The Special Education Paraeducator associate degree is designed to prepare individuals to work with children with varying abilities in diverse educational classrooms, under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. The role of the special education paraprofessional is an essential part of the special education team that designs and delivers individualized programs for children with various abilities across all age levels and educational environments. Students gain experience in public school and young children's classrooms in the very first special education course.
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Careers in Special Education Paraeducator
Grounded in a philosophy that emphasizes family and disability perspectives, inclusive practices, and current educational approaches, like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), NCC's special education program provides a valuable program of study. Students enrolled in the program participate in a variety of field experiences in schools that provide opportunities to observe and interact with children with disabilities in different educational environments. This program can be completed entirely online.
Education Program Requirements
Special Education Paraeducator Career Paths
- Paraeducator
- Teacher Assistant
Degrees We Offer
- Associate in Applied Science | 2 years
- Specialized Diploma | 2 semesters
- This program can be taken 100% online
- This entire program can be completed at our Bethlehem Campus
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State Licensing
If you are a Northampton Community College student living outside of Pennsylvania or intending to complete an internship outside of the state in a NCC program leading to professional licensure, you should review requirements on the state board website to make sure that the program qualifies.
Licensure requirements vary from state to state and you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in that state. Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state's professional licensing board, could result in loss of licensing eligibility. If you need help or have questions, please contact the Program Director for more information.
Program Details view official course information in our 19-20 college catalog Program Map View Special Education, AA Suggested Semester Map (PDF)