Education Paraprofessional
EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL
The Associate in Education - Education Paraprofessional (A.Ed.) degree offers the needed preparation in critical education content to prepare students for employment as paraeducators upon graduation. It also prepares students for future transfer to a four-year college or university. The A.Ed. coursework is equivalent to a major relating to education and meets the requirements of employers, especially public school districts for paraeducator positions.
This degree includes prescriptive coursework necessary to:
- Provide foundational preparation in the field of education.
- Prepare students to apply for baccalaureate teacher preparation programs, such as the Western Washington University Woodring College of Education’s Undergraduate Elementary Education Professional Program.
- Fulfill the 75 credits of unrestricted general education requirements of the Associate of Arts, Direct Transfer Agreement, AA-DTA.
- This degree also furthers the objectives of the Maestros Para el Pueblo program. This program works with Western Washington University and various high schools in the area to help LatinX students achieve their goals in pursuing a career in education.
Graduates of the Associate in Education - Education Paraprofessional program will be able to:
- Use knowledge of key child development theories and current research to analyze and understand children’s perspectives, behavior, and development.
- Develop strategies for connecting with and supporting the child and family that recognize the interconnectedness of the child, family, and community and the impacts of culture and structural inequity on their lives.
- Use effective teaching strategies that adapt and change to meet student’s needs.
- Demonstrate methods and strategies that are effective in meeting the learning needs of Dual Language Learners.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and participate in an educational team.
Education Paraprofessional, A.Ed.
96 credits | Intended for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year university.
The Associate in Education - Education Paraprofessional (A.Ed.) degree offers the needed preparation in critical education content to prepare students for employment as paraeducators upon graduation. It also prepares students for future transfer to a four-year college or university. The A.Ed. coursework is equivalent to a major relating to education and meets the requirements of employers, especially public school districts.
Program Admissions
Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter. For specific information, contact Enrollment Services or the Department Chair.
According to Washington State law RCW 43.43.830, any person with a positive criminal history for “crimes against persons” is not allowed to work with children. Background checks of criminal history are required of all students who work with children in any setting. Participants in this program will be required to complete a background check with a local school district.
Students will complete EDUC 223 - Practicum and Seminar toward the end of their degree. This requires the student to volunteer weekly in a K-3rd grade classroom. In order to volunteer in a school, you must successfully pass a criminal background check. Students with a criminal background should complete a background check prior to enrolling in the program to make sure that they will be able to complete the practicum requirement and gain employment after graduation.
Certification/Licensure
Like all of SVC’s education-related degrees, the Associate in Education - Education Paraprofessional (A.Ed.) degree is designed with Washington State employment requirements in mind. The course and program outcomes align with the Paraeducator Standards of Practice set by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). Earning the Associate in Education Degree meets the employment requirements set by PESB for working as a paraeducator in Washington State.
Employment requirements for paraeducators in other states vary dramatically, but Washington State exceeds the standards of most other states. In general, Washington paraeducators will be able to work in most, but not all, other states, especially the 47 states that have signed the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. However, several states may offer an accelerated certification option rather than full reciprocity for paraprofessional credentials. In addition, New Mexico, New York, and South Dakota have not signed the NASDTEC and have limited reciprocity.
Faculty and Staff
Alexis Meyers
Department Chair
360.416.7787
Alexis.meyers@skagit.edu