Paraeducator Generalist Certification Courses Offered This Summer

Heartland AEA is offering Paraeducator Generalist Certification courses this summer. There are three courses you must register for and complete to be able to apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Prerequisites:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
  • Must have access to a computer/internet to take the courses.
  • It is preferred, but not required, to:
    • be employed by an accredited Iowa school district as a practicing paraeducator OR
    • work as a substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district OR
    • have a teacher and administrator who are willing to mentor you through the certification program.
    • If you need assistance with this, contact instructor Nichole Coe.

Registration & Fees

  • You will need to register and pay for each course separately. Each course is $120 for a total of $360. The courses must be taken in order.
  • The application and background check process through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners is online and will be started in Course III.
  • The application fee is currently $40, and the background check fee is $35 (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE). Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.

Course I Introduction/Foundation

  • May 30, June 6 & 13, 2024 (3:30-4:30 p.m.)
  • Via Zoom + online work due by June 20, 2024

Register Now

Course II Instructional Support

  • June 25 & July 9, 2024 (3:30-4:30 p.m.)
  • Via Zoom + online work due by July 16, 2024

Register Now

Course III Behavioral Supports

  • July 18 & Aug. 1, 2024 (3:30-4:30 p.m.)
  • Via Zoom + online work due by Aug. 8, 2024

Register Now

Logging In:

Your AEA Login is the same email and password you use to log into the AEA Learning Online system (e.g. Mandatory Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens).

If you don’t have an account in our system, you will need to click on “Create Account” at the bottom of the screen. Once you create your account, it doesn’t get set up in the registration system until overnight. So you will need to go back in the next day and register for the courses.

Registration:

  • Once you’ve logged in, click on the “Register” button for this course.
  • Next, read the Disclaimer and click “Accept” to continue the registration.

Online Payment Options:

  • Visa or MasterCard
  • Purchase order issued by an Iowa school district
  • Split payment: a portion of the fee is paid with a purchase order (school district) and the remainder is paid with a credit card (participant)

You will receive a confirmation email after you register.

Questions?

Contact Professional Learning at (515) 473-6780 or profdev@heartlandaea.org.

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Courses Offered This Summer