Education - Special Needs Para Educator Certificate

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Schoolcraft program code #1YC.00032

The Special Needs Para Educator certificate program provides an educational foundation for understanding neuro-typical and neuro-atypical human development. The program emphasizes a strength-based best practices model in preparing students to work with children and adults with special needs.

Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements qualify for a certificate of program completion.

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 Certificate from Schoolcraft College, students need to obtain a grade of 2.0 or higher in SPE 155 .

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. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.

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
SPE 115 - Special Educational Programs and Supported Living Credits: 3
SPE 125 - Learning Disabilities Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Winter Semester

SPE 135 - Emotional Impairment Credits: 3
SPE 155 - Special Education Practical Experiences 1 Credits: 3 *
SPE 210 - Methods and Curricula for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Credits: 3
SPE 220 - Early Childhood Special Education Credits: 3
ECE 230 - Classroom Behavior - Understanding Social Competence Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Program Total: 30 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 Certificate from Schoolcraft College, students need to obtain a grade of 2.0 or higher in SPE 155 .