Paraeducator Certification

Prerequisites for Obtaining Certification

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Completion or equivalence of high school completion
• Participants must have access to a computer/internet to take the courses. If technical support is needed, reach out to the instructor or staff development office.

Generalist Course Overview
The first level of certification consists of 3 courses for a total of 90 hours. Although not required, it is recommended paraeducators complete them in order. Each course requires 8 hours of virtual face-to-face class time held in the evenings over Zoom. The remaining 22 hours of work are completed independently.

Course 1: Paraeducator Foundations
Course 2: Paraeducator Instructional Supports
Course 3: Paraeducator Behavioral Supports

Mentoring process

Participants must have a certified mentor to support with course activities, oversee a clinical experience, and complete observation.

The following activities are required to finalize certification and can be completed during or after course completion.

Clinical Experience
Mentor Observation
AEA Observation 

For those not in a school setting, support will be provided to select a district and mentor. It is the responsibility of participants to check with the school district(s) for information about hiring practices and the benefits of the certification.

Steps to Finalize Certification through the Board of Educational Examiners  The application directions provide assistance to support certification through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and are entirely online at the BOEE website. Participants may begin the application process at any point during coursework.

Background Check and Fingerprinting
As part of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ application process, a background check and fingerprinting are required for all new applicants for Iowa licensure. The background check is in addition to any school district’s required background checks.

Review the directions for fingerprinting from the BOEE. During the application process, participants must indicate the preferred method to receive the fingerprint packet. Have them mailed directly. Complete fingerprinting at the local police station. Consider calling in advance for protocols. Fees will range from $0 to $20.

Fees
Payment is completed through the BoEE through an online process.  The total cost is $118 which includes a $75 background check processing fee, a $40 application charge (subject to change by the BoEE), and a $3 credit card processing fee.

Paraeducator Course Completion
A PDF documenting the completion of the 3 courses is required. Upload the official transcript by logging into AEA Learning Online. For official transcript support, visit the Transcript section.

Verification of High School Completion
As part of the online application process, verification of high school completion and transcripts of coursework. This may be a scanned or electronic copy of a diploma, transcripts, letter from the school district on school letterhead, or verification of GED completion. Accepted forms of verification include:

• High school diploma
• High school transcripts with graduation date
• Certificate of GED completion
• Letter on school letterhead from school district individual graduated from with year graduated listed
• Letter from program GED was completed from including year completed
• Letter from State Department of Education verifying graduation or GED completion

License Term & Renewal 
Paraeducator licenses are valid for five years. For renewal, participants must earn three re-licensure credits.

Credits may be earned at the AEA or an accredited college/university. Coursework should be related to education or duties performed and can be taken in any combination of the following areas:

• Area of Concentration
• Content that will assist a paraeducator in supporting students in reading, writing, or mathematics
• Content that supports either the building’s or district’s career development plan
• College credit earned for each semester hour
• Substitute Authorization course

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Level 2: Areas of Concentration

• Autism - Paraeducators and teachers will build a better understanding of student characteristics and needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to use teaching strategies that capitalize on learning strengths. An emphasis is placed on structured teaching principles to teach children in the areas of academics, communication, independence, social leisure, and relaxation.
• Early Childhood - Paraeducators will gain knowledge, skills, and strategies to assist, support, and maintain social, emotional, and behavioral development of early childhood students and early childhood students with special needs (birth to grade 3 with an emphasis on ages 3-5)
• Library Media Technology - Paraeducators and teachers new to the profession will gain an understanding of the role school libraries play in supporting curriculum with print and digital resources, the foundations of building a diverse collection and welcoming area, and dive into the ethical issues related to libraries such as copyright, confidentiality, and diversity
• Special Needs - Develop skills and strategies to understand and implement IEP goals and objectives, demonstrate understanding of special instructional strategies for students with various needs, build knowledge around the rationale and use of data collection, and extend capacity with behavior reinforcement and assistive technology to meet students' needs.

Prerequisite
All Level 2 courses are open to paraeducators desiring professional growth and/or additional certification. For those seeking certification, participants must have completed the generalist certification with the BoEE before adding Level II certificates.

Course Requirements
Each area of the concentration course is 45 hours, three credit hours, held over a 12 week period. Courses include face-to-face class time via zoom in the evenings and independent work. 

Registration
Courses are offered throughout the year. To research course availability or register for professional learning opportunities log on at  https://aealearning.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/tab/home. Additional support for login issues is found in the Course Registration area. 

License Term & Renewal
Paraeducator licenses are valid for five years. For renewal, participants must earn three re-licensure credits. Credits may be earned at the AEA or an accredited college/university. Coursework should be related to education or duties performed and can be taken in any combination of the following areas:

• Area of Concentration 
• Content that will assist a paraeducator in supporting students in reading, writing, or mathematics
• Content that supports either the building’s or district’s career development plan
• College credit earned for each semester hour
• Substitute Authorization course

Paraeducator Certification Renewal
The Paraeducator Generalist Certificate is valid for five years and expires five years from the date of issuance by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Application fees are paid to the BOEE during the application process.

Required Documents for Renewal
Official Transcript(s) showing completion of coursework totaling three (3) credits. Courses should be completed between the issue date and the expiration date of your certificate, or be no more than five years old. For official transcript support, visit the Transcript section.

Valid Certificates of Completion for the Mandatory Reporter: Child Abuse training and Mandatory Reporter: Dependent Adult Abuse training are required. Both trainings must be renewed every 3 years and are available at no charge through AEA Learning Online or the Iowa Department of Human Resources. Once completed, upload the certificate(s) to the BoEE application. For transcript support, email AEA Learning Online or the Iowa Department of Human Resources.