Paraeducator

Paraeducators play an important and dynamic role in providing educational opportunities to students and in making school more efficient and effective. As schools' improvement efforts continue to look for new ways to structure and provide services, the role of the paraeducator continues to expand. Models such as the inclusion of students with exceptionalities into the regular education classroom require additional support from staff members. The utilization of paraeducators in the classroom allows for expanded learning opportunities for students as well as additional planning and instruction time for teachers. Paraeducators help meet the students' needs for more intensive and individualized instruction and help monitor the classroom in order to promote increased appropriate student behaviors. Paraeducators are experiencing expanded duties and expectations in a variety of educational settings. This course of instruction prepares individuals for employment as educational paraprofessionals in a variety of school settings. It provides teaching candidates with an opportunity to earn professional recognition beyond secondary education or if their degree is in a different field. Graduates of the Paraprofessional program will have knowledge of various education theories, best practices and educational standards. Students will learn different principles of child growth and development and the responsibilities and standards of paraprofessionals working in a school setting. Upon completion of this program students will be able to apply their knowledge base and improve their skill level in a school environment.

Admission Requirements

Individuals applying for this course are required to:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Present proof of secondary education (high school diploma or GED certificate)
• Make a reservation

Basic Program Information

• Classes are offered every month
• Classes are offered from 8:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday (must complete 2 weekends)
• Students complete off-site observations and create a professional resource file that is comprehensive of everything covered in the class
• Students may begin working on the resource file and observations before class starts

Basic Topics Covered Include

• Planning a Safe and Healthy Environment
• Steps to Advance Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development
• Positive Ways to Support Children’s Social and Emotional Development
• Strategies to Establish Productive Relationships with Families
• Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
• Strategies to Manage an Effective Program

Many More!
A Specialization in Special Education & Inclusion, Administrative Support or Teacher Assistant must be selected