Paraeducator Certification Courses

To become a certified paraeducator in Iowa you must be at least 18 years of age, complete 3 Generalist Courses (90 hours) and Child/Adult Mandatory Reporter (4 hours), and apply through the Board of Educational Examiners for the certification upon completing the coursework. A 10-hour clinical experience in a classroom is also required. The cost of each course is $120.00 ($360.00 total for 3 courses). Additional fees include a $40 application fee and $35 background check fee (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE). Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.

Paraeducators are integral partners in the education setting so they need top-notch skills to provide the best academic and emotional support to students.

It is strongly encouraged that participants take Course 1 before Courses 2 and 3

After completing Paraeducator Course I paraeducators will be able to:

• Recognize and support the developmental stages of students.

• Use accommodations to support unique learning needs.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the common core.

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with teachers.

• Ethically serve students and maintain confidentiality.

• Collaboratively support IEP Goals.

Course I

November 21, December 5 & 12, 2024 (5:00-10:00 p.m.)

Zoom + online coursework

Session #46159

After completing Paraeducator Course II paraeducators will be able to:

• Follow the prescribed health, safety, and emergency school and classroom policy and procedures

• Organize materials to support teaching and learning.

• Promote a safe and positive learning environment.

• Function in various instructional settings (e.g., large group, small group, tutoring).

• Assist with learning activities and opportunities to accomplish instructional objectives.

• Support high expectations that are shared, clearly defined and appropriate.

• Abide by the Iowa code of ethics and professional practice rules of the board of educational examiners and rules of the Iowa department of education.

• Demonstrate the ability to separate personal issues from one’s responsibilities in the workplace.

• Share information regarding students’ performance, behavior, or program with students’ parents or guardians only as directed by the supervising teacher or educator.

• Demonstrate ethical behavior when supporting students with graded activities, quizzes, and tests.

Course II

January 9, 16 & 23, 2025 (5:00-10:00 p.m.)

Zoom + online coursework

Session #46458

After completing Paraeducator Course III paraeducators will be able to:

• Effectively use verbal and nonverbal forms of communication with students.

• Assist with the implementation and use of instructional and assistive technology.

• Assist in modeling and teaching specific appropriate behaviors, social skills, and procedures that facilitate safety and learning in various environments.

• Assist in the implementation of individualized behavior management plans.

• Assist in modifying the learning environment to manage behavior and social skills.

• Recognize that there is a cause or reason for misbehavior and assist in determining the cause or reason.

• Recognize, address, and report bullying.

• Recognize and report atypical emotional behavior.

• Foster a professional and caring relationship with stakeholders ( students, families, colleagues, administrators)

• Participate in ongoing professional development.

• Accept and apply constructive feedback.

Course III

February 6, 13 & 20, 2025 (5:00-10:00 p.m.)

Zoom + online coursework

Session #47614

Registration Website: https://gpaea.escworks.com

Login:

When you arrive at the website, please check to see if your name is listed under the Quick Links heading in the left column. If it is, you are already logged in. If not, click on the yellow Sign In button. Your AEA Login is the same email and password you use to log into the AEA Learning System (e.g. Mandatory Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens). If you don't have an account in the Learning System, you will need to click on the yellow Sign In button under the Quick Links heading in the left column and then click on "Need a profile? Sign Up" at the bottom of the login screen.

Registration:

Once you have logged in and are on the Home screen, in the text box under Ready to Learn? You may search by topic, subject area, presenter name, etc., type 46159 and click Search. This will bring up Course I. Scroll to the bottom and select Licensure Renewal (2 credit/30 instructor Led Hours) - $120.00. At the top of the page, click the Register button. This will add the course to your Registration Cart.

If you want to register for all three courses at once, click the Home link on the left to take you back to the Home screen and type 46458 in the search field and follow the steps above to register for Course II. Then follow these steps again to register for Course III which is 47614.

Once you have the desired courses in your Registration Cart, click Checkout at the bottom. Review the Cancellation and Refund Policy and select your payment method (credit card or purchase order issued by an Iowa school district). Complete the necessary payment information and select Complete Checkout.

You will receive a confirmation email after you register.

Questions? Contact Julie Hannam at 641-682-8591 Ext. 5239 or julie.hannam@gpaea.org

Angela Livezey

Director of Professional Learning and Leadership
Great Prairie AEA
2814 N Ct St.
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Email: angela.livezey@gpaea.org
Website: gpaea.org
Phone: 800-622-0027
Facebook: facebook.com/gpaea

Great Prairie Area Education Agency works as an educational partner with public and accredited nonpublic schools to help students, school staff, parents, and communities. Great Prairie AEA provides professional development and leadership to promote school improvement, a variety of instructional services, special education support services, and technology and media services.

It is the policy of the Great Prairie Education Agency not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Nathan Wood, 2814 N. Court, Ottumwa, IA 52501, (641) 682-8591 x5512, nathan.wood@gpaea.org (employment practices) or Angela Livezey, 2814 N. Court, Ottumwa, IA 52501, (641) 682-8591 x5302, angela.livezey@gpaea.org (educational programs).

Click here to view the Annual Nondiscrimination Notice and Board Policy.

Website: gpaea.org
Facebook: facebook.com/gpaea
Twitter: @gpaea