Adult Career Pathways Resources

Focuses on stages of development – infant, toddler, preschool and school-age; literacy development; and early childhood education as a profession – careers, roles and responsibilities, ethics and teamwork.  Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own pathway.  In addition to in-class time, there is a volunteer placement at HeadStart, ECFE, day care center or family day care, allowing students to apply what is learned in the classroom into direction action (optional, highly encouraged). || AUTHOR: Jolee Mosher, St. Paul Public Schools

Thirteen units cover the four stages of child development, literacy, the role of play, partnering with parents, observing/recording children’s behavior, curriculum development, program management, health and safety, and guidance. Also includes career exploration in the field of child development. || AUTHOR: Saint Paul ABE / Saint Paul College FastTrac partnership

Explores the principles and milestones of early child development, emphasizes health and safety information, and introduces early childhood career options.  Learning modes include lecture, discussion, and hands-on experiences. Students also complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski, Glacial Lakes ABE

This is an 8-month class that includes 120 formal classroom hours needed for certification  that allows students to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification to prepare for  work as an early childcare assistant in a childcare center or preschool setting.  Students may need  assistance to be placed in an early childhood center to begin the 480  hours of the required volunteer experience for certification. || AUTHOR: Alison Wilcox and Lori Irene, Metro South ABE

Course focuses on sanitation, nutrition, health, safety and emergencies in early childhood settings; positive guidance/discipline; and effective classroom practices. Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own career pathway. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Andress, St. Paul ABE

Course focuses on stages of development – infant, toddler, preschool and school-age; literacy development; and early childhood education as a profession - careers, roles and responsibilities, ethics and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own career pathway. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Andress, St. Paul ABE

Introduces students to the language and concepts of child development, positive engagement, and key learning areas.  Students practice these concepts by researching and delivering developmentally appropriate activities to their peers. At the end of the course students should be prepared to apply for a position at Minneapolis Kids or a similar childcare assistant position. || AUTHOR: Kris Klas, Minneapolis Adult Education

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the early childhood education field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of early childhood education career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the early childhood education field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

The course provides an overview of child development careers, childcare basics, and core competencies of child development. Topics include child development places to work, childcare jobs, skills for working in childcare, developmental milestones, safety and emergencies, and literacy, art, and music development. || AUTHOR: Jamie Kreil, Cedar Riverside Adult Education Collaborative

Students develop reading and writing skills needed to meet the academic demands of college and child development studies. Students develop comprehension techniques and vocabulary strategies for deciphering words in context, reviewing parts of speech, mechanics, spelling and sentence structure. || AUTHOR: Cindy Roos and Sylvia Galbraith, Alexandria Area Adult Basic Education

Introduces students to the field of early childhood education and childcare. Students learn about different early childhood settings: centers, schools and family. They learn how to interact with children 0-5 years old and their parents. Major topics include developmental milestones, discipline, nutrition, safety and literacy. Introduces vocabulary, concepts and skills used in early childhood education. Class activities include creating and implementing hands-on activities. Also builds students’ reading, writing, math, and computer skills. || AUTHOR: Laura Rutmanis and Laura Kindig Temali, St. Paul ABE

ParaPro introduces and prepares students for a position as a paraprofessional in an education setting.  Topics covered include: the role of the paraprofessional, communication, learning styles, professionalism, positive behavioral supports, and special education. A required distance learning component guides students in independent, self-paced online study to build the reading, writing and math knowledge/skills required on the ParaPro Exam.  This course was designed to be taught over Zoom. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski, Glacial Lakes ABE

Course covers the academic topics tested on the official praxis exam - math, reading, and writing.  Develops knowledge regarding the types of jobs one can get as a paraprofessional, special education categories recognized in Minnesota, student data privacy, relationship building and behavior modification strategies, and professionalism in the workplace. || AUTHOR: Caroline Nerhus, Central MN-East ABE

For students interested in becoming paraprofessionals in school settings, with specific focus on preparation for work with deaf and hard of hearing learners. Includes a work-based experience. Prepares students for employment and for passing the ParaPro exam when they are ready. || AUTHOR: Krista Grosland, ThinkSelf Deaf Adult Education