Adult Career Pathways Resources

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

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

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

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

This course introduces and prepares students for a position as a paraprofessional/education assistant in a classroom setting. Topics covered include: paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, special education, child development, positive behavior support, professionalism, and communication. Students who need the Highly Qualified Certificate can also choose the independent, self-paced study option with 1:1 teacher support to build the reading, writing, and math knowledge/skills required on the Paraeducator Online Assessment. || AUTHOR: Amanda Tall, Mounds View Adult Education and Metro East Career Pathways

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