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Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional

College of Arts and Sciences

This program is designed to provide you with an overview of the role of the paraprofessional in the field of education.
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Educational paraprofessionals—teaching assistants or teacher aides—are needed to work in a variety of classroom settings at the preschool, elementary, and high school levels. Kaplan University’s associate’s degree in educational paraprofessional emphasizes teaching and learning theories, classroom and behavior management, instructional strategies in math, reading, and writing, and the diverse learning needs of English language learners and students receiving special education services.

This program is designed to provide you with an overview of the role of the paraprofessional in the field of education. In addition, the program’s curriculum blends theory and practice, and aims to provide a general education foundation in ethics, critical thinking, and communication skills to support the responsibilities of paraprofessionals in the learning environment.

Program Highlights

The Associate of Applied Science in Educational Professional could help you develop the skills to grow your career. With an associate's degree in educational paraprofessional, you may pursue entry-level positions in a variety of classroom settings.*

You will have the opportunity to study how to:

  • Become proficient in basic academic skills and techniques
  • Use curriculum to address the student’s physical, social, and emotional needs
  • Interact effectively with students, families, teachers, and administrators
  • Enhance teaching and learning with proper instructional and behavioral techniques
  • Understand the paraprofessional’s role including professional standards and legal and ethical issues

Who Should Take This Program?

Individuals interested in working in a classroom setting or who want to further their career in the field of education should consider this program.

Your Credits Count

If you earn your Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional, you will be at least halfway toward earning a bachelor’s degree from Kaplan University’s College of Arts and Sciences. If you have already earned credits at another college or university, those credits may help you earn your degree faster. Refer to our University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.

Curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional

Course # Course Title Credits
100/200-level 100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE 5
100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE 5
100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE
200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE 5
200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
Course # Course Title Credits
CM 206 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS 5
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
This course introduces students to the principles of interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management, and effective communication strategies.
EP 101 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 5
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
This course will provide students with an overview of the paraprofessional's role in effective classroom management. Topics include an introduction to classroom culture, the importance of communication and positive interpersonal relationships in the classroom, motivation and learning methods, and working with educational specialists to manage challenging student behavior. Emphasis is placed on managing individuals and small groups, and enhancing the learning environment.
EP 114 EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-AGE STUDENTS 5
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-AGE STUDENTS
This course will survey the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of school-age students. Topics include developmental milestones, such as school readiness, independence, physical development, and language development, and behavior such as peer pressure and bullying. This course will focus on contemporary issues and help students assess developmental levels, apply guidance techniques, and develop strategies to provide appropriate instruction, guidance, and support in a variety of settings.
EP 210 MATH METHODS 5
MATH METHODS
This course is designed to prepare students in the paraprofessional emphasis area to proficiently assist pupils with basic math skills. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore mathematical ideas using a problem-solving approach and a variety of manipulative materials. Emphasis is on problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to communicate mathematical thinking orally and in writing in accordance with current educational reform.
EP 220 READING AND WRITING METHODS 5
READING AND WRITING METHODS
This course is designed to familiarize students in the paraprofessional emphasis area with a developmental approach to balanced literacy instruction. Emphasis will be placed on key reading and writing elements including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary development. Students will explore strategies that enable the paraprofessional classroom assistant to support language arts programs.
EP 230 SURVEY OF SPECIAL NEEDS 5
SURVEY OF SPECIAL NEEDS
This course is designed to help future paraprofessionals become effective advocates for students with special needs by applying strategies to address learning differences. Students will explore some of the more common learning differences and disabilities currently encountered in the mainstreamed and special education classrooms. Students will also address issues of giftedness, learning strategies, and behavior modification, as well as relevant federal legislation.
EP 240 ASSISTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS 5
ASSISTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
This course is designed to help future educational paraprofessionals meet the unique needs of second language learners. Students will explore their roles in supporting English language instruction in the classroom. This exploration will include identifying strategies to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of culturally diverse students.
Choose one of the following:
EP 100 PREPARING FOR AN EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL CAREER 5
PREPARING FOR AN EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL CAREER
This course introduces students to the educational paraprofessional field and the Kaplan University Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional degree program. Topics include roles and responsibilities and professional standards within the field, college success strategies, and strategies and skills needed in the profession. Students will research their professional and personal goals and preview the portfolio project that will be the capstone project in the degree program.
CS 121 PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS 5
PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. Onsite only.
Choose one of the following:
PS 124 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 5
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology, one of the social sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of topics that offer insight into human thought and actions, including what motivate us to study human behavior, ethical decisions, problem solving, and theories on memory, learning, intelligence, and personality. This course will highlight the use of critical thinking and the application of the concepts. In addition, it will draw on practical psychological concepts related to students' personal and professional relationships.
SS 144 SOCIOLOGY 5
SOCIOLOGY
This course is designed to introduce students to sociology, the scientific study of societies and groups, as well as the social context of human behavior. Students will examine core sociological concepts and research strategies, along with topics such as socialization, crime and deviance, social class, and the stratification of wealth, race, gender, and age in a global context. Other areas of study include family, religion, education, economy, health care, and government. By the end of this class, students will have a solid understanding of how their own lives are shaped by the larger society around them and the influence society has on people's attitudes and behaviors.
Choose one of the following:
EP 299 ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL 5
ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional. This course builds on the coursework completed throughout the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. A portfolio will cap the learning experience and will include artifacts that demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes.
CE 298 CAPSTONE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH EXTERNSHIP 5
CAPSTONE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH EXTERNSHIP
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional for campus-based students. This course builds on the coursework completed throughout the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. A portfolio will cap the learning experience and will include artifacts that demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes. Students will be required to complete a 120-hour externship
experience in an early childhood classroom setting, where they not only participate in the operation of the classroom but are responsible for a portion of the curriculum. Students practice as able communicators and listeners with both the children in their care and the cooperating staff.
Course # Course Title Credits
OPEN ELECTIVES 25
OPEN ELECTIVES
Total Program Requirements 90
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour $371.00
Total program requirements Associate of Applied Science in Educational Paraprofessional 90
Total cost of tuition $33,390.00
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The Associate of Applied Science in Education Paraprofessional is not represented as meeting specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting. Students are encouraged to check with their local school district on specific college education requirements needed in these fields.
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
Kaplan University does not guarantee the transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for Transfer of Credit and Prior Learning Assessment policy.