Education - Special Needs Para Educator Associate in Applied Science Degree
Schoolcraft College
Key Information
Campus location
Livonia, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 131 / per credit *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* resident; USD 188 per credit hour - non-resident; USD 265 per credit hour - out-of-state and international
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Working as a Para Educator requires people to be supportive and nurturing while taking a strength-based perspective on the strengths of each person with special needs. This curriculum contains theoretical and practical experiences designed to prepare students to work in public school special education classrooms, inclusive classrooms and resource rooms, institutional settings, sheltered workshops, job coaching programs, group homes, or supported-living programs. Students learn to work effectively as members of professional education and community-based teams that support persons with disabilities.
Students who satisfactorily complete all college and program requirements qualify for an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Prior to the start of field placement hours, interviews at sites where children are present, observations, service learning experiences, or practicums, students must:
- have a clear criminal background check
- obtain Michigan Central Registry Clearance from the Michigan Department of Human Services
- obtain a current TB test
Students who are not cleared through a criminal background check and by the Michigan Department of Human Services will not be permitted in the ECE/SPE programs. Some field placement/practicum sites may have additional requirements prior to starting an experience/practicum.
Students are expected to follow the ECE/SPE program policies, abide by the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct, follow field placement policies and conduct themselves appropriately in the presence of children, families, and professionals during field placements/practicums.
In order to receive a Special Education Para Educator AAS Degree from Schoolcraft College, students need to receive a grade of 2.0 or higher in SPE 155 and SPE 275.
Curriculum
Sample Schedule of Courses
First Year
Fall Semester
- ECE 110 - Child Development Credits: 3
- SPE 100 - Children with Special Needs Credits: 3
- SPE 105 - Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Credits: 3
- ENG 101 - English Composition 1 Credits: 3
Humanities - Credits: 3-4
Select General Education Humanities course.
Recommended - Any World Language
- OR COMA 103 - Fundamentals of Speech Credits: 3
- OR ENG 203 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15-16
Winter Semester
- ECE 170 - Curriculum, Assessment, and Technology Credits: 3
- ENG 102 - English Composition 2 Credits: 3
- SPE 155 - Special Education Practical Experiences 1 Credits: 3 *
- SPE 220 - Early Childhood Special Education Credits: 3
- PSYCH 153 - Human Relations Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
Second Year
Fall Semester
- SPE 115 - Special Educational Programs and Supported Living Credits: 3
- SPE 125 - Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
Mathematics - Select General Education Mathematics course Credits: 3-5
- ECE 120 - Creative Activities Credits: 3
- ECE 180 - Child and Family Welfare Services Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15-17
Winter Semester
- SPE 210 - Methods and Curricula for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Credits: 3
- SPE 275 - Special Education Practical Experiences 2 Credits: 3 *
- ECE 230 - Classroom Behavior - Understanding Social Competence Credits: 3
- ECE 280 - Emerging Educator Credits: 1
- SPE 135 - Emotional Impairment Credits: 3
Science - Select General Education Science course Credits: 3-5
Total Credits: 16-18
Program Total: 61-66 Credits
* Students in the Early Childhood and Special Education programs must adhere to the code of ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Council for Exceptional Children along with the Early Childhood and Special Education Department policies. In order to receive a Special Education Para Educator AAS Degree from Schoolcraft College, students need to receive a grade of 2.0 or higher in SPE 155 and SPE 275.
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan of study that works for them. Students planning to transfer are advised to check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides and discuss their options with an academic advisor. The number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.