Program: Paraprofessional Education (MTA), A.A.A.S. - Grand Rapids Community College

Apr 12, 2025

2015-2016 Catalog-EXPIRED

Academic Program Code: 420

This credential is designed for professionals already working in the field and requires completion of at least 480 hours of experience working with young children within the last five years. The following courses at GRCC meet the formal training hours requirement: This program is designed to prepare students to work as paraprofessionals in K-8 classrooms and K-12 Special Needs classrooms. It is designed to satisfy federal requirements for Title I programs. Courses are designed to build knowledge and skills related to human growth and development, the field of teaching, characteristics of learners, special education, instructional content and practice, the teaching and learning environment, behavior management, communication, diversity of families, health, safety and emergency procedures, and professionalism and ethical standards. The majority of courses will also transfer into elementary teacher certification programs at four-year universities. Students should work closely with their advisor throughout the program to ensure transferability. Students working in Pre-K programs can either complete the Child Development program (Code 120) or follow this program.

Students may take the classes listed to meet the formal training hours required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Eligibility for the CDA credential can be acquired by successfully completing a program of training, experience and assessment based on competencies defined by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. It is important to realize that only the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition can grant a CDA credential. Students must make their own arrangements for assessment through the Council when they have completed the requirements.

Contact: Child Development Education Department (616) 234-3380

General Education Courses

English Composition

Select two of the following courses.

EN 100 - College Writing Credits: 3
OR
EN 101 - English Composition-1 Credits: 3
EN 102 - English Composition-2 Credits: 3

Humanities

Select one Humanities Elective from a discipline other than EN.

EN 250 - Children’s Literature Credits: 4
Humanities Elective - (min. of 3) Credits:

Social Sciences

Select one Social Sciences Elective from a discipline other than PS.

PS 110 - Survey of American Government Credits: 3
Social Sciences Elective - (min. of 3) Credits:

Natural Science & Mathematics

BI 101 - General Biology Credits: 4
PC 101 - General Physical Science Credits: 4
MA Elective - (min. of 4) Must meet MTA requirements Credits:

Wellness

WE 157 - Elementary Games & Rhythms Credits: 1
OR
WE 156 - First Aid Credits: 1

Program Courses

CD 118 - Human Growth and Development-1 Credits: 4
CD 209 - Creative and Language Arts for Preschoolers Credits: 4
CD 215 - Adult-Child Interaction Credits: 3
CD 229 - Math, Science, and Technology for Preschoolers Credits: 4
CD 230 - Young Children With Special Needs Credits: 4
CD 260 - Emergent Literacy Credits: 3
CD 280 - Cooperative Education in Child Development Credits: 3
CD 285 - Assessment Tools in Child Development Credits: 2
ED 200 - Introduction to Education Credits: 3

Total Credit Hours

Program Notes

This program meets Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) requirements.

Students possessing current Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certifications or American Heart Association First Aid with CPR & AED can submit proof to the Student Records Office to meet this requirement.

CD 118, CD 119, CD 210, and CD 230 Note: Students enrolled in Child Development Lab classes (CD 118, CD 119, CD 210, and CD 230) must undergo a Criminal Background Check and a Department of Human Services Central Registry Check. Being convicted of ANY FELONY, any of the listed offenses as defined by MCL 28.722 (Sex Offenders Registration Act; Act 295 of 1994), or being listed on the Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry will result in refusal of lab placement and removal from the course. Complete policy information is provided on the GRCC Website. CD 260 Note: Students enrolled in CD 260 are required to participate in tutoring through the Schools of Hope Program through Grand Rapids Public Schools and must undergo a Criminal Background Check and a Department of Human Services Central Registry Check. Being convicted of ANY FELONY, any of the listed offenses as defined by MCL 28.722 (Sex Offenders Registration Act; Act 295 of 1994), or being listed on the Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry will result in refusal of tutoring placement and removal from the course. Complete policy information is provided on the GRCC Website.