Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program
There are three courses required to apply for the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners:(1) Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/Foundation(2) Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support(3) Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral SupportsIt is strongly encouraged that participants take foundations (Course 1) before Courses 2 and 3.
Prerequisites:- Participants must be at least 18 years old- Participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED- Participants must have access to a computer/internet to take the courses- It is required that participants be employed by an accredited Iowa school district as a practicing paraeducator, or work as a substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, or have ateacher and administrator who are willing to mentor you through the certification program.
BoEE Application Fees: The application and background check process through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) is online and will be started in Course III. The application fee is currently $40 and the background check fee is $35 (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE). Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.
Level II – Paraeducator Area of Concentration Courses
Heartland AEA offers four different area of concentration courses: Early Childhood, English as a Second Language, Special Needs and Library/Media/Technology.Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Paraeducator Generalist Certification course(s) is a prerequisite to receive a Level II certification (Area of Concentration).Questions? Contact Heartland AEA Professional Learning Team at (515) 473-6780 or profdev@heartlandaea.org
Please note: Heartland AEA does not offer a waiting list option for our classes.
