Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
Program facts 
If you have some college credit or already earned a degree, this certificate prepares you to successfully transition to a career as a paraprofessional educator. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with children in non-title I positions in K-12 public or private schools and while preparing for the ISBE Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed for Paraprofessional exam.
Also known as instructional assistants or teacher’s aides, paraprofessional educators
work in a variety of settings such as classrooms, computer labs and the outdoors.
They assist with tasks including instruction, grading assignments, supervision and
child development.
Take classes in educational psychology, students with disabilities in school, diversity
in schools and society, technology in education, child development, children’s literature
and more. All courses are taught by expert faculty who are extremely knowledgeable
in the field of education.
Coursework completed for this program can be applied to the Paraprofessional Educator AAS Degree.
This 31 credit-hour program is designed to promote the skills necessary when working with children in non-Title I positions in K-12 public or private schools. Individuals can also use the certificate program toward completion of the Paraprofessional Educator Associate in Applied Science degree.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 |
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Addresses all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion and society. Emphasis is on the implication of early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to educational professions and the system of education within the United States. Exposes students to knowledge and skills necessary for educators to embody the dispositions of the profession, including but not limited to historical, philosophical, social, legal and ethical issues in a diverse society. Introduces and explores instruction and assessment practices rooted in inclusive and equitable perspectives. Supports students in developing their skills as a collaborative and reflective practitioner. A 10-hour directed observation is required; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ESE 901 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 202 | Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience | 1 |
Description: Provides an in-depth study of classroom practices in the subject and age category that each student is training to teach. Students will complete 30-hours of directed observation in classrooms in their area of interest and will attend a seminar once weekly to discuss their experience, therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Lecture Hours: N/A Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 211 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
Description: Examines psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and assessment strategies that acknowledge learner differences and student diversity within an affirming and equitable environment. There is a 10-hour directed observation required in this course, therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 219 | Students with Disabilities in School | 3 |
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals from birth through age 21 with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified with learning disabilities and children who are gifted and talented. Covers identification, evidence-based intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs for early childhood and K-12 classroom settings, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. Examines the roles of educators, families, and communities in creating supportive educational environments. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory 10-hour directed observation in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913, ESE 902 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, including the assets each learner brings to the classroom. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Includes investigation of culturally responsive, equitable practices in multicultural and global contexts. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 230 | Introduction to Language Arts in Elementary/Middle School Teaching | 3 |
Description: Examines the foundations of effective practices in supporting student progress toward both fluent and strategic reading and writing. Provides an introduction to the theory and practices of language arts education for students who are interested in becoming teachers. Focuses on the way students learn to read from prereading skills to fluent reading and how students construct meaning from print, the relationship between reading and writing, and the principles of classroom assessment. Emphasis on evidence-based strategies. Provides an introduction to the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts and the Illinois Framework for Effective Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
Description: Identification, exploration and evaluation of digital resources and tools for learning. Analysis of the role of technology in education in society, development of strategies to compensate for the digital divide among students, application of accessible and adaptive technology guidelines and requirements for digital content. Emphasis on current and emerging instructional technologies and how to best integrate, utilize and adapt technology as a resource in teaching and learning with a critical lens. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| LIT 219 | Children's Literature | 3 |
Description: Introduces the various types of children's literature. Includes the history of children's literature, as well as the classic and current authors and illustrators. Covers such areas as picture and concept books, myths, poetry, fantasy and realism. IAI H3 918 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology2 | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
Students must meet the prerequisite of placement into ENG 101 prior to registering for this course.
Students interested in instructional assistant programs may also be interested in:
For more information about Harper's teacher's aide programs, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.