A list of paraeducator rules along with a listing of approved paraeducator preparation programs and contacts.
Iowa Paraprofessional Resources
State Paraprofessional Standards
State Paraprofessional Handbooks
Guide to Effective Paraeducator Practices, Edition 2
Description of the services that are necessary to support effective paraeducator practices in Iowa schools from the Iowa Department of Education and Student and Family Support Services.
Training Opportunities
Kirkwood Community College Paraeducator Certification
A program to provide training leading to certification for paraeducators, introduce high school students to the field and duplicate the project at other community colleges in the state.
Para Discussions
Visit your state forum, or respond to a post from someone in your state below!
Websites
Paraeducator Certification: Iowa’s System
Article on how the Iowa certification system was developed and deployed.
Iowa Department of Education NCLB Paraeducators
Basic information on paraeducators and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
AEA 267 Paraeducators Site
Information for paraeducators and administrators in schools in AEA 267, including information concerning certification options, classes, trainings, classroom strategies, resources, and success stories.
Para News
The Iowa Department of Education and Kirkwood Community College have graciously allowed us to share this wonderful video that offers a sneak peek into the daily life of a paraeducator.
A story of the recipient of the Outstanding Paraeducator Award in Marshaltown, Iowa:
After taking a moment to compose herself, Crouse did her best to put into words why she comes to school every day and does what she does.
"I love kids. It’s as simple as that,” she said. “I love them and I’ve always believed in them.”
Link to article: Marshalltown paraeducator selected for AEA’s 2007 ‘Outstanding’ award
Disclaimer: The above links are simply a guide to state paraprofessional resources and may not be the most recent, authoritative or accurate. Please let us know if you identify any errors. Also, use this form to tell us about any additional resources that you are aware of.