Education Paraeducator, AAS-T

90 CREDITS

The Education Paraeducator AAS-T program prepares students for careers in educational settings from preschool to grade 12/adult transition. The program is aligned with the WA State Competencies for Paraeducators to include a comprehensive overview of education services and strategies to effectively work with students of all abilities while fostering positive, safe, and inclusive learning environments. The engaging curriculum includes an overview of child development, instructional support methods, learning theories, and positive behavior support strategies for application
in educational settings. Coursework will provide students with the training to meet the high standards necessary to be an effective paraeducator in schools by focusing on professionalism, collaboration skills, ethics, equity, diversity, inclusion, and current trends.

Education Paraeducator AAS-T graduates will:

• be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in their field
• apply developmental and learning theory-based instructional and behavioral support methods under the guidance of certificated staff while working with culturally and linguistically diverse students
• examine the historical, societal, and legal aspects related to the education of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), Rehabilitation Act 504 plan, the evaluation process for determining eligibility, and the implementation of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
• be prepared to work effectively with a wide range of learners as part of a school team (e.g., within special education, or multi-lingual learner programs, or within a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) model)
• explain the variety of roles and responsibilities paraeducators have in the delivery of educational services and develop effective partnerships with school staff
• demonstrate respectful, ethical, and professional approaches to navigate complex issues in education and to promote equitable outcomes for all
• explore current trends, issues, and considerations related to schools
• demonstrate communication, critical thinking, cultural humility, information literacy, and teamwork skills
• meet Humanities, Natural Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, and Written Communication general education distribution area outcomes

Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an advisor. Any additional coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.