The Educational Paraprofessional major is designed to prepare highly qualified teacher assistants in early childhood/elementary, middle childhood and adolescent/young adult classrooms. The Educational Paraprofessional graduate from Rhodes State will meet the requirements of a highly qualified teaching assistant from the “ESEA/No Child Left Behind” Act passed by Congress and being implemented in every state. Optional educational tracks will allow the student to pursue areas of interest or high demand such as Special Education, Math, or Science.

Many teaching assistants are aspiring teachers who will work towards their bachelor’s degree after completing their associate degree. Graduates of the program will have the necessary coursework, knowledge, and skills to be successful in furthering their education toward a baccalaureate degree in middle childhood or adolescent/young adult licensure at area colleges that have articulation  agreements with Rhodes State College.

The Educational Paraprofessional major is accredited by the State of Ohio Department of Education and approved for the Educational Paraprofessional licensure.

The Education Program is designed to provide a sound academic education, encompassing both intellectual and affective qualities for an entry-level career as an educational  paraprofessional. Technical skills and general education knowledge support behaviors that promote life-long learning. Graduates obtain the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to further their education towards a baccalaureate degree in middle childhood or adolescent/young adult licensure or special education.

Highly qualified teaching assistant in early childhood/elementary, middle childhood and adolescent/young adult classrooms in public schools. Optional education tracks allow the educational paraprofessional to pursue areas of interest or high demand such as special education.

1. General college requirements (See the General Admissions Procedures in the General Information section of the catalog).

2. A minimum 2.0 grade point average for previous college course work from all colleges including courses taken at Rhodes State College. Students below a 2.0 GPA may apply to the Pre-Early Childhood Education program. (See your academic advisor for information on Pre-ECE).

2. A minimum 2.0 grade point average for previous college course work from all colleges including courses taken at Rhodes State College.

3. Applicants are required to complete Rhodes State College placement testing prior to admissions.

4. Applicants who complete testing and need developmental course support will be placed in Pre-program coursework. Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in all developmental work or “B” or better in developmental math.

5. Have completed an entrance interview with the ECE chair and have provided:

• Completed medical statement (O.D.J.F.S. form 1296), completed and signed by a licensed physician (includes the results of a Mantoux skin test).
• Completed Child Day Care Non-Conviction Statement (O.D.J.F.S. form 1301)
• Completed a background check for teacher licensure with Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and a FBI check
• Completed Good Moral Character form
• Copy of high school diploma, GED, or equivalency (All necessary forms can be obtained in the ECE handbook provided by ECE faculty.)

Students are encouraged to meet with the ECE academic advisor prior to registration each term.