ParaEd The Paraeducator Certificate Program at Catholic University’s Metropolitan College

1. ParaEdThe Paraeducator Certificate Program at Catholic University’s Metropolitan College

2. Who are paraeducators? • Teacher’s Assistants • Instructional Assistants • Teacher’s Aides • One-on-one Aides • Dedicated Aides.

3. ParaEd: The New 48-Hour Program in Education Studies • No Child Left Behind requires an Associate’s Degree or equivalent (48 credit hours) for paraeducators • Open to all paraeducators, even those working in Title I and regular education programs.

4. Why is ParaEd needed? • Paraeducators are increasingly utilized to provide support to students with special needs in a variety of settings • Working with children with low-incidence disabilities requires special skills.

5. What is a low incidence disability? • visual and/or hearing impairment • significant cognitive impairment • autism/autism spectrum disorders • multiple disabilities • severe physical disabilities • severe health impairments • any impairment for which a small number of personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge are needed

6. Metropolitan College • Geared towards non-traditional students • Accessible

7. Who is eligible to apply for admission to ParaEd? • People with a desire to support the education of children with disabilities • GED or high school diploma required (minimum) • Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

8. What do I need to do to apply to ParaEd? • Complete an application • Get letters of reference from your current Principal and the special education teacher you are assigned to • Obtain an official (original) high school transcript or proof of GED plus an official college transcript if you have attended some college • Provide official evidence of US citizenship or documentation from the INS that you are a lawful permanent resident of the US • Send or deliver the above to Metropolitan College.

9. . After your application materials are all in . . . • You will be scheduled to come to Metropolitan College. At that meeting: • you will take a short test of reading comprehension • you will meet the staff and be interviewed

10. . Next . . . • If you are eligible for admission, we will notify you, in writing, about your acceptance and start date. • You will be scheduled a time to return to the Metropolitan College so that you can: • complete required paperwork • take part in a University orientation • hear about options for financial aide.

11. 48 Credit Hours! • Credits from other universities may be accepted • ParaMet credits included/accepted • Other college credits you have earned may be accepted • CLEP testing may be an option for some students, especially if you are fluent in a foreign language.

12. Completion of the 48-hour program will prepare paraeducators for • Meeting No Child Left Behind requirements • Providing academic and behavioral supports to children in a variety of educational settings, including support of students with low incidence disabilities • Pursuing further undergraduate study in education or a related field • Beginning to address local requirements for teacher certification.

13. Questions? • Metropolitan College: 202-319-5256 • ParaEd Office: 202-319-4732 • Co-Project Directors: • Shavaun Wall, PhD • Abby L. W. Crowley, EdD

14. We hope that you will be part of this exciting opportunity.