Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP) - EDC-X796Z

Course Description

Credit Validation for NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Participants Only

Paraprofessionals are on the front line of special education every day—supporting students with the highest needs, collecting data, managing behavior, and bridging the gap between teachers and families—yet most receive little to no formal training for this role.

The NASET Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP) prepares paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and instructional aides with the foundational knowledge and professional skills needed to perform their roles with confidence and competence.

Comprising 5 modules totaling 25 study hours, the program covers paraprofessional roles and legal responsibilities, special education principles, behavior management, teacher collaboration, and professional ethics under FERPA.

Delivered 100% online and self-paced, the course includes video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental readings, and module exams requiring an 80% passing score.

Learner Outcomes

• Define the roles, legal responsibilities, and ethical boundaries of paraprofessionals working under the supervision of licensed special educators in compliance with IDEA and school district requirements
• Implement evidence-based behavior support strategies and data collection procedures to assist supervising teachers in monitoring and responding to student progress
• Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills necessary for effective teamwork with teachers, families, and related service providers in special education settings

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 - 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please select your units at checkout. 

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Participants.

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (NASET)
NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Homepage: NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers)
• Enroll: The Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program
• Contact: careercenter@naset.org

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion
After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to pce-cv@sandiego.edu, including the course number in your message.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.