Associate of Applied Science Transfer - Early Childhood Education Paraeducator

Paraeducators are a valuable asset for teachers in providing support and assistance in instruction and other direct services to students, and in helping to ensure a positive, safe, and supportive learning community. Based on the Washington State Paraeducator standards, the program provides students with the training needed to work as effective members of instructional teams. Core competencies covered in this program prepare paraeducators to effectively support and extend instruction and services, thereby increasing student learning. These core competencies revolve around the areas of instructional strategies, behavior management, and human growth and development. The coursework is offered partially online, as well as in the classroom, drawing on the expertise of local professionals and schools.

This is a dual-purpose degree program that is intended to prepare students for employment as paraeducators with transfer options to specific baccalaureate degree programs.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: • Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities. • Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities. • Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication • Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education. • Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social). • Positively support children’s whole development. • Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job • Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team. • Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct • Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision. • Use reinforcement, motivation and data collection to facilitate positive behavioral support and assist in instruction and learning. • Demonstrate performance indicators associated with the Core Competencies for Paraeducators in Washington State.