The Para Program: Accessible Pathway to a Bachelor's Degree and Professional Educator’s License (PEL) or Credentials/Endorsements

The Para Program offers a flexible and accessible route to earning a bachelor's degree and a Professional Educator’s License (PEL) or Credentials/Endorsements for individuals currently working in the education field with children from Birth through 12th grade. This program is specifically designed for paraeducators, teacher assistants, and others in direct student contact roles, including those in school and early care and education settings.

Program Features:

  • Flexible Learning Options: Courses are delivered through online formats, including both synchronous and asynchronous options, to ensure accessibility for working professionals. All online course activities are scheduled after 5:00 p.m. to accommodate those with daytime employment.
  • Efficient Completion: For students with an Associate’s degree, the program can typically be completed in 6-7 semesters, including summers, using a combination of 4-week, 8-week, and 16-week courses. This structure helps students balance their studies with full-time work commitments. Students without an Associate’s degree may also be eligible, though their estimated completion time may vary.
  • Block and Student Teaching Flexibility: The program offers flexible block and student teaching options, allowing students to maintain uninterrupted employment, as long as licensure requirements are met.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current employment in a school or early care and education setting, including family-based childcare, in a role that directly supports children.
  • The ability and willingness to attend both asynchronous and synchronous online courses.
  • Transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher, or a high school diploma/equivalency for those new to higher education.

For more information, please select the area of focus you are interested in:

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