Education Paraprofessional Program, SC

This is a draft edition of the 2024-2025 catalog. Information is subject to change.

This program can be completed 100% online. 

Program Description

The Education Paraprofessional Program aims to better prepare paraprofessionals to work alongside teachers and create a more secure education system in Nevada. This program provides essential knowledge and skills needed to be effective in the classroom. Additionally, the program includes instruction on foundational literacy skills which will help Nevada reach the Read by Grade 3 program goals. Credits earned for this certificate are part of the Elementary Education Teacher Preparation degree.

This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, it may be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
EDU 201 Introduction to Elementary Education 1, 2, 3 3
EDU 206 Classroom Learning Environments 1, 3 3
 Semester Total6
2nd semester
EPY 220A Principles of Elementary Educational Psychology 1, 3 3
 Semester Total3
3rd semester
EDU 203 Introduction to Special Education 1, 3 3
EDU 245 Foundations of Elementary Literacy and the Science of Reading 1 3
 Semester Total6
 Total Units15
1

Students must attend the required meeting each semester and earn 70% or higher in each course.  

2

Students will be required to complete a WCSD Volunteer application and a minimum of 30 hours of field experience in an approved school.

3

This course is required for the AA, Elementary Education Teacher Preparation degree.

Program Requirements

Skills Certificates can consist of a single course or a short set of courses that provide training for entry-level positions or career advancement. These short-term certificates may also prepare students to take state, national and/or industry-recognized certifications or licensing exams.

Skills certificates are awarded upon completion of coursework and marked on a student's transcripts at the end of the semester. Students cannot declare a skills certificate as one's major. Skills Certificates are not eligible for Financial Aid. 

To earn a skills certificate, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  2. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
Certificate Requirements 1
EDU 201Introduction to Elementary Education 2, 33
EDU 206Classroom Learning Environments 33
EPY 220APrinciples of Elementary Educational Psychology 33
EDU 203Introduction to Special Education 33
EDU 245Foundations of Elementary Literacy and the Science of Reading3
1

Students must attend the required meeting each semester and earn 70% or higher in each course.  

2

Students will be required to complete a WCSD Volunteer application and a minimum of 30 hours of field experience in an approved school.  

3

This course is required for the AA, Elementary Education Teacher Preparation degree.

Program Outcomes

Student completing the Certificate will:

PSLO1: Explain and apply the principles of child development, the learning process, and instructional strategies to create effective lessons and activities for all types of learners, including English language learners and students with special needs.

PSLO2: Identify and apply appropriate classroom management techniques.

PSLO3: Demonstrate skills to effectively interact and collaborate with students, parents, teachers, and administrators in a diverse school society.

PSLO4: Examine effective literacy assessments, intervention strategies, and differentiation techniques.