Paraprofessional Training Resources
Select Read more for a resource to view its website, description, cost, college credit or CEU information, and notes.
Vanderbilt
Website
Description of what’s available
The IRIS Center offers a wide variety of resources and services to suit a diverse set of instructional needs and circumstances. In this section, you will learn more about those services and resources, including how they are created and disseminated to IRIS users and educational programs in the United States and around the world. Learn more about IRIS in our informative brochure:
College credit or CEUs?
Certificate
University of Colorado
Website
Description of what’s available
The Paraprofessional Resource and Research Center (PAR²A Center) is a part of the School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. The mission of The PAR²A Center is to develop a qualified and effective workforce consisting of degreed and non-degreed personnel in the fields of early intervention, education and human services. The Center focuses on enhancing education and services for ALL children and youth (from birth through 21 years), especially those at risk, through policy creation, professional development and research with regards to roles and responsibilities, coaching and mentoring and career ladders for personnel.
In addition to being the premier source of information on paraprofessionals (paraeducators) working in the fields of education and human services, the center is a nationally recognized leader for:
- Research-based Train the Trainer (TOT), coaching and supervision models.
- Competency-based curriculum development and instructional materials.
- Innovative pathways and pipelines that transition indigenous candidates to teacher positions in high-need schools.
All inquiries concerning PAR²A Center services such as:
- Paraeducator training
- Paraeducator supervision training for teachers and administrators
- Train the Trainer model for teachers and administrators
- Mentor training
Please contact: Ritu Chopra (opens in a new tab), Executive Director or call 720-588-9681
Notes
CO-TOP stands for Comprehensive Training Opportunities for Paraprofessionals.
The CO-TOP Model is a system for getting training to paraprofessionals who are employed in schools and Developmental Intervention Assistants (DI Assistants) who work with infants and toddlers (birth through two years) with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Courses, called “Academies,” are offered through an in-service program that is locally owned and controlled. Decisions about when and how to schedule training are made locally. A “Cadre” of CO-TOP-trained trainers delivers instruction to paraeducators or Developmental Intervention Assistants.
Review CO-TOP Model (opens in a new tab) link if you would like to know more about how this system for delivering training to paraeducators and Developmental Intervention Assistants works. You can explore our CO-TOP Manual (opens in a new tab) if you are interested in adopting the CO-TOP Model in your school district or Community Centered Board (CCB). In Colorado, CCB’s are the authorized agency for delivery of early intervention services.
UNC Chapel Hill (AFIRM)
Website
Description of what’s available
AFIRM for Paraprofessionals: Simulated E-Learning
These simulated learning modules include brief overviews, video examples, and activity-based scenarios to learn foundational EBPs.
- Reinforcement: Introduction & Practice
- Prompting: Introduction & Practice
- Supporting Peer Interactions: Introduction & Practice
- Time Delay: Introduction & Practice
- Visual Cues: Introduction & Practice
College credit or CEUs?
Certificate
OCCRRA
Website
Description of what’s available
Incorporated in 1989, The Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) and the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network is a proven high functioning public-private partnership.
OCCRRA serves the state of Ohio as the premiere workforce registry and learning management system for early care and learning, school-age, and child serving programs and professionals. OCCRRA creates and implements professional development and technical assistance programs, products, and services for statewide delivery by levering state investments in our regional child care resource and referral member agencies.
College credit or CEUs?
Certificates, Ohio Approved hours/credits.
OCALI
Website
Description of what’s available
OCALI’s Center for the Young Child
Education Station
We‘re glad you stopped by! This is a “one-stop-shop“ for early childhood professional learning in Ohio. You are going to find pertinent resources and training for all early childhood sectors here.