Certificate • PARAPRO CERT

This certificate prepares students for impactful roles as paraprofessional educators within today’s diverse and inclusive PK-12 learning environments. Throughout the program, students develop a strong foundation in educational principles, child and adolescent development, instructional strategies, and effective classroom management. The specialty equips future paraprofessionals to support high-quality learning experiences across content areas-including reading, writing, and mathematics-while fostering positive, developmentally appropriate interactions with students.

Learners gain practical skills for assisting in both general education and special education settings, including strategies for supporting students with and without disabilities. Emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration with teachers, intervention specialists, and school staff; implementing positive behavior support strategies; and adapting instructional tasks to meet diverse learner needs.

Through integrated fieldwork and service-learning experiences, students apply their knowledge in authentic school settings and develop the confidence and professionalism required for success in the workplace. The certificate also supports preparation for the ETS ParaPro Assessment, helping students meet State of Michigan requirements for paraprofessional positions in Title I schools.