Apr 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paraprofessional Education, A.A.A.S.


Academic Program Code: 420

This program is designed to prepare students to work as paraprofessionals in preK-8 classrooms and preK-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. Some of the courses in the program 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 if they are interested in pursuing this option. 

This program does include the courses required to meet the formal training hours required for the Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  Students interested in this should contact the Education department for more information. 

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

General Education Courses


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours of course work from the General Education Course list.  Coursework must be selected as directed from the areas below.

English Composition and Communications


Social Sciences


Select one (1) Social Sciences General Education Elective.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics


General Education Total Credit Hours


15 (minimum)

Program Options


Students should select the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) OR General Option.

MTA - Program Option


Select one (1) Humanities General Education Elective from a subject area other than EN.  Select one (1) Social Sciences General Education Elective from a different discipline than the course taken to meet the General Education requirement.  Select a Natural Sciences General Education course from a discipline other than the course taken to meet the General Education requirement (one must be a Lab science).

General - Program Option


ED 220  is recommended to meet one of the Open Electives for this program.

Total Credit Hours


60

Program Notes


CD 118, CD 209, CD 229, and CD 230 Note: Students enrolled in Child Development Lab classes (CD 118 , CD 209 , CD 229 , 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.