
Rubric forms and application process |
Implement online forms and provide background/examples. |
Employ early intervention EAs for K-three. |
Establish a specific therapeutic school for dedicated supports. |
|
Use one form and send out scoring sheets. |
Collaborate with HR and implement intervention supports. |
Develop a data system for running reports. |
|
|
'Needs informed' and prioritization criteria |
Identify and document current resources for school needs. |
Finalize role clarity for teachers and EAs. |
Identify appropriate resources for intensive medical needs. |
|
Share resources with school administrators and LATs. |
Establish a framework for resource allocation. |
Establish a therapeutic school for safety and well-being needs. |
|
|
Shared accountabilities and collaborative decision making |
Submit resource requests to SSS by February 1. |
Provide K-three EA supports and include in school letters. |
Increase funding for school-based resources. |
|
Utilize a whole school application approach. |
Implement a 1:1 long-term allocation process. |
Form a collaborative decision-making working group. |
|
|
Meet with each school to discuss EA requests |
Conduct area-based meetings for input into decision making. |
|
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Sophie Best
Education
867-332-6225
Sophie.Best@yukon.ca