Paraprofessional Training
The Paraprofessional Certification Series is a program under development by CES that is specifically aligned with the CEC Standards for Paraeducators (2015).
The series of courses prepares paraprofessionals to meet the needs of the range of learners with whom they work; and readies them to pass the ParaPro Assessment, a requirement for paraprofessionals to qualify as Title 1 Instructional Paraprofessionals.
The course series has been developed for use as an in-district professional development program. Districts may bring this series of courses on site for their paraeducator cohorts.
Customized Training and Coaching In-District
The Paraprofessional Certification Series is only one part of the services offered by CES. We work in partnership with districts who may need a customized program for their needs, and can consult with districts to offer on-site coaching services for paraeducators to meet specific needs, move forward district initiatives, and enhance the professionalism of this vital classroom resource.
Currently Available
- Overview of Special Education
- Professional Boundaries
- That Student Needs an IEP
- Fading Support
- Supporting Students with Atypical Learning Profiles
In Development
CES will customize the courses for face to face or remote delivery and are currently developing these for the full online series.
- Meaningful Collaboration
- Understanding Learning Environments (Inclusive Educational Settings)
- Understanding Learning Environments (Substantially Separate Settings)
- Understanding Students as Learners (Mild-Moderate Disabilities)
- Understanding Instructional Supports (Mild-Moderate Disabilities)
- Understanding Students as Learners (Moderate to Severe Disabilities)
- Understanding Instructional Supports (Moderate to Severe Disabilities)
Level II
- Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
- Understanding Tiered Systems of Support
- Understanding & Supporting Children with Autism (PK and Elementary)
- Understanding & Supporting Children with Autism (Secondary)
- Understanding and Supporting Children with Emotional Needs
- Understanding Social Emotional Learning
- Understanding Cultural Differences & Social Justice
- Understanding the Impact of Poverty on Learning
Title 1/EL/ParaPro Assessment Preparation
- Understanding Reading (Barriers, Skills & Strategies)
- Understanding Writing (Barriers, Skills & Strategies)
- Understanding Math (Barriers, Skills & Strategies)
- Understanding & Supporting English Learners
- Understanding & Using Google to Support Student Access to the General Curriculum
Angela Burke
Laurel Peltier
Laurel Peltier holds an Ed.D. in Special Education Leadership and C.A.G.S. in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, as well as a professional license as a Special Education Administrator in Massachusetts. She has over 25 years of experience in transition assessment, planning and service delivery, and has provided leadership for transition in public schools and at the college level. Prior to joining the team at CES, Laurel developed and led public and private secondary school programs for students with disabilities, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in special education and writing, and acted as a consultant and professional development provider for more than 20 school districts in Massachusetts. Her most recent post was with the Amherst Pelham Regional High School. In addition to her professional experience, Laurel brings experience as the parent of a child with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Position: Curriculum and Instructional Specialist in Special Education
Email: lpeltier@collaborative.org
Mary Geiring
Mary A. Geiring is a CES Special Education Co – Teaching and Inclusion Specialist in the Professional Development Department. She holds a Special Education Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans in 2018, a Masters of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She is a member of the American Education Research Association, the National Association for Special Educators, the National Association for Multicultural Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children. Her major areas of research include teacher collaboration, teacher preparation, responsive classroom, teacher induction, and inclusion practices. Prior to joining CES, Mary was an LEA Facilitator at Muscogee County Schools in Columbus, GA. Her previous experience includes Program Director of the Special Education and Habilitative Services Department at the University of New Orleans, and over nine years of experience as a special education instructor in school settings.
Position: Curriculum and Instructional Specialist
Email: mgeiring@collaborative.org