This is the first of three
courses required for the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification
available through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. It is strongly encouraged that participants take foundations (course 1) before courses 2 and 3.
Note: This course is not appropriate for RENEWAL of the Paraeducator Generalist Certification.
It is required that participants be employed by an accredited Iowa school
district as a practicing paraeducator, or work as a substitute
paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, or have a teacher
and administrator who are willing to mentor you through the
certification program.
Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Participants must have access to computer/internet outside of class time in order to take the courses.
This course is the introduction to the necessary skills paraeducators will need to be prepared to meet
the demands of their supportive roles within a classroom. Included in this course are the
foundational skills for working as a paraeducator in Iowa schools and essential skills for providing
ethical and professional practice.
This is a 2 credit (30 clock hours) blended course, which requires the completion of assignments,
quizzes and journals. The learning is done through a combination of face-to-face instruction and
online coursework. Basic computer skills are highly recommended.
In addition to the coursework, paraeducators are required to develop a partnership team with their
classroom teacher and building administrator and meet five times throughout the Paraeducator
Program (spread across Courses I, II and III).
BoEE Application Fees: The application and background check process through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) is online and will be started in Course III. The application fee is currently $40 and the background check fee is $35 (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE). Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.