The College for Lifelong Learning
Paraprofessional Training Program

Course #INST 500
Special Education Paraprofessional Training

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed for paraprofessionals currently working with students from preschool through secondary level. The course will focus on the role of the paraprofessional with regard to professional expectations, basic knowledge of the special education process, topics in child development relevant to the delivery of support services, problem solving approaches to communications and behavioral management, and health and safety issues. The course is designed to assist the working paraprofessional to better understand and apply the components of the education system in order to more effectively perform the role of paraprofessional as outlined in the New Hampshire Standards.

Basic readings, discussions, simulations, role-playing, problem solving, journal writing, and group projects may be employed to provide understanding and application of the concepts and skills contained in the course.

Paraprofessionals in this course will be expected to demonstrate reading and writing skills sufficient to comprehend and express basic course materials and concepts in order to communicate effectively with instructors, other paraprofessionals, supervisors, and identified students. They will also be required to keep an anecdotal record of their work contact with students and a reflection journal of assigned responses. These cumulative documents will be part of their assessment portfolios. Participants must be able to use a word processor and access the Internet.

Successful completion of the course with a grade of C or better is required to obtain certification.

CLASS TEXTS:
What Do I Do When.? How to Achieve Discipline With Dignity in The Classroom.
Allen N. Mendler

Inclusion: An Essential Guide for the Paraprofessional. Peggy Hammeken 
COLLEGE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Presents
The BASIC PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM DO?
· Trains and certifies working paraprofessionals under the authority of the NH State Department
of Education.
· Awards a Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate valid for Medicaid reimbursement good for 3 years.
· Grants 4 college credits in the CLL system.
· Establishes courses at convenient locations throughout the state.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
· You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
· You must be employed as a special education paraprofessional in a New Hampshire public school.
· You must earn a C or better in the course to be awarded the certification.
· You must be able to use a word processor and the Internet.

HOW DO YOU GET IN?
· Submit an application directly to the College for LifeLong Learning.
· Wait to be notified when a course will be offered in your area.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
· There are no tuition costs to either you or your school district.
· You pay for textbooks - current cost is approximately $40.00.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
· Training is given in six competency areas:
Educational Professionalism
Special Education Services
Communications
Child Development
Behavior Management
Health and Safety Issues

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?
· One class per week for twelve weeks.
· Each class meets for three and a half hours in the late afternoon.
· Classroom activities: discussions, problem solving groups, presentations, etc.
· Homework: readings, observations and recording, reflective writing, projects.
· Tests? Yes, but your grade will be based on demonstration of the course outcomes and other work such as projects and class participation are considered.
· Renewal of your certification would be done through the NH Department of Education (fee is currently $80.00) at the end of 3 years. You are responsible for the fee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION MATERIALS, CALL THE COLLEGE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING AT (603) 447-3970.