All students of this course must have access to a preschool setting for 15 hours of observation purposes; this includes community- and/or school-based preschools, not home-based daycare.

The Early Childhood Paraeducator Certification Course is designed to integrate “on-the-job” knowledge and skills with academic study involving 45 hours of seat-time, classroom/coaching observations, and professional readings, reflections and summaries. A portfolio is developed that focuses on the area of concentrations of “Early Childhood: Birth through Grade 3” will be developed throughout the course and reviewed by the instructor. Those Paraeducators who commit to this process will gain knowledge of research-based instructional strategies, engage in professional dialogue, develop a relationship with the professional instructor who has expertise in early childhood and participate in all professional development activities. Paraeducators must be certified with an Iowa Generalist Paraeducator Certificate.

Paraeducators who complete this certification process will have demonstrated the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to assist in the instruction of individuals in Early Childhood. Additionally, this option provides the Paraeducator with a research base to draw upon in his/her daily Paraeducator instructional assistance duties, knowledge from class activities, and a tool to assess performance on Early Childhood competencies/standards. Also, the relationship between the Paraeducator and instructor, AEA staff and Early Childhood staff builds the foundation for professional collaboration and support that can extend beyond the certification process and throughout a career.

After successful completion of this course, paraeducators may apply to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for the Paraeducator Area of Concentration Early Childhood (Level II) endorsement.

Instructor: Jennifer Jansen
Session Number: 7273
Dates: 2/27/17, 3/20/17, 4/10/17
Time: 8:30 - 3:00
Location: Mississippi Bend AEA, Bettendorf