Prerequisites for Obtaining Certification
All Level II 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 Iowa Board of Educational Examiners before adding Level II certificates.
Paraeducator Area of Concentration Courses
Area of concentration courses are three credits each. Any of these courses can be used to receive a Level II certification (area of concentration), and you can use the three credits to renew your paraeducator generalist certificate.
Areas of concentration:
Classroom Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Participants will better understand the 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
Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist, support and maintain the positive social, emotional and behavioral development of early childhood students and students with special needs (birth to grade 3, with an emphasis on ages 3-5).
English as a Second Language
Participants will learn skills and strategies to assist and support English Learners.
Library, Media & Technology
Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies in library, media and technology to support the K-12 school teacher-librarian in the operation of the school library.
Special Needs
Participants will understand the nature of serving students with special needs.
Substitute Authorization
Paraeducators who hold a paraeducator certificate with the limited substitute authorization may serve as a substitute only in their own special education classroom. If the paraeducator holds a full substitute authorization, they may serve as a substitute teacher in any classroom except Driver’s Ed.
The substitute authorization course addresses the four components that the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requires: Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity and Ethics.
For more information, visit our Substitute Authorization page.
Registration
Below you will find a list of statewide paraeducator areas of concentration courses and information on how to register.
Statewide Paraeducator Courses
Licensure
Visit the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners website for information about the licensure application and renewal process.