About the Program
Instructional Aides/Teacher Aides/Paraprofessionals become ParaEducators: Guidelines from the "No Child Left Behind" Act of 2002 reveal that paraprofessionals under the Title 1-A programs must have higher educational certification in the form of: a) 2 years of higher education, or b) an associate's degree, or c) a formal course with a focus on instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate. Exceptions to the paraprofessional requirements: a) those who are bilingual and provide services to enhance the participation of children in Title 1 programs by acting as a translator, or b) those whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities consistent with Section 1118 (TEA/NCLB). These ParaEducator courses are approved for Continuing Professional Education by the State Board for Educator Certification, provider #500551.
The ParaEducator Institute Certificate
A ParaEducator Institute Certificate is issued for participants with a high school education who successfully complete the rigorous training needed for school district hiring purposes. Due to the “No Child Left Behind” 2002 legislation, school districts may only hire aides for Title One schools who are “highly qualified.” This qualification is met by either an Associate’s degree or two years of higher education OR a formal local assessment (focus on instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate). Participants must be able to independently complete all requirements, attend all 21 hours, and successfully complete all Institute requirements.
Professional Development ParaEducator Certificate
Professional Development ParaEducator Certificate is available for students wanting professional development only, without “highly qualified” status, or for students who cannot attend the entire, 21 hour ParaEducator Institute. A certificate for the number of hours attended will be available upon request. If participants need assistance to complete professional development, arrangements must be made for accommodations before the class begins. Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for forms and information at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/index.php and contact the Coordinator before registration. If there is a question regarding participant readiness, please consult the Coordinator, Melaina Wilkin, 512.223.7854 before registration.
Prerequisites
You must have a high school diploma or GED. To earn the Para Educator Institute Certificate, you must independently complete all requirements and attend all three days (21 hours).
Length
ACC offers 3-day Professional Development sessions for teacher aides for 21 required hours (9:00-5:00). You may take the 3-day session, the 7-hour Special Education session, receive a professional development certificate for the hours attended, or register for all four days (2 separate classes). ParaEducator Institutes are held in February (Saturdays only), June (during the work week), and September (Saturdays only).
Course Schedule
Certificate: EDTC 1094 ParaEducator Institute (21 hours/$210)
February 6, 13, and 22 - 9am-5pm, Saturday, rm. 301
Provides general preparation for teacher aides. Day 1 covers Working Together Successfully; Day 2 covers Learning Styles and the Instructional Process; and Day 3 covers Reading, Writing, and Math. Assessments are performance-based and take place throughout the course. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED. Students must attend all three days (21 hrs) and pass all requirements for the ParaEducator Institute Certificate.
Professional Development: EDTC 1094 Special Education ParaEducator Institute (7 hours/$55)
February 27 - 9am-5pm HBC Saturday, rm. 301
Provides preparation for special education teacher aides. This course covers Special Education topics such as IDEA, FAPE, physically impaired students, crisis intervention, and LRE. Assessments are performance-based and take place throughout the course. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED. Sack lunch requested. These seven hours count as professional development for ParaEducators.
Fees
Cost is $210 for the 3 days and $265 for the full 4 days.
Registration Information
Each course is limited to 35 total students, so register early. Payment is due at the time of registration. Please make payment with cash, check, or credit card at any of the ACC Campus Cashier offices within 24 hours after registering for courses. We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Payment must be received within 24 hours to avoid being dropped from class.
Automated telephone registration: (512) 407-3087 or toll-free (866) 878-7889.
Online registration: www.austincc.edu/ce/register
Mail-in payments will be accepted with completed registration form in the form of check or money order.
For more information, contact (512) 223-7649 or tchrcert@austincc.edu.
Updated 9/15/09