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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is my first step in earning my Generalist Paraeducator
Certification? |
A: You need to take the approved classes offered through Kirkwood Community
College that meet the competencies specified by the Department of Education.
You may also take course work through Grant Wood AEA and keep track of your
work.
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| Q: What are the classes for the Generalist Certification? |
A: At Kirkwood Community College you need to take two courses, "Introduction to
Disabilities Services Careers", and "Observation and Management of Behavior."
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| Q: What are the classes for the Level II Certification? |
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A: For the Level II - Area of Concentration Kirkwood offers "Instruction and Adaptation
Strategies," "Introduction to Early Childhood Education," and "Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Children."
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| Q: When are classes offered? |
A: See the List of course offerings at Kirkwood Community College or the courses
available through Grant Wood AEA.
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Q: Do I need to take all of the classes through Kirkwood
Community College, or can I take them in a combination? |
A: Kirkwood Community College and Grant Wood AEA work cooperatively to support
paraeducators who are interested in obtaining certification. You may take one
class at each institution, document your competencies and meet the requirements
for certification.
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| Q: What do I do if I want to earn all college credits? |
A: You must take the classes at Kirkwood Community College to receive college
credit if you plan to work on a degree or paraeducator advance degree.
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Q: I am already a paraeducator and have taken several college
courses in the past. Do I still need to take more classes to
receive paraeducator certification? |
A: Yes, you need to take the specified classes. The Iowa Board of Education has
specified the competencies required for Paraeducator Certification. You need to
demonstrate and record that you have completed these specific competencies.
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Q: I have an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. I
would like to obtain the Advanced Paraeducator Certification.
What are the requirements? |
A: First, you must meet the requirements and obtain a Generalist Paraeducator
Certification. The Advanced Certification requires that a paraeducator have an AA
or AS degree or 62 approved college credits, and an approved practicum.
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| Q: What are the requirements for an approved practicum? |
A: An approved practicum for an Advanced Paraeducator Certification is one that is a
minimum of two semester hours of coursework involving at least 100 clock hours of
supervised practicum completed in an educational setting with children and youth.
The practicum may be part of an associate degree.
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Q: I have a BA or Teaching Certificate, do I need to take more
classes? |
| A: Yes, if you want to become certified as a paraeducator.
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| Q: I have finished my course work. What is the next step? |
A: Kirkwood Community College provides you with the application packet. The
Packet includes the application form; a waiver for a background check through the
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and
a form for your fingerprints. You sign and complete the forms in the Packet and
return the completed application packet to Susan Simon at Kirkwood Community
College for the official College approval along with a check or money order for the
fee of the certification and background check. Then, Kirkwood Community College
will send the completed Packet to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
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