Don’t Miss Out! Certified Paraeducator Introduction Course Begins Sept. 30

This course is the introduction to the necessary skills paraeducators will need to be prepared to meet the needs of their supportive roles within a classroom. Included in this course are the foundational skills for working as a paraeducator in Iowa schools and essential skills for providing ethical and professional practice.

There are three courses you must register for and complete to be able to apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Each course is $120 for a total of $360. It is strongly recommended that participants complete Foundations (Course I) before taking Courses II and III. Each course has required Zoom sessions plus additional online coursework. Visit the Certified Paraeducator Course Schedule on our website for more information.

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program – Course I Introduction/Foundation
Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 21, 2025
4:00-5:00 p.m.

Registration link
Session #53856

Conventional & Emergent Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities, Coming in November

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14 & Jan. 9

This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for conventional learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Link 

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14, Dec. 4, Dec. 12

This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with
significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for emergent learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Link

Registration Now Open for Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities

This yearlong professional development equips educators with tools and strategies to support early emergent readers and writers with complex needs, helping school teams strengthen specially designed language, communication, and literacy instruction.

Participants will learn to use the Iowa Literacy Observation Tool and the SDI Instructional Planning Tool to analyze classroom conditions, guide instructional decisions, and apply practices through case studies and team collaboration. For maximum benefit, schools are encouraged to attend as teams of educators, though individual registration is welcome.

Seats are limited to 25 participants, and registration closes Jan. 28, 2026. Credit options are available. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand literacy access for students with significant disabilities—secure your spot today.

Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities
Date: Begins Jan. 30, 2026
Location: Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration: Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities (SWSD SDI)