Program Description

The Education Paraprofessional (EDUC) degree prepares students to work under the supervision and alongside a certified/licensed staff member to support and assist in providing instructional and other services to children, youth and their families. Possible positions this degree prepares a student for are ESL/bilingual/migrant paraeducator, ECEAP family support specialist, education assistant, guidance specialist, instructional aide, interpreter, transition specialist paraeducator, playground assistant, special education assistant, teacher aide, and tutor.

Students may pursue an Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) Degree, a one-year certificate or earn electives to an AAUCT degree. The ATA degree covers the Washington State Core Competencies and Skill Standards for Paraeducators and meets the federal paraeducator requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2001. Many of the courses in the Education Paraprofessional program transfer directly to Western Washington University or other four-year institutions. Check with the transfer counselor for the most up to date information.

Entry into the Program

Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter. For specific information contact the Admissions Office or the Department Chair.

According to Washington State Law RCW 43.43.830, any person with a positive criminal history for "crimes" against persons is not allowed to work with children. Background checks of criminal history are required of all students who work with children in any setting. Participants in this program will be required to provide a disclosure statement which will be submitted to the Washington State Patrol in order to complete a criminal history background check.

All EDUC courses require extensive reading and writing. At least one EDUC course will be designated as "writing" or "speech" intensive each quarter. Students should expect to participate in both individual and group assignments.