Special Education Assistant Certificate

Certificate
HEGIS #5503
Interim Chairperson: Toni Howard
Higbee Hall, Room 109, (518) 629-7250

The Special Education Assistant Certificate is appropriate for individuals interested in becoming a teaching assistant, or a paraprofessional in the field of special education or as a direct support assistant (DSA) for persons with developmental disabilities. This course of study will prepare students to meet the requirements for the New York State Level III Teaching Assistant Certification. For more information about Teaching Assistant Certification from the New York State Education Department, go to www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/ta.html.

The courses offered in this program can also be applied to an Associate degree in Early Childhood and could be transferred towards a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.

This certificate will prepare students to work with individuals with special needs. The coursework in the program increases employment opportunities for Teaching Assistants or paraprofessionals who wish to work with individuals with special needs in early childhood settings, public schools, K-12; private schools, and special education centers and facilities for persons with disabilities. Topics addressed in this program include:

• The study of laws and regulations in special education.
• the causes, prevalence and characteristics of children and adults with learning disabilities, communication disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and visual and hearing impairments.
• The etiology, prevalence, characteristics, and methodology for teaching students with Autism.
• The philosophy of “inclusive education” and a range of innovating teaching methodologies.
• Teaching techniques to best meet the needs of all types of learners including those who are physically, mentally, or socially challenged.
• Strategies for assisting persons with disabilities using assistive technology.
• An introduction to ASL, American Sign Language.

Please note that, although fingerprinting is not required for admission into this program, those who seek employment working with children and seek certification from the New York State Education Department will be required to complete the fingerprinting process. Any individual with a criminal record may not find gainful employment as a teaching assistant in public or private schools or centers.

Program Outcomes

1. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of typical and atypical child development and related issues.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, prevalence and characteristics of children and adults with learning disabilities, communication disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and visual and hearing impairments.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the components of inclusive programs including the physical environment, instructional techniques, and universal instruction designs.
5. Demonstrate strategies for assisting persons with disabilities using assistive technology.

Program Entrance Requirements