EMS - Faqs

Question 1 : The description of the EMS appears in the resource guide, given this, should they be included in the distribution of support services form?

Answer : No, this is not a resource destined for special needs students. It is a support to the 

classroom. 

Reference : 4-4.05 Local Agreement for Teachers

To receive information about the services available for special needs resources and to 

distribute the services in an equitable manner (paraphrased).

Question 2 : My integration aid called in sick today, can I assign my EMS to cover the tasks of another employee class?

Answer :  No, we cannot assign employees to work in another class of employment.

Question 3 : What is the limit of academic/pedagogical support that an EMS can provide?

Answer :  An EMS can be called upon to answer simple questions of students within the global objective of supporting the classroom in general. They cannot provide remediation or reteaching of concepts.

Examples: Is this the correct answer? What page are we on?

Reference : Classification plan

They may be called upon to support pupils with schoolwork by ensuring a climate and environment conducive to doing homework and lessons; when needed, they may answer simple questions while respecting the directions given to the pupil by the teacher. (translation)

Question 4 : Can the EMS work with a group of students?

Answer :  It depends on the work that they are carrying out with the group of students. For example, they can can take a group of students to organize their lockers, use the washroom (but not assist with toileting), or work with students on a relaxation (meditation) activity within the classroom. They cannot take a group of students and perform remediation.

Reference : Classification plan: The employee in this job class prepares, leads, and takes part in activities such as sports, cultural, relaxation, and recreational activities, both indoors and outdoors, in accordance with the established program and educational intervention methods. (translation)

Teacher's Provincial: Remediation - intervention by a teacher with a student or a group of students to prevent problems or academic delays and to provide special support measures to students experiencing problems or academic delays. At the elementary level, the teacher shall carry out remediation activities with his or her students.

Question 5 : What role do the resource teachers have in facilitating the distribution of these services within the school?

Answer :  None, the EMS is a classroom support and not a special  needs support. Their schedule is determined by the school  principal. 

Question 6 :  My grade 1 students are taking a long time to  put their coats on and to get organized prior to  going outside for recess. Can the EMS help  the teacher with this routine? 

Answer :   Yes, an EMS is able to help students with general basic tasks. This includes putting on clothes and  support with routines. This cannot replace one-on-one support to a specific student with special needs. This could include taking a group of students and helping them organize their cubbies at the beginning  of the year.  

Reference : Classification plan

They help foster pupils’ independence, notably during dressing and undressing and during transitions  between educational activities. (translation) 

Question 7 :  Can they help maintain classroom  organization and cleanliness? 

Answer :    Yes. EMS may help with: 

• Tidying up materials after activities
• Ensuring the room is safe and orderly  
• Maintaining hygiene standards (e.g., for snacks or crafts)
• Supporting teachers with photocopies  

Question 8 :  There is a student who is struggling to follow the classroom rules and the school's code of  conduct. Can the EMS intervene during the classroom to have the student follow the rules? 

Answer :   Yes. EMS may interact with students to help them follow the school rules. A best practice would be for teachers to discuss a framework for this intervention with their  EMS.  

Reference : Classification plan

They provide supervision and ensure pupil safety in accordance with rules of conduct, safety  measures, and parents’ recommendations;(translation) 

Question 9 :  Can they help students with schoolwork? 

Answer :   Yes, but with limits. EMS can support students by:  

• Creating a conducive learning environment 
• For example: do they have pens, papers, resources, etc. 
• Helping students understand basic directions  
• Answering simple questions, as long as it aligns with the teacher’s instructions  
• They do not teach new content, provide remediation, or assess learning, as these are teacher responsibilities. 

Reference : Classification plan

They may be called upon to support pupils with schoolwork by ensuring a climate and environment conducive to  doing homework and lessons; when needed, they may answer simple questions while respecting the directions  given to the pupil by the teacher.;(translation)