ParaEd

The Paraeducator Certificate Program at

Catholic University’s Metropolitan College

Who are paraeducators?

• Teacher’s Assistants• Instructional Assistants• Teacher’s Aides• One-on-one Aides• Dedicated Aides.

ParaEd: The New 48-Hour Program in Education Studies

• No Child Left Behind requires an Associate’s Degree or equivalent (48 credit hours) for paraeducators

• Open to all paraeducators, even those working in Title I and regular education programs.

Why is ParaEd needed?

• Paraeducators are increasingly utilized to provide support to students with special needs in a variety of settings

• Working with children with low-incidence disabilities requires special skills.

What is a low incidence disability?

• visual and/or hearing impairment• significant cognitive impairment• autism/autism spectrum disorders• multiple disabilities• severe physical disabilities• severe health impairments• any impairment for which a small

number of personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge are needed

Metropolitan College

• Geared towards non-traditional students

• Accessible

Who is eligible to apply for admission to ParaEd?

• People with a desire to support the education of children with disabilities

• GED or high school diploma required (minimum)

• Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

What do I need to do to apply to ParaEd?

• Complete an application• Get letters of reference from your current Principal

and the special education teacher you are assigned to

• Obtain an official (original) high school transcript or proof of GED plus an official college transcript if you have attended some college

• Provide official evidence of US citizenship or documentation from the INS that you are a lawful permanent resident of the US

• Send or deliver the above to Metropolitan College.

After your application materials are all in . . .

• You will be scheduled to come to Metropolitan College. At that meeting:– you will take a short test of reading

comprehension– you will meet the staff and be

interviewed

• .

Next . . .

• If you are eligible for admission, we will notify you, in writing, about your acceptance and start date.

• You will be scheduled a time to return to the Metropolitan College so that you can: – complete required paperwork – take part in a University orientation– hear about options for financial aide.

48 Credit Hours!

• Credits from other universities may be accepted

• ParaMet credits included/accepted• Other college credits you have

earned may be accepted• CLEP testing may be an option for

some students, especially if you are fluent in a foreign language.

Completion of the 48-hour program will prepare paraeducators for• Meeting No Child Left Behind

requirements• Providing academic and behavioral

supports to children in a variety of educational settings, including support of students with low incidence disabilities

• Pursuing further undergraduate study in education or a related field

• Beginning to address local requirements for teacher certification.

Questions?

• Metropolitan College: 202-319-5256• ParaEd Office: 202-319-4732

– Co-Project Directors:• Shavaun Wall, PhD• Abby L. W. Crowley, EdD

We hope that you will

be part of this exciting opportunity.