The Elementary Paraprofessional Graduate Certificate is a specialized program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel as paraprofessionals in elementary school settings. This certificate program is tailored for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and seek to further their expertise in supporting elementary-aged students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

Through a carefully curated curriculum, this graduate certificate program aims to provide a deep understanding of the foundational principles, instructional strategies, and best practices in elementary education. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to assist certified teachers in creating inclusive, responsive, and engaging learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students.

Module 1: Foundations of Elementary Education
This module delves into the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations underpinning elementary education. Students will explore the evolution of educational frameworks, policies, and societal perspectives that have shaped the current understanding of child development and learning at the elementary level. They will also examine the paraprofessional’s role in supporting the implementation of inclusive, student-centered approaches within the elementary classroom.

Module 2: Instructional Strategies for Elementary Classrooms
In this module, students will explore a wide range of instructional strategies and teaching methods that are effective in supporting the academic growth of elementary-aged students. They will learn how to assist certified teachers in the planning, delivering, and assessing lessons across core subject areas, such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students will also develop skills in differentiating instruction and adapting materials to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Module 3: Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Elementary Schools
This module focuses on paraprofessionals’ crucial role in fostering elementary students’ social-emotional well-being. Students will gain a deep understanding of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of trauma on learning. They will also explore strategies for creating nurturing, inclusive, and cooperative learning environments and techniques for supporting positive behavior management and conflict resolution.

Through this comprehensive Elementary Paraprofessional Graduate Certificate, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become highly effective, responsive, and collaborative paraprofessionals, poised to positively impact the educational experiences of elementary-aged students.