Paraprofessional Educator
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
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 childcare 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="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.
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
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE114 | Child Care and Development | 3 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 socialemotional 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.Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 912Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| PSY214 | Child Developmental Psychology | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 903LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE240 | Observ & Assess Young Children | 3 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 childrens 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 childs skills abilities interests and needs birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU102 | Computer Education for Teacher | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hours3 lecweek | ||
| EDU210 | Diversity in Education | 3 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 policyPrerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU220 | Educ of the Exceptional Child | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 913LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU221 | Children's Literature | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H3918LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU276 | Clinical Exper in Education | 1 Hour |
| This minimum 26-clock hour experience is offered to help meet clinical andor 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. Prerequisite None1 Semester hourLectureLab Hours 2 labweekNotes This class contains an observation component. Schools may require students to undergo a criminal background check before being allowed into the classroom | ||
| MAT111 | Math for Elementary Teacher II | 3 Hours |
| This course is a continuation of MAT 110. Topics include algebraic thinking introductory probability statistics measurement coordinate geometry and transformations.Prerequisite MAT 110 with a grade of C or higher.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI M1 903LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
Related Requirements* - 14-15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Physical / Life Science | 3-4 Hours | |
| ECE115 | Intro to Early Childhood Educ | 3 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.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE118 | Parent-Teachr-Child-Comm Relat | 3 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 familychild relationships through effective use of community and family resources.Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 915Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE202 | Lang/Literacy Dev/Young Childr | 3 Hours |
| Students will be introduced to the perspectives concepts and methods of language and literacy development in young children. Students will focus on the speech and language development of young children ages 0-8 as well as the practices to individualize teaching to support language and literacy development in a diverse classroom. Typical and atypical language development the diverse factors that influence language and literacy development developmentally appropriate methods materials and environments and supporting English language learners will be emphasized.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE207 | Math for the Young Child | 3 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.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE228 | Child Health-Nutrition-Safety | 3 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 childrens 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.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU224 | Educ as an Agent for Change | 3 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.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| LAN161 | Beginning Spanish I | 4 Hours |
| A study of functional Spanish with emphasis on speaking the language. Practice in reading and writing simple Spanish. Prerequisite None4 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| PED213 | First Aid | 2 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 AidCPRAED proficiency.Prerequisite None2 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lecweekNOTES 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 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.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecture | ||
| PSY217 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI PSY 905LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
General Education Requirements - 24-25 Hours
Course #
Course Title
Hours
Communications (ENG101, 103 and COM 131 Required)
9 Hours
Social / Behavioral Science (PSY103 required, PSY215 recommended)
6 Hours
Science (Physical / Life Science)
3-4 Hours
Humanities / Fine Arts
3 Hours
Mathematics (MAT110 required)
3 Hours
SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour
Course #
Course Title
Hours
FYE101
First Year Experience
1 Hour
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. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek
Total Hours Required for A.A.S Degree: 61-63 Hours
First Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Related Requirements | 3 Hours | |
| EDU102 | Computer Education for Teacher | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hours3 lecweek | ||
| ENG101 | Composition I | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| 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. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
| MAT110 | Math for Elementary Teachers I | 3 Hours |
| The emphasis of this course is placed on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving as it pertains to modern elementary school mathematics. Topics include basic problem solving whole and elementary number theory fractions decimals ratios proportions and percent and the real number system.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 hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| PSY103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 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 Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Second Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Releated Requirements | 3 Hours | |
| ECE114 | Child Care and Development | 3 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 socialemotional 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.Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 912Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| PSY214 | Child Developmental Psychology | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 903LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE240 | Observ & Assess Young Children | 3 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 childrens 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 childs skills abilities interests and needs birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG103 | Composition II | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| MAT111 | Math for Elementary Teacher II | 3 Hours |
| This course is a continuation of MAT 110. Topics include algebraic thinking introductory probability statistics measurement coordinate geometry and transformations.Prerequisite MAT 110 with a grade of C or higher.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI M1 903LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
Third Semester - 14-15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Related Requirements | 5-6 Hours | |
| EDU210 | Diversity in Education | 3 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 policyPrerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU220 | Educ of the Exceptional Child | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 913LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU221 | Children's Literature | 3 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. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H3918LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| Physical / Life Science | 3-4 Hours | |
| Related Requirements | 3 Hours | |
| COM131 | Intro to Oral Communication | 3 Hours |
| The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The 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.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU276 | Clinical Exper in Education | 1 Hour |
| This minimum 26-clock hour experience is offered to help meet clinical andor 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. Prerequisite None1 Semester hourLectureLab Hours 2 labweekNotes This class contains an observation component. Schools may require students to undergo a criminal background check before being allowed into the classroom | ||
| PSY215 | Social Psychology | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S8 900 PSY 908LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
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