Early Childhood Paraprofessional Educator Certificate

The Early Childhood Paraprofessional Educator Certificate provides students with the fundamental courses that are part of the Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education AAT degree program. This certificate provides students with the minimal required courses and number of credits for employment as a paraprofessional in an early childhood education setting (pre-K to grade 3) in the state of Maryland.

Students learn about developmental and learning theories and how these impact diverse children, families, and classrooms. Students plan lessons with developmentally appropriate learning activities, suitable for a multicultural environment, as well as measure children's mastery of learning. Finally, students also demonstrate dispositions and behaviors consistent with professional and ethical standards.

This is a recommended program of study for students with the goal of gaining employment as a paraprofessional in an early childhood education (pre-K to grade 3) or early childhood special education (Birth-grade 3) setting in the state of Maryland, and/or students who are currently employed as paraprofessionals and would like to begin work toward their Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education AAT degree.

Students may transfer all courses earned in this certificate to an Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, with the goal of teaching early childhood education, pre-K grade 3 or early childhood special education, Birth-grade 3.

Students in this program are required to submit to a criminal background check in order to participate in the required fieldwork courses. More information about the procedure, cost, timeline, etc. can be obtained through the Education Department Advisor.

Participation in the required fieldwork courses is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the criminal background check. If a student is denied a fieldwork placement (which is required to complete the program) due to a background check result, the student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss options, which could include dropping the course and changing program of study.

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses in this program.

• Identify developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum for specific and groups of children, using knowledge of child development and learning theories
• Design lessons and activities for a variety of purposes and groups of children
• Plan, implement, assess, and evaluate student learning outcomes for a variety of purposes
• Apply multicultural principles and strategies to the planning, instruction, pedagogical, and assessment processes in a classroom