Saskatchewan educational assistants speak out on providing medical care

Kinsley Simmons, an 8-year-old diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, has faced multiple hypoglycemic shock episodes at school due to insufficient medical aid support. Her mother, Jennifer Simmons, emphasizes that students with Type 1 diabetes cannot be overlooked when planning systems, and neither can the professionals who support them.

As Kinsley returns to school this year, her mother fears other students with similar needs will not attend a school with trained professionals. Jennifer Simmons is advocating for improved support for educational assistants in public schools, partnering with the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee.

A survey conducted by CUPE found a significant discrepancy in medical procedures being performed without training. One respondent noted, "Over my 20-year career, the role of an EA has shifted and is unrecognizable. I am not a medical care aide." Educational support workers reported administering insulin injections, tube feeding, medication, tracheotomy care, and catheterizations.

Karla Sastaunik, chair of CUPE Saskatchewan EWSC, has requested a meeting with the province but has not received a response. She expresses concern that the workload is overwhelming and may jeopardize students' safety. The Saskatchewan Education Ministry states that schools must support students with medical conditions through coordinated planning, training, and collaboration with families and healthcare professionals.

CUPE demands a task force composed of education workers, school divisions, and health professionals to establish safe, consistent standards, clear policies, documentation protocols, training, and worker protections.