Choose from 100% on-campus or a mix of online and on-campus courses to fit your schedule.
If you have some college credit or already earned a degree, this certificate prepares you to successfully transition to a career as a paraprofessional educator. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with children in non-title I positions in K-12 public or private schools and while preparing for the ISBE Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed for Paraprofessional exam.
Also known as instructional assistants or teacher’s aides, paraprofessional educators
work in a variety of settings such as classrooms, computer labs and the outdoors.
They assist with tasks including instruction, grading assignments, supervision and
child development.
Take classes in educational psychology, students with disabilities in school, diversity
in schools and society, technology in education, child development, children’s literature
and more. All courses are taught by expert faculty who are extremely knowledgeable
in the field of education.
Coursework completed for this program can be applied to the Paraprofessional Educator AAS Degree.
This 31 credit-hour program is designed to promote the skills necessary when working with children in non-Title I positions in K-12 public or private schools. Individuals can also use the certificate program toward completion of the Paraprofessional Educator Associate in Applied Science degree.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 |
|
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language, and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion, and society. Emphasis is on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
|
Description: Provides an introduction to teaching as a profession in the American education system. Offers a variety of perspectives on education including historical, philosophical, social, legal, and ethical issues in a diverse society. Includes organizational structure and school governance. There is a mandatory 15 hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 202 | Pre -Student Teaching Clinical Experience S | 1 |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 211 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
|
Description: Examines psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity. There is a clinical component in this course, therefore; the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 219 | Students With Disabilities in School | 3 |
|
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913 Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society | 3 |
|
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 230 | Introduction to Language Arts in Elementary /Middle School Teaching S | 3 |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Technology in Education F | 3 |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| LIT 219 | Children's Literature | 3 |
|
Description: Introduces the various types of children's literature. Includes the history of children's literature, as well as the classic and current authors and illustrators. Covers such areas as picture and concept books, myths, poetry, fantasy and realism. IAI H3 918 Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
||
| Mathematics1 | 3 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology 2 | 3 |
|
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Class Schedule: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |
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1 - Students must place into 100-level mathematics or higher. If a student does not place into 100-level math, they may seek to retake the math placement exam or complete a college-level math course with co-requisite to meet math requirements. Students that place into 100-level mathematics or higher can take a 3 credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
2 - Students must meet the prerequisite of placement into ENG 101 prior to registering for this course.
Students interested in instructional assistant programs may also be interested in:
For more information about Harper's teacher's aide programs, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.
