The Certificate of Achievement is open to all high school students interested in a career as a Paraprofessional.

About the Program

Is it for me?

If you are interested in working with children in grades K-8, then earning your certification as a Teacher’s Aide Paraprofessional may be a great opportunity for you!

A Teacher’s Aide provides instructional support for classroom teachers. Under the direction of the teacher, Teacher’s Aide’s work with students individually or in small groups. Examples may include listening to one student read, helping another find information for a report, or watching and assisting another work out math problems. Teacher Aide’s also help supervise students in the cafeteria, on school grounds, in hallways, or on field trips.

The courses in the program will be offered fully online, giving you flexibility to schedule time and complete the coursework around your other high school work. However, if you don't do well in the online classroom, this program may not be for you.

Please note that EDUC 10, 12, 13, 14, 70, and ENG 1A, will offer OPTIONAL weekly Zoom class meetings for all high school TAP participants who value the opportunity to meet in real-time with the professor and their peers to discuss the course content and assignments.

Delta College offers this certificate of achievement for free to participating high school students.

• No tuition
• No fees
• No textbook costs

The Early Teacher's Aid "Paraprofessional Preparation Certificate of Achievement" is 4 semesters long.

Course Descriptions

ENG 1A Reading and Composition (3 Units)

Prerequisites: ENG 78B, ENG 79, ENG 94, ENG 95, or ESL 90, each with a grade of “P” or better or qualifying placement. Corequisites: ENG 95 Intensive Reading and Composition Lab. This course is a transfer-level, college freshman English composition course comparable to those courses offered by the state college and university systems. (UC, CSU, C-ID ENGL 100)

EDUC 10 Introduction to Education (3 Units)

Prerequisites: ENG 1A Reading and Composition with a grade of “C” or better.
This course introduces the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today’s schools. Topics include historical/philosophical foundations of the American education system, educational issues, and Common Core standards. The course requires a minimum of 45 hours of fieldwork in public school elementary classrooms, and includes cooperation with at least one campus-approved certificated classroom teacher. Fingerprint clearance and TB clearance are required. (UC, CSU, C-ID EDUC 200)

EDUC 12 Reading Tutoring Techniques (3 Units)
Advisories: EDUC 10 with a grade of “C” or better. This course introduces the concepts and practice of elementary level tutoring in reading. Students will work with emergent readers in kindergarten through third grade, or with English Language Development students. A minimum of 36 hours of field experience is required. TB test and fingerprint clearances are required. (CSU)

ECE 21 Child and Adolescent Development (3 Units)

This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children through adolescence. Students will observe children and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. (UC, CSU, C-ID CDEV 100)

EDUC 13 Math Tutoring Techniques (3 Units)

Advisories: EDUC 10 with a grade of “C” or better. This course introduces the concepts and practice of elementary level tutoring in mathematics including scaffolding instruction of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students will work with students K-8. A minimum of 45 hours of field experience is required. TB and fingerprint clearances are required. (CSU)

MATH 17A Concepts and Structures of Mathematics (3 Units)
Prerequisites: MATH 92G, MATH 92S, or MATH 96 each with a grade of “C” or better or qualifying placement.
Advisories: Ability to read at the 12th grade level.
This course focuses on the development of quantitative reasoning skills through in-depth, integrated explorations of topics in mathematics, including real number systems and subsystems. Emphasis is on comprehension and analysis of mathematical concepts and application of logical reasoning. (UC, CSU, C-ID MATH 120)

MATH 17B Concepts and Structures of Mathematics (3 Units)

Prerequisites: MATH 92G, MATH 92S, or MATH 96 each with a grade of “C” or better or qualifying placement.
Advisories: Ability to read at the 12th grade level. This course focuses on the development of quantitative reasoning skills through in-depth, integrated explorations of topics in mathematics, including measurement, geometry and introductory probability and statistics. (UC, CSU)

EDUC 14 Bilingualism in the Classroom (3 Units)
Advisories: EDUC 10 with a grade of “C” or better.
This course covers the language factors that impact first and second language acquisitions in K-12 classrooms and develops strategies that can be used for language development in the realms of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking. (CSU)

EDUC 70 Paraprofessional Exam Preparation (2 Units)

Advisories: EDUC 10 with a grade of “C” or better. This is a comprehensive exam preparation course that covers concepts that will be tested on the Praxis ParaPro Assessment, the exam required to become a Paraprofessional in the CA public school system.

ECE 63 Child Discipline (1 Unit)

Advisories: ECE 21 with a grade of “C” or better. This course is designed to provide teachers and parents with theory and effective techniques related to discipline. Topics include discussions of cultural differences and practical, positive approaches to discipline. (CSU)

The Early College Teacher’s Aide "Paraprofessional Preparation Certificate of Achievement" prepares you with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Paraprofessional Exam and serve as a teacher’s aide in public or private K-12 schools—but you don’t have to stop there!

Upon successful completion of the certificate, you will have the knowledge, training, and skills to work in public or private K-8 classrooms. You will learn how to assist in the development of lessons within a variety of academic areas; tutor individuals or small groups of students in specific content areas; and support the classroom teacher with proctoring of exams, keeping records, and learn about a variety of teaching methods. In some instances, you may be hired by your own school district to participate in the San Joaquin County High School Apprenticeship program called ARCH – Apprenticeships Reaching Career Horizons. As an apprentice, you can “earn and learn” through the apprenticeship model of On-the-Job training under the guidance of a classroom teacher and by taking the required courses outlined in this program. If you are interested in an apprenticeship, you  should inquire with your school principal, counselor, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director of your district.

Check out how far you can go with your Early College TAP program as your first step!

Complete the below interest form and we'll contact you with admissions and registration steps.

By completing this form, you are not obligated to start the program nor does it guarantee enrollment. It allows us to consider you as a potential student and reserve a slot for you as we plan the schedule. You'll have an opportunity to finalize your decision prior to signing up.