What are the requirements for individuals working in preschools and Early Childhood Special Education?
Individuals working in preschool programs that are funded by the 4-Year-Old Voluntary Preschool Grant, or individuals working in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) must meet the definition of ‘highly qualified.’ Highly qualified means the individual has the following:
- A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); OR
- Two (2) years of college; OR
- An Associates Degree; OR
- Generalist (formerly known as Level I) Paraeducator Certification and an Early Childhood Area of Concentration (formerly known as Level II)
A variety of federal and state programs regulate the qualifications required for teaching assistants in preschool programs (assistants are sometimes described as paraeducators, paraprofessionals, associates, aides, and other descriptors). The type of preschool program and required program standards determine the type of qualifications required for teaching assistance.
For more information and specifics check out this document, Qualifications for Preschool Teacher Assistants, from the Iowa Department of Education (Updated Fall 2024)
What is required for the Central Rivers AEA Area of Concentration: Early Childhood?
These courses are offered each year, virtually.
The Early Childhood Area of Concentration program involves taking these three courses through Central Rivers AEA. The three courses are:
- CR – Enhancing Learning in the Creative Curriculum Classroom
- CR – Literacy Development in Early Childhood
- CR – Supporting Positive Behaviors in the Early Childhood Classroom
For more information about the process and courses, check out the Early Childhood Information Packet for all things Early Childhood Paraeducator Concentration Area or contact professionallearning@centralriversaea.org.