Paraprofessional Education (MTA), A.A.A.S.

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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

Select a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work from the General Education Course list. Course work must be selected as directed from the areas below.

English Composition and Communications

All students must take EN 101.

EN 101 - English Composition-1 Credit Hours: 3
Additionally, please select an EN or COM course from the list below (based on your transfer intent, if applicable).
EN 102 - English Composition-2 Credit Hours: 3
OR
COM 131 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
OR
COM 135 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3

Humanities

Select one (1) Humanities General Education Elective from a discipline other than EN.

EN 251 - Multicultural American Literature for Children Credit Hours: 3
Humanities General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Social Sciences

Select two (2) Social Sciences General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas. Only one (1) Foreign Language course can be use for he Humanities requirement.

Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Natural Sciences

BI 101 - General Biology Credit Hours: 4
PC 101 - General Physical Science Credit Hours: 4

Mathematics

Select one (1) Mathematics General Education Elective.

Mathematics General Education - Elective (Must meet MTA requirements) Credit Hours: varies by course

General Education Total Credit Hours

30 (minimum)

Program Courses

CD 118 - Human Growth and Development-1 Credit Hours: 4
CD 209 - Creative and Language Arts for Preschoolers Credit Hours: 4
CD 215 - Adult-Child Interaction Credit Hours: 3
CD 229 - Math, Science, and Technology for Preschoolers Credit Hours: 4
CD 230 - Young Children with Special Needs Credit Hours: 4
CD 260 - Emergent Literacy Credit Hours: 3
CD 280 - Cooperative Education in Child Development Credit Hours: 3
CD 285 - Assessment Tools in Child Development Credit Hours: 2
ED 200 - Introduction to Education Credit Hours: 3
WE 156 - First Aid Credit Hours: 1
OR
WE 157 - Elementary Games & Rhythms Credit Hours: 1

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.