EDUC& 101 Paraeducator Basics

3 credits

This introductory course provides an overview of roles, responsibilities, and the scope of Paraeducator’s work in the public-school system. Students will explore techniques for supporting instruction, identifying professional and ethical practices, promoting positive and safe learning environments, and practicing effective communication and teamwork.

Prerequisites: ABED 40 or AHSE 56 (or placement into MATH 87 or AHSE 66 or higher) and ABED 46 (or placement into ENGL 93 or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain the variety of roles and responsibilities paraeducators have in the delivery of educational services and compare the role of a paraeducator with those of the certificated teaching staff
Describe the organization of school systems, the role of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, and special education components, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)/disability support services related to Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), IEP, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Response to Intervention (RTI), and Transition Plan sequence
Identify the components of a safe, positive, equitable, inclusive and culturally responsive Discuss the importance of partnerships and utilize effective communication strategies with diverse groups of students, family members, and school staff
Examine and analyze issues related to positions of power, privilege, and equity in schools
Utilize the Washington State Paraeducator Core Competencies to discuss ethical and professional standards of conduct, confidentiality and create a professional development plan
Examine types of assessments and demonstrate the ability to utilize data recording to monitor student progress/development, and the process for communicating the data results
Discuss the influences on behavior, the paraeducator’s role in providing behavior support, and strategies for responding to behavior in a safe and respectful manner according to laws, and district policies
Explore the essential components of the Washington State Framework for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) learning environment

Total Hours: 30 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 30