Harper College will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
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 |
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU 202 | Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience | 1 |
| EDU 211 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 219 | Students with Disabilities in School | 3 |
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society | 3 |
| EDU 230 | Introduction to Language Arts in Elementary/Middle School Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
| LIT 219 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology2 | 3 |
| 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.