Associate in Applied Science Degree
The Applied Science in Special Education degree will prepare students for employment as paraeducators (assistant) in classrooms serving special needs children ages 3 to 11. As paraeducators, graduates will be called upon to provide instructional support to teachers in a variety of ways including: instruction to individual or small groups of students, assisting students in working with computers, administering tests, and tutoring students. Graduates can seek employment in public school districts, Intermediate Units, and Private schools and agencies.
Required Program of Study
| Course Number | Semester | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY130 | Fall | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC125 | Individual and Society | 3 | |
| COM121 | English Composition | 3 | |
| ORI102 | College Success Strategies | 2 | |
| ECE125 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 | |
| OR EDU130 | Foundations of Education | ||
| SPE100 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 | |
| PSY210 | Spring | Child Psychology | 3 |
| OR PSY208 | Life Span Development | ||
| MAT150 | Foundations of Math | 3 | |
| COM141 | Technical Writing | 3 | |
| OR COM131 | Composition and Literature | ||
| EDU210 | Planning & Instruction | 3 | |
| ECE120 | Observation & Assessment | 3 | |
| ECE222 | Fall | Emerging Literacy | 3 |
| SPE215 | Assistive Technology | 3 | |
| SPE225 | Accommodating Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners |
3 | |
| PSY240 | Educational Psychology | 3 | |
| HUM- - | Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| SPE250 | Spring | Practicum in Special Education | 3 |
| SPE210 | Professional Paraeducator | 3 | |
| SPA101 | Spanish I | 3 | |
| SST110 | Information Technology for Social Sciences | 3 | |
| ENV130 | The Environment | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours Required for the Program | 62 | ||
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Differentiate the distinctions among the roles and responsibilities of professional and paraprofessional personnel.
- Communicate with colleagues, follow instructions and use problem-solving skills that will enable them to work as effective members of the instructional team.
- Summarize the law, both federal and state, and the importance of advocating for children with disabilities and their families.
- Utilize child guidance and group management methods that foster the development of self-control and self-discipline in children.
- Analyze the impact of heritages, life-styles, and value systems among the children and their families on learning and behavior.
- Identify risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development.
- Analyze the value of serving children with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Instruct students in academic subjects using lesson plans and instructional strategies developed by teachers or other professional support staff.
- Implement developmental and age appropriate instructional procedures and reinforcement techniques.
- Operate computers and use assistive technology and adaptive equipment that will enable students with special needs to participate more fully in general education.
- Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic issues, attachment, family structures, cultural factors, and biological influences.
Please note: These programs can be pursued on a part-time basis.
Appropriate placement test scores, or the completion of certain developmental courses, are required for all programs of study. Additional prerequisites may be necessary for some courses and can be found in the course descriptions section of the catalog.
It is recommended that students confer with their advisor when selecting electives.
