ARE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PARAEDUCATORS FEASIBLE?

Paraeducators are vital components of public school educational programs for students with disabilities and those with remedial needs, as well as preschools and residential child care facilities. They are technicians who perform personal care and direct instructional services, and behavior management. Yet, training programs for these important employees are notably absent. This study examined the feasibility of developing training programs in the community college system in Colorado. Directors of special education, teachers, and personnel directors were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward training needs, their perceptions of the levels of support that school districts might offer, and their knowledge of the hiring practices in their own agencies. There was considerable interest in and support for training efforts through the community college system. Yet, a compelling need for local autonomy in the hiring of trained or untrained applicants was illustrated. Conclusions were drawn about the character of potential training programs based on the information provided. For example, training programs must offer a flexible delivery system, and a menu of modules or short courses from which local agencies or schools can select requirements for their employees. Certificate programs were desired but mandated certification was unequivocally rejected.