Special Education Paraprofessional

The Diablo Valley College special education paraprofessional program prepares students for a rewarding career working in a variety of education and rehabilitation settings with people who have disabilities. The program is designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge that will enable them to:

• assist students with disabilities in kindergarten through grade 12

• assist children & adults with disabilities in residential care facilities

• assist children & adults with disabilities in non-profit and for-profit agencies.

Students will learn about disabilities, gain an historical perspective on how the laws have changed over the years, learn teaching strategies for the special education paraprofessional, study psychology and child development, and gain practical occupational work experience. Students are also given the opportunity to choose related courses of special interest from a wide choice of topics.