Paraprofessional programs

Mon, Jan 17, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, schools closed. Mon, Jan 31, Professional Development day for 9—12 and 6—12 schools, students in these schools do not attend. Tue, Feb 01, Lunar New Year, schools closed. Wed, Feb 02, Spring Term begins for semester-based schools. View Key Dates Calendar. So you could always continue your education upon completion.

But the low credit amount might not meet the requirements for certain jobs. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of paraprofessional programs out there. Degrees tend to take at least two years and typically require a minimum of 60 education credits. Certificates can be obtained in as little as 12 or 30 credits, which can take anywhere from a semester to one year to complete. For those of you who already met the minimum educational requirements to become a paraprofessional, a certificate would likely be enough for you.

This is perfect for those of you who like to work at your own pace and make your own schedule. While the flexibility of online learning is great, it does require lots of discipline and self-motivation. Look beyond the bare minimum here. Spokane Falls Community College is the best option because they offer Associate degrees and paraprofessional certificates both in-person and online. A Teaching Assistant Certificate from Genesee Community College is great if you want a quick credit certificate from a reputable school.

For those of you looking for a certificate program that can be completed in a single semester, check out the Education Paraprofessional Certificate from Minnesota West Community and Technical College. I am a mom of two crazy, amazing, independent, little feminists.

They bring so much light to my life and a lot less sleep. Since becoming a mother and increasingly in the last year, I have witnessed parents struggling to connect with their child's special education team with no success. I have become more aware of the gaps in our public school system and how parents may benefit from empowerment and advocacy tools. My work experiences range from a juvenile detention center to an autism specialist in the Issaquah School District and a special education teacher in a self-contained program in the Lake Washington School District.

The Arizona Supreme Court approved the legal paraprofessional, or LP, program, following two other states that had experimented with similar change. Other states are exploring similar options. And last month, the court approved a program at the UA College of Law for undergraduate students as a pathway to a legal paraprofessional license. There are also options for UA graduate students.

Those who receive a license can practice in family law, limited civil cases, limited criminal cases and administrative law, if they've passed state exams in those areas. He plans to finish in May and then take the state licensing exam and start practicing in areas that could include immigration law, criminal law and family law. Similar to a nurse practitioner in medicine, legal paraprofessionals are trained in the profession on a more limited scope.

They can offer some of the same services as lawyers and get licensed through the state. The goal is to give Arizonans more access to hire affordable legal advocates, helping relieve what's been termed the "justice gap. In a divorce case, for example, the parties could hire an LP who practices family law rather than representing themselves or paying high prices for a lawyer.

Legal paraprofessionals in Arizona can draft and file legal documents, provide legal advice, represent clients in certain courts and negotiate for clients.

Legal paraprofessionals are affiliate members of the State Bar of Arizona and have to undergo continuing education and are subject to investigation for allegations of misconduct, according to rules approved by the Supreme Court.

They do not have to work under a licensed attorney but they do have to follow court rules and the code of conduct.