Programs like nursing, welding, computer science and communications are found at many if not most community colleges. And then there are degree and certificate offerings like cannabis cultivation, slot machine repair and gunsmithing technology that aren't exactly a dime a dozen--and yet they are an important part of both their respective academic…

High-quality early childhood (EC) education has emerged as a national priority alongside the need for ensuring practitioners have the knowledge and skills to support the learning of all children, including those with disabilities and delays (Snyder et al., 2012). To create high-quality learning environments that meet the needs of children…

With the increase in the number of displaced peoples, the demand for skilled social workers from diverse backgrounds to serve them is critical. This article explores a continuing education program that prepares precollege individuals from newly arriving communities who will work as entry-level workers serving these immigrant and refugee…

In response to local districts' needs for certified teachers with community roots who understand local schools and students, the authors developed an innovative alternative route for paraprofessionals based on a traditional bachelor's program. Their goals were to provide a rigorous, research-based program that allows paraprofessionals to get a…

Time is a highly contested resource in today's schools. Proactive physical educators and savvy school administrators are acknowledging the benefits of devoting time during the school day, beyond regular physical education classes, for students to engage in physical activity with an eye toward enhancing student's health and well-being, as well as…

Extended school year (ESY) is a summer program available for students with disabilities who meet specific qualifying criteria. Teachers are often hesitant to accept the position of the ESY teacher due to the ambiguities and demands of the position. The purpose of this article is to briefly share the impetus and focus of ESY and give special…

During a six month contract with the Royal University of Bhutan, the author was required to develop the initial stages of a first library qualification to be offered in Bhutan. Questions raised by this project included: is a first qualification in librarianship needed in Bhutan? What are the potential student numbers in such a programme? What…

Under the supervision of a licensed early intervention provider, paraprofessionals play an indispensable role in implementation of home and community-based services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families in Colorado. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 requires that…

We evaluated a staff training and management package for increasing accuracy of recording frequency of problem behavior in a residential care facility. A multiple baseline design across the first and second work shifts showed that 2 of 8 participants increased their accuracy following in-service training, and all 8 improved during a condition with…

Describes the personnel, equipment, and facilities problems encountered by North Central Technical Institute in the development of a laser technician program, and the program's enrollment and job placement rates. Advocates financial support for such programs to meet the national demand for laser and other high technology personnel. (WL)

Presents a case study detailing how paraprofessionals, acting as lunchroom supervisors, have been trained to utilize behavior management techniques to effectively reduce the incidence of disruptive behavior. (Author)

A demonstration project using a volunteer peer advisory approach to consumer education for the elderly was developed which indicates the possibility of using a peer advisory system for employing lifetime consumer experiences of the elderly and of providing avenues for continued societal involvement. (Author)

Describes the roles and responsibilities of notetaking paraprofessionals in assisting students with hearing impairments. Guidelines are provided for initiating a notetaking program, including how to facilitate timely distribution of notes, organize notes, choose notetaking materials, establish work areas in each classroom, and foster student…

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) trains paraprofessional aides to help low-income homemakers in their communities to improve their families' diets through personal instruction in selecting/preparing nutritious foods. Reports on the development and evaluation of a nutrition education program for EFNEP using audiocassettes…

Discusses the importance of teaching communication skills to individuals with severe disabilities and reviews the development and evaluation of Developing Communicative Interactions, a data-based staff training program that supports the development of a prescribed set of interaction skills by interacting communication partners. (Author/CR)