Oct 06, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paraeducator Generalist, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Perry VanKirk Center, Online


The Paraeducator Certificate Program is designed to offer the coursework, and classroom experiences to prepare an individual for employment as a Paraeducator, Teacher Associate, in a school setting. The state approved program is made of three courses in which the individual will enhance their knowledge and skills related to the duties and responsibilities of a Paraeducator. These skills focus on developing effective classroom management strategies, collaborative practices, and communication skills aimed at supporting all learners. At the completion of program, the student will be able to provide support to teachers with classroom duties including establishing a safe classroom climate, identifying and assisting with various learner needs, preparing educational materials and communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues. 

Program Details


Pathway: Education, Communcation, & the Humanities


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program any semester


Program Graduation Requirements


To earn a Paraeducator Generalist, Certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 6


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs



Semester 1Semester 2
Books300.00
Program Fees

50.00

Background/Fingerprinting fee to BOEE
75.00
Application fee to BOEE
40.00

Approximate total cost for the program: $1575.00

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.


What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Support classroom teacher in classroom duties including planning and assessment
  • Support students in areas of academic and personal growth
  • Support building and district goals
  • Supervise students
  • Communicate with students, families, colleagues, administrators

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • A passed background and child abuse registry check is required in order to take EDU218. (Check with your DMACC instructor for more information on background checks.)
  • Students will need own transportation to clinical placement sites.
  • Upon completion of the program requirements students must apply to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to receive their certificate.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


Program Competencies


  1. Recognize and respect the different roles paraeducators and teachers serve in supporting students. 
  2. Promote a safe and healthy learning environment designed to educate all students including those with diverse learning needs.  
  3. Perform duties related to student assessment through progress monitoring, documentation and implementation of learning and behavior plans.  
  4. Employ the skills necessary for assisting with student needs in both educational and non-educational settings.  
  5. Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary for being an effective team member and developing relationships with students, parents and supervisors.  
  6. Display evidence of growth through participation in professional development opportunities.  

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)