Paraeducator Updates

The paraeducator competency re-write is in progress, and the updated competencies for the paraeducator generalist and concentration areas such as special needs and early childhood will be going to the state board for review sometime in this fall. The online program for paras currently employed by Heartland area districts and schools will continue for 2013-14. Please make arrangements with your regional director if you need this training offered in your area.

As you consider the needs for paraeducators in your district and building, please be reminded of the Iowa Code requirement for cultivating diversity:

281—80.10(272)  Diversity.
80.10(1) Efforts toward racial, ethnic, and gender diversity among paraeducator candidates and unit faculty shall be documented.  In addition, diversity efforts shall include persons with disabilities, persons from different language and socioeconomic backgrounds, and persons from different regions of the country and world.
80.10(2) Unit efforts in increasing or maintaining diversity shall be reflected in plans, monitoring of plans, and results.

For questions regarding the paraeducator program at Heartland AEA, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea.k12.ia.us.