Paraprofessional Education, AAS

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This program is tailored for licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to seek employment outside of Ohio, please be aware that the curriculum may not meet licensure or certification requirements in other states. Each state may have additional requirements (e.g. background checks, drug screenings) that affect eligibility.

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The paraprofessional education degree program prepares individuals for instructional teacher assistant positions in Pre-K to grade 12 settings. The program was developed to meet the Ohio Department of Education standards for the Paraprofessional Associate License. The curriculum integrates classroom and field experiences to provide the student with the opportunity to apply skills and techniques with multiple age groups.

A student who wishes to be recommended for the Paraprofessional Associate License must meet the criteria of the program as stated in the student handbook. Students must also show completion of standard first aid training, child/adult CPR, common childhood illness recognition and child abuse and neglect training through additional college courses or approved community providers to be eligible for licensure.

All students are required to have a documentation file which includes: a recent records check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification and the FBI. The appropriate forms are available from Education faculty and/or the division secretary. Specific program policies are stated in the ECD/EDU/EDP Student Handbook.

Career Outlook

Employment of paraprofessionals is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Rising student enrollment along with state and federal funding for education programs should affect growth.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understand the principles of learning and child development in order to assist the classroom teacher.

2. Assist teachers in creating learning environments that promote high levels of student learning and achievement.

3. Assist in the implementation of instructional strategies that accommodate various learning styles, intelligences, and exceptionalities.

4. Assist teachers with the implementation of varied assessment tools.

5. Collaborate and communicate with students, parents, other educators, administrators, and the community to support student learning.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of professional growth, ethical conduct, and involvement as an individual and as a member of a learning community.