The Paraeducator Generalist I certificate program is delivered as a set of three courses. Each course is expected to take 30 hours to complete.
The paraeducator course was collectively developed by Iowa's Area Education Agencies in response to the guidelines developed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE). It is designed to build the competencies for paraeducators in K-12 classrooms. The six professional competencies covered include: Ethics and Professional Practice, Foundations, Emotions and Behaviors, Professional Relations, Learning Environment, plus Content and Instruction. Each competency has objectives, lessons, activities, assessments and requirements.
Details
Please note that you must register for each of the three courses separately. All three courses must be completed as part of the Paraeducator Generalist 1 certificate program. Participants will be expected to attend a one-hour Zoom session at the beginning of each course. The remaining hours will be asynchronous online learning through units in Canvas with weekly assignments to complete the additional hours needed to meet the course requirements.
Courses
Paraeducator Certification-Introduction (Foundations and Professionalism)
Zoom session on June 1, 2026 from 3 to 4 p.m. Final course assignments due on June 5, 2026
Paraeducator Certification Course: Instructional Support
Zoom session on June 8, 2026 from 9 to 10 a.m. Final course assignments due on June 12, 2026
Paraeducator Certification Course: Behavioral Supports
Zoom session on June 15, 2026 from 9 to 10 a.m. Final course assignments due on June 19, 2026
Cost: $120 per course (total $360)
Registration (register by May 18)