EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Effective: WINTER 2010

Degrees and Certificates - Click for Program Outline:

• AAS - SFCC
• Certificate - SFCC

Enrollment: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Program Description

The Education Paraprofessional program provides theory and practice in the skills for working as effective members of instructional teams. An education paraprofessional works under the supervision of a licensed/certificated staff member to assist and support educational services. Courses within all options address the Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators and the Washington State Skill Standards. The core curriculum focuses on current issues and historical foundations of regular and special education, instructional strategies, behavior management, human development and interpersonal skills in the context of a diverse society. Supervised practicum opportunities for hands-on experiences in schools are provided throughout this course of study. The focus on Special Education includes the core curriculum courses described above yet delve deeper into providing services for children identified with disabilities such as learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and developmental disabilities.

AAS Education Paraprofessional, General Education: The goal for this option is to support learners experiencing delays and/or those who are learning English as well as typical students within a general education setting.

AAS Education Paraprofessional, Early Childhood: Courses include the core curriculum described above and is intended to meet the needs of persons who wish to become paraeducators in grades K-3.

AAS Education Paraprofessional, School Library Media Technician: Courses include the core curriculum described above and is intended to meet the needs of persons who wish to become education paraprofessionals or school library technician paraprofessionals in a K-12 library. Library science (LMLIB) classes are taught online and students are required to take an onsite work experience class, LMLIB 267.

Program Goals

1. Students will practice ethical and professional standards of conduct and comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and workplace policies and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.
2. Students will display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job and are able to develop rapport and interact positively within the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
3. Students are knowledgeable in the use of reinforcement, motivation and data collection to facilitate positive behavioral support and assist in instruction and learning.
4. Students exemplify the philosophy that all individuals/participants can learn and contribute within a multicultural, inclusive context of children, families and colleagues.
5. Students have documented performance indicators for the 14 Core Competencies for Paraeducators in Washington State.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for employment include all private and public educational facilities. Agencies providing services to people with disabilities offer a variety of employment possibilities.