• AS: A Day in the Life
    A Day in the Life - Educational Paraprofessional

    Associate of Applied Science in Educational Professional

    Educational paraprofessionals—teaching assistants or teacher aides—are needed to work in a variety of classroom settings at the preschool, elementary, and high school levels. Kaplan University’s associate’s degree in educational paraprofessional emphasizes teaching and learning theories, classroom and behavior management, instructional strategies in math, reading, and writing, and the diverse learning needs of English language learners and students receiving special education services.

    This program is designed to provide you with an overview of the role of the paraprofessional in the field of education. In addition, the program’s curriculum blends theory and practice, and aims to provide a general education foundation in ethics, critical thinking, and communication skills to support the responsibilities of paraprofessionals in the learning environment.

    Associate of Applied Science in Educational Professional Program Highlights

    The Associate of Applied Science in Educational Professional could help you develop the skills to grow your career. Individuals interested in working in a classroom setting or who want to further their career in the field of education should consider this program.With an associate's degree in educational paraprofessional, you may pursue entry-level positions in a variety of classroom settings.† 

    You will have the opportunity to study how to:

    • Become proficient in basic academic skills and techniques
    • Use curriculum to address the student’s physical, social, and emotional needs
    • Interact effectively with students, families, teachers, and administrators
    • Enhance teaching and learning with proper instructional and behavioral techniques
    • Understand the paraprofessional’s role including professional standards and legal and ethical issues 

    Your Credits Count

    If you earn your Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional, you will be at least halfway toward earning a bachelor’s degree from Kaplan University’s College of Arts and Sciences. If you have already earned credits at another college or university, those credits may help you earn your degree faster. Refer to our University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.‡ 

    Graduate Article

    "It's Official, He's a Reader": Kaplan University Educational Paraprofessional graduate Dale Curry wrote an article that was featured on the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals' website. Click here to read Dale's article.

    Faculty Webinar

     A Day in the Life Webinar: Dr. Brand discusses the EP/ECD programs and students Tamu and Trisha share their everyday experiences in their careers as paraprofessionals.

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    CM 206: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the principles of interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management, and effective communication strategies.

    Prerequisites Required: CM 107

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 101: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course will provide students with an overview of the paraprofessional's role in effective classroom management. Topics include an introduction to classroom culture, the importance of communication and positive interpersonal relationships in the classroom, motivation and learning methods, and working with educational specialists to manage challenging student behavior. Emphasis is placed on managing individuals and small groups, and enhancing the learning environment.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 114: EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-AGE STUDENTS (5 Credits)

    This course will survey the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of school-age students. Topics include developmental milestones, such as school readiness, independence, physical development, and language development, and behavior such as peer pressure and bullying. This course will focus on contemporary issues and help students assess developmental levels, apply guidance techniques, and develop strategies to provide appropriate instruction, guidance, and support in a variety of settings.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 210: MATH METHODS (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to prepare students in the paraprofessional emphasis area to proficiently assist pupils with basic math skills. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore mathematical ideas using a problem-solving approach and a variety of manipulative materials. Emphasis is on problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to communicate mathematical thinking orally and in writing in accordance with current educational reform.

    Prerequisites Required: MM 150

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 220: READING AND WRITING METHODS (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to familiarize students in the paraprofessional emphasis area with a developmental approach to balanced literacy instruction. Emphasis will be placed on key reading and writing elements including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary development. Students will explore strategies that enable the paraprofessional classroom assistant to support language arts programs.

    Prerequisites Required: EP 114

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 230: SURVEY OF SPECIAL NEEDS (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to help future paraprofessionals become effective advocates for students with special needs by applying strategies to address learning differences. Students will explore some of the more common learning differences and disabilities currently encountered in the mainstreamed and special education classrooms. Students will also address issues of giftedness, learning strategies, and behavior modification, as well as relevant federal legislation.

    Prerequisites Required: EP 114

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 240: ASSISTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to help future educational paraprofessionals meet the unique needs of second language learners. Students will explore their roles in supporting English language instruction in the classroom. This exploration will include identifying strategies to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of culturally diverse students.

    Prerequisites Required: EP 114

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    EP 299: ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL (5 Credits)

    This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional. This course builds on the coursework completed throughout the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. A portfolio will cap the learning experience and will include artifacts that demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes.
     

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    CE 298: CAPSTONE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH EXTERNSHIP (ONSITE ONLY) (5 Credits)

    This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional for campus-based students. This course builds on the coursework completed throughout the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. A portfolio will cap the learning experience and will include artifacts that demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes. Students will be required to complete a 120-hour externship experience in an early childhood classroom setting, where they not only participate in the operation of the classroom but are responsible for a portion of the curriculum. Students practice as able communicators and listeners with both the children in their care and the cooperating staff. (Onsite only)

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or with permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    PS 124: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

    This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology, one of the social sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of topics that offer insight into human thought and actions, including what motivate us to study human behavior, ethical decisions, problem solving, and theories on memory, learning, intelligence, and personality. This course will highlight the use of critical thinking and the application of the concepts. In addition, it will draw on practical psychological concepts related to students' personal and professional relationships.

    SS 144: SOCIOLOGY (5 Credits)

    An understanding of the dynamics of human societies and group behavior is useful for any work environment or professional career. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the discipline of sociology. Students will explore society and social life through the study of language, culture, race and ethnicity, gender, inequality, education, deviance, and sociological theory and methods. Students are also encouraged, through course assignments and discussions, to examine the influences of society on their personal lives.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I course

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CS 121: PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (ONSITE ONLY) (5 Credits)

    Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. (Onsite only)

    EP 100: PREPARING FOR AN EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL CAREER (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the educational paraprofessional field and the Kaplan University Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional degree program. Topics include roles and responsibilities and professional standards within the field, college success strategies, and strategies and skills needed in the profession. Students will research their professional and personal goals and preview the portfolio project that will be the capstone project in the degree program.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (25 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 25
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
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    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • See Also

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • *

    The Associate of Applied Science in Education Paraprofessional is not represented as meeting specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting. Students are encouraged to check with their local school district on specific college education requirements needed in these fields.

    † Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    ‡ Kaplan University does not guarantee the transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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