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Paraprofessional Educator

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Academic Programs

Paraprofessional Educator - Associate in Applied Science (041)

The Illinois State Board of Education http://www.isbe.net/licensure/html/paraprofessional.htm awards a paraprofessional educator endorsement on an educator license with stipulations to individuals who: 1) are at least 19 years old; 2) Hold a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED) and has met one of the following criteria:

  • Holds an associate degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; (evidence is an official transcript); or
  • Has completed at least 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (excluding remedial coursework); or
  • Presents an official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) showing a score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro test; or
  • Presents evidence of earning the following scores on the Work Keys test (offered by ACT): Reading for Information/Workplace Documents (4), and Applied Mathematics (4).

Work and Employment

The Paraprofessional Educator degree will assist individuals in securing the education and credentials needed to obtain employment as a paraprofessional. The program incorporates general education and professional requirements, as well as related electives, and prepares individuals to obtain employment as an instructional assistant in pre-K-12th grade. The employment of elementary and secondary paraprofessionals is dependent upon publicly-funded resources. Most employment opportunities in this occupation will result from fairly high attrition or turnover. Many employment opportunities include part-time positions but full-time employment is available on a limited basis. These positions usually merit entry-level pay.

Advancement to other occupations related to child and adolescent care is possible with further education, training and experience.

Special Considerations

Entry level child care position salaries may begin at minimum wage. This program is not designed, nor intended, to transfer as a package; however the curriculum includes many transferable courses for the student who decides to pursue a baccalaureate degree.

To be a Title I Paraprofessional, students must hold state approval as a Teacher Aide. Title I paraprofessionals seeking employment should be prepared to provide the employer with a current academic transcript or demonstrate successful completion of a State Paraprofessional Certification Examination

For more information, refer to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website at isbe.net.

Criminal History Check Policy

Illinois law requires Illinois school boards to conduct a criminal background investigation on applicants for employment. This law also prohibits the employment of a person who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit any one or more of a number of offenses. At present, offenses include first degree murder; any Class X felony; juvenile pimping; soliciting for a juvenile prostitute; exploitation of a child; obscenity; child pornography; harmful material; criminal sexual assault; aggravated criminal sexual assault; offenses set forth in the Cannabis Control Act; and crimes defined in the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. Employment must be denied whether the offenses and/or conviction occurred inside or outside the state of Illinois.

Students who perform classroom observations through coursework at Sauk Valley Community College may be required by the selected school/site to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement. Students may be denied at any observation site based on the results of that check.

Students who feel their criminal background may exclude them from observation or employment should seek counseling with SVCC faculty or advising staff early in their program to determine how it may affect their participation and eligibility.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Beth Smaka, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, 815-835-6388

Total Hours Required - 61-63 Hours

Major Field Requirements - 22 Hours

  • ECE114 - Child Care and Development ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception and prenatal development through age 8. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language and aesthetic aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socio-economics, diversity and society. Current research and major developmental theories are examined with an emphasis on the implications for early childhood professional practice. Students are required to complete 3 observations at an approved preschool site. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 912 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    OR

    PSY214 - Child Developmental Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Child Developmental Psychology is an exploration of human growth and development from immediately before conception through adolescence. Content and application of theory and research related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains of child development will be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSY 103. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

     
  • ECE240 - Observ & Assess Young Children ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course focuses on authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessment on young children and how to appropriately use standardized test information. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through means of classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, individually, linguistically and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments to gather and share information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • EDU102 - Computer Education for Teacher ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to meet the needs of education majors. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals and skills necessary to effectively integrate technology into teaching. This course is designed for the student with minimal computer experience. 3 Semester hour(s) 3 lec/week

  • EDU210 - Diversity in Education ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce pre-service teachers to the basic principles and foundations of educating for diversity. The course will explore schooling in and for global society. Emphasis will be on material evaluation and selection, curricular design, and the relationship between diversity, classroom procedure, and educational policy 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • EDU220 - Educ of the Exceptional Child ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An introductory overview of the field of special education and the educational and evidence-based strategies that support children with exceptional cognitive, social, physical, and emotional needs. Services and interventions will be examined, including federal and state requirements for eligibility. Students will be introduced to the various exceptionality categories that occur in the population including an overview of characteristics of individuals in each category, with emphasis on category-appropriate interventions and teaching strategies. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): ECE 913 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • EDU221 - Children's Literature ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course introduces students to the history, themes, form, and genres of literature for children. Special emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of literature for children, as well as the social and cultural contexts that have influenced the creation and selection of literature for children. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • EDU276 - Clinical Exper in Education ( 1 Semester Hours)

    This minimum 26-clock hour experience is offered to help meet clinical and/or observation requirements for education programs in Illinois. Seminar students will work one-on-one with students in support positions (tutoring, small group instruction, individual aid) and attend accompanying seminars focused on exploration of individual characteristics of learners and professional standards for teachers. Emphasis will be on teaching techniques, classroom dynamics and the effects of student developmental status on behavior and learning. A journal noting these factors will be kept by each seminar student. 1 Semester hour Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lab/week Notes: This class contains an observation component and requires an Illinois State Police and FBI background check in order to complete requirements for course credit.

    OR

    EDU277

    OR

    EDU278  
  • MAT111 - Math for Elementary Teacher II ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is a continuation of MAT 110. Topics include algebraic thinking, introductory probability and statistics, geometry, measurement, coordinate geometry and transformations. Prerequisite: MAT 110 with a grade of C or higher. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

Related Requirements - 14-15 Hours

To be selected from the following list or others as approved by the department. When making choices, students should consult with their advisor to be sure that vocational training needs and state licensing requirements for teacher’s aides are being met.

  • Additional Physical/Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
  • ECE115 - Intro to Early Childhood Educ ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socio- economic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours of observation in diverse early childhood settings. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ECE118 - Parent-Teachr-Child-Comm Relat ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course focuses on the child in the context of family, school, and community. An analysis of the contemporary American family will be discussed, with emphasis on the individual family interactions within the larger societal context. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, language, and communication with the role of school and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting practices that strengthen respectful family/child relationships through effective use of community and family resources. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 915 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ECE202 - Lang Develop in Young Children ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Students will be introduced to the perspective, concepts, and methods of language development in young children. The relationship between the structure and function of language and the growth process will be emphasized. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ECE207 - Math for the Young Child ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is an exploration of early mathematical content and concepts that are relevant to young children ages 0-6. Students will learn what mathematics looks like during the early years and learn strategies to recognize and promote mathematical understanding in young children. Particular emphasis will be on the following concepts: numbers, measurement, shapes, patterns, spatial relations, analysis of data. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ECE228 - Child Health-Nutrition-Safety ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy life style practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • EDU224 - Educ as an Agent for Change ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Education as an Agent for Change is designed to introduce students to the social forces influencing American Education. Students will examine the social and philosophical foundations of American Education, how educational traditions reflect American culture, and how schools can create social and cultural change. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • LAN161 - Beginning Spanish I ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of functional Spanish with emphasis on speaking the language. Practice in reading and writing simple Spanish. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  • PED213 - First Aid ( 2 Semester Hours)

    This course will explore the necessary actions to be taken in case of an accident, sudden illness in the home, school, and within the community based on the most current scientific evidence. Topics discussed include but are not limited to: initial scene surveying, checking the victim, basic first aid CPR & AED skills, identifying medical emergencies, and recognizing various injuries. Students successfully completing the course objectives will receive a two-year Certificate of Completion by the American Red Cross (ARC) in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED proficiency. 2 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/week NOTES: All courses may be selected as an elective course in all programs. All one credit activity courses may be repeated for a total of two credits.

  • PED220 - Rhythms & Games for Children ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Methods of administering, supervising and teaching the major areas of rhythms, games, testing and apparatus in the elementary school grades. The course is designed to fit the needs of the classroom teacher in approaching the area of learning. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lecture

  • PSY217 - Abnormal Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Abnormal psychology seeks to examine abnormal behavior from a number of contemporary theoretical and therapeutic viewpoints, with reference to relevant research findings. Major diagnostic categories are explored. The diagnosis of disorders, their symptoms, etiologies, courses, treatment, outcomes, and related research methods and findings are core to the course. Applications to daily life, allied health, criminal justice, human development, and various other clinical settings will be common. Prerequisite: PSY 103 or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): PSY 905 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

General Education Requirements - 24-25 Hours

  • Communications (ENG 101, 103 and COM 131 required) 9 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science (PSY 103 required, PSY 215 recommended) 6 Semester hour(s)
  • Science (Physical/Life Science) 3-4 Semester hour(s)
  • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Mathematics (MAT 110 required) 3 Semester hour(s)

SVCC Requirement - 1 Hours

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

Total Hours Required for A.A.S. Degree: - 61-63 Hours

Suggested Program

First Semester - 16 Hours

  • Related Requirements 3 Semester hour(s)
  • EDU102 - Computer Education for Teacher ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to meet the needs of education majors. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals and skills necessary to effectively integrate technology into teaching. This course is designed for the student with minimal computer experience. 3 Semester hour(s) 3 lec/week

  • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

  • MAT110 - Math for Elementary Teachers I ( 3 Semester Hours)

    The emphasis of this course is placed on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving as it pertains to modern elementary/middle school mathematics. Topics include: basic problem solving, whole numbers and elementary number theory, fractions, ratios and percents, rational numbers, and real numbers. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in MAT 081 (or higher) AND MAT 076 OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 15 Hours

  • Related Requirements 3 Semester hour(s)
  • ECE114 - Child Care and Development ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception and prenatal development through age 8. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language and aesthetic aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socio-economics, diversity and society. Current research and major developmental theories are examined with an emphasis on the implications for early childhood professional practice. Students are required to complete 3 observations at an approved preschool site. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 912 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    OR

    PSY214 - Child Developmental Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Child Developmental Psychology is an exploration of human growth and development from immediately before conception through adolescence. Content and application of theory and research related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains of child development will be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSY 103. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

       
    • ECE240 - Observ & Assess Young Children ( 3 Semester Hours)

      This course focuses on authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessment on young children and how to appropriately use standardized test information. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through means of classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, individually, linguistically and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments to gather and share information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    • ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

      An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    • MAT111 - Math for Elementary Teacher II ( 3 Semester Hours)

      This course is a continuation of MAT 110. Topics include algebraic thinking, introductory probability and statistics, geometry, measurement, coordinate geometry and transformations. Prerequisite: MAT 110 with a grade of C or higher. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

    Third Semester - 14-15 Hours

    • Related Requirements 5-6 Semester hour(s)
    • EDU210 - Diversity in Education ( 3 Semester Hours)

      This course is designed to introduce pre-service teachers to the basic principles and foundations of educating for diversity. The course will explore schooling in and for global society. Emphasis will be on material evaluation and selection, curricular design, and the relationship between diversity, classroom procedure, and educational policy 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    • EDU220 - Educ of the Exceptional Child ( 3 Semester Hours)

      An introductory overview of the field of special education and the educational and evidence-based strategies that support children with exceptional cognitive, social, physical, and emotional needs. Services and interventions will be examined, including federal and state requirements for eligibility. Students will be introduced to the various exceptionality categories that occur in the population including an overview of characteristics of individuals in each category, with emphasis on category-appropriate interventions and teaching strategies. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): ECE 913 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    • EDU221 - Children's Literature ( 3 Semester Hours)

      This course introduces students to the history, themes, form, and genres of literature for children. Special emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of literature for children, as well as the social and cultural contexts that have influenced the creation and selection of literature for children. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    Fourth Semester - 15-16 Hours

    • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
    • Physical/Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
    • Related Requirements 2 Semester hour(s)
    • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

      This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    • EDU276 - Clinical Exper in Education ( 1 Semester Hours)

      This minimum 26-clock hour experience is offered to help meet clinical and/or observation requirements for education programs in Illinois. Seminar students will work one-on-one with students in support positions (tutoring, small group instruction, individual aid) and attend accompanying seminars focused on exploration of individual characteristics of learners and professional standards for teachers. Emphasis will be on teaching techniques, classroom dynamics and the effects of student developmental status on behavior and learning. A journal noting these factors will be kept by each seminar student. 1 Semester hour Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lab/week Notes: This class contains an observation component and requires an Illinois State Police and FBI background check in order to complete requirements for course credit.

      OR

      EDU277

        OR

        EDU278
           
        • PSY215 - Social Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

          Social Psychology is a systematic introduction to theory and research on the ways social factors influence individual and group behavior. Examines attitudes, social perception, establishment of norms, conformity, leadership, group dynamics and research methods. (IAI GECC Code S8 900). Prerequisite: PSY 103. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S8 900, PSY 908 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

        Footnotes

        • Due to State guidelines, students enrolled in this degree may earn no more than 20 credits through prior experience as listed in the Policies section of this catalog