The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work as paraprofessionals in special education classrooms in Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) school settings. Completing the certificate satisfies the federal No Child Left Behind requirements for employment in school districts and is the foundation for the Associate degree for Transfer in Elementary Teacher Education.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
1. Demonstrate introductory subject matter competency required for working in special education classrooms in Transitional Kindergarten to grade 12 settings.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of social, cultural, environmental, and aesthetic perspectives necessary for working in special education classrooms in Transitional Kindergarten to grade 12.
3. Discuss historical influences and current trends in education, as well as teaching strategies and approaches appropriate for students of diverse, needs, abilities and backgrounds.
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
Term 1
48 units
CDEVC1000
Child Growth and Development
3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester Part 1: Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories. Part 2: (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
EDUC6
Introduction to Special Education
3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course provides an overview of special education in Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Students will learn the history of special education, laws and regulations governing service provision, philosophies, assessment methods and personnel requirements. All students are required to observe at least 15 hours in programs that serve children with variations in development including learning differences, developmental delays, neurodiversity, and/or disabilities. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
EDUC7
Exceptional Learners
3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course is an introduction to the variations in development of children with disabilities, learning differences, developmental delays, and neurodiversity from birth through eighteen and the implications for educational settings. The course includes an overview of development, characteristics of specific disabilities, and strategies and adaptations for supporting learning and development for all children. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
ENGLC1000
Academic Reading and Writing
4 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester Part 1: In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
Part 2: Critical reading of diverse voices is a major component of this course. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
Prerequisite:
Term 2
3-4 units
EDUC10
Introduction to Teaching With Classroom Fieldwork
3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course is an introduction to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Topics include theories of learning, teaching methodologies, teacher inquiry and reflexivity, teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California's content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time discussing theories and methods, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork in public K-12 classrooms that represent California's diverse student population where students will apply course theories, methods, and concepts. This includes cooperation with at least one carefully selected and campus-approved certificated classroom teacher. Students complete their observation hours in a classroom that is in line with their degree plans. Multiple-subject students to observe in an elementary school. Single subject majors (History, Math, English, etc.) to observe in a subject area at a high school or junior high school. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
or
4 units
EDUC19
Work Experience Education
1 unit
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course consists of supervised employment extending the classroom based on occupational learning related to the student’s major. The collaborative learning objectives are established specific to the particular occupational field of each student. Orientation hours may be required. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
Prerequisite: EDUC 30
and
EDUC30
Introduction to Teaching
3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course is an introduction to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today’s contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Course topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, theories of learning, teaching methodologies, teacher inquiries and reflexivity, contemporary educational issues, California’s content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
COMMC1000
Introduction to Public Speaking
3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester Part 1: In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches.
Part 2: Emphasis is placed on the organization and criticism of public discourse. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
Advisory: ENGL C1000
3-4 units
MATH10A
Structure and Concepts in Mathematics I
3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester In this course students will develop quantitative reasoning through an in-depth study of topics including real number systems and subsystems. The emphasis is on comprehension and analysis of mathematical concepts and applications of logical reasoning. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:(
Prerequisite: MATH 103
OR
Prerequisite:
)
or
MATH103
Foundations of Algebra
4 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester This course covers topics include polynomial, rational, and algebraic expressions and equations; linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; radicals; graphing functions and relations. (A)
Course Details:
Required additional 24-26 units of transfer level courses to total 48 units.
