Paraeducator Certificate

The Paraeducator Certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills for students wanting to become paraeducators or teaching assistants in grades K-12. Coursework focuses on providing content knowledge and strategies to support the learning of bilingual students, students of color, and exceptional learners. Students learn to support the classroom teacher through observations in area schools. This certificate program is stacked into the Elementary Education, A.A. for students wishing to continue their education.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

EDU-103 Introduction & Foundations of Education Credits: 3 *
EDU-110 Introduction to Curriculum Development and Instruction Credits: 3 *
PSY-101 Principles of Psychology Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 9

Semester 1 Advising Note

Employment in public schools requires criminal background checks to ensure the safety of children. Where this program does not require students to undergo a CORI background check, students with concerns about completing a CORI background check prior to entering employment in a public school should contact the Department Chair before beginning this program.

Semester 2

EDU-203 Literacy in the Content Area Credits: 3 *
EDU-204 Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition Credits: 3 *
EDU-205 Teaching Mathematics in Grades K-8 Credits: 3 *
ECE-208 Exceptional Lrnrs:Intro to Special Educ Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 12

Semester 2 Advising Note

This program is intended for individuals interested in becoming paraeducators in K-12 classes in the public schools.
Students interested in becoming public elementary or middle school teachers should pursue the Elementary Education, A.A.
Students interested in becoming public middle or high school teachers should earn a degree in the subject they would like to teach (for example, Studio Art, Math, English) and select Education courses as electives.
Students interested in becoming early childhood teachers in pre-schools or day care centers should pursue the Early Childhood Development, A.S. .

Career Outlook

The career outlook for paraprofessionals like all educators is promising due to the shortage. It is expected that all graduates will be able to obtain gainful employment in a school setting upon completion of the program.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

The Profession
- Candidates will be able to describe the role and responsibilities of the paraeducator/professional in a school setting
- Candidates will develop the content and pedagogical knowledge for working as co-teachers in a classroom
- Candidates will understand and create a career roadmap
Teaching and Learning
- Candidates will develop the pedagogical and content knowledge necessary to understand and discuss the critical components of the reading, writing, and math process
- Candidates will be able to understand and apply best practices in teaching reading, math, and writing
- Candidates will be able to apply best intervention practices in reading, writing, and math
- Candidates will be able to understand and apply best practices when working with students with learning and language difficulties in reading, writing, and math
- Candidates will understand and apply best practices when working with students whose first language is not English
Behavior Management
- Candidates will understand and apply benchmarks for the social and academic development of children and adolescent
- Candidates will understand and apply strategies for positive and effective classroom management
- Candidates will understand and apply effective intervention strategies

Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks

Employment in public schools requires criminal background checks to ensure the safety of children. Where this program does not require students to undergo a CORI background check, students with concerns about completing a CORI background check prior to entering employment in a public school should contact the Department Chair before beginning this program. Go to https://www.bhcc.edu/internships/coriandsorichecks/ to obtain more information about the Criminal Offender Record application.