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Introduction to the Instructional Assistant Careers Certificate

Certificate Number 905222

This certificate is designed for anyone with an interest in an introduction to the roles of instructional assistants or educational paraprofessionals working with ages preschool through grade twelve. Courses provide an overview of the variety of duties assisting teachers in implementing instructional programs for individuals or small groups of students. The coursework in this certificate program provides a basic foundation in theory and practical application of how children learn, teaching strategies, developing positive relationships with students, supporting the classroom teacher with classroom management, and addressing the needs of special needs students. All courses transfer to the Instructional Assistant Associate Degree.

Certificate Completers will be able to

. Demonstrate problem-solving skills within a group setting.
. Incorporate learning styles into instructional strategies.
. Engage culturally diverse students.
. Summarize brain development in young children.
. Recommend program adaptations and accommodations for children with exceptionalities.
. Demonstrate the use of strategies for managing student behavior.

Completers will be able to apply credits toward the following programs:

. 105222, Instructional Assistant

Curriculum

Catalog No. Description Credits
10-522-106 IA: Child & Adolescent Devel
3
10-522-111 IA: Guiding and Managing Behav
3
10-522-103 IA: Intro to Educ Practices
3
10-522-107 IA: Overview of Special Educat
3
 OR
 
10-522-124 IA: Support Students w Disab
3
10-522-101 IA: Teamwork in School Setting
3
Certificate Total
15

Course Descriptions

10-522-106 IA: Child & Adolescent Devel...growth and development birth through adolescence. Acquaints the learner with the fundamental tasks of physical, motor, perceptual, cognitive social/emotional and language development.

10-522-111 IA: Guiding & Mnging Behavior...proactive, preventive classroom management, research-based concepts and strategies used to prevent behavior problems, creating positive classroom climate, building student relationships, enhancing motivation, responding to inappropriate behavior will be emphasized.

10-522-103 IA: Intro to Educ Practices...fundamentals of teaching methodologies, history of education, issues in trends, learning styles, instructional cycle, characteristics of diverse classroom, questioning techniques and assessment practices.

10-522-107 IA: Overview of Special Ed...overview of the special education law; special education classifications and associated causes and characteristics will be explored as well as state and federal qualification criteria will be examined. Societal responses to students with disabilities as well as the impact of a student with special needs on family dynamics will also be covered in this course.

10-522-124 IA: Support Students w Disab...services delivered to students with special education needs, supportive and related services, law, individual educational programs, various instructional formats, and alternative instructional techniques and programs. (Prerequisite: 10-522-107, IA: Overview of Special Education)

10-522-101 IA: Teamwork in School Setting...working together is paramount in helping all children learn. This introductory course will define the role and responsibilities of the instructional assistant. School and educational policies, ethical and moral responsibilities, group dynamics and Wisconsin tribal rights will also be explored. Emphasis placed on collaborating with a team comprised of diverse members. Service Learning hours will be required for this course.

For more information, please contact: The Community & Regional Learning Services Department,(920) 498-6373, or (800) 422-NWTC, extension 6373, or contact Enrollment Services at (888) 385-NWTC.