The CEC Paraeducator Academy is a comprehensive, interactive, three-level professional learning experience designed to support paraeducators, teachers, and school administrators as they work together to serve students with disabilities. This sequential program meets learners at varying entry points, while building toward advanced application.
CEC offers two delivery models to best meet your needs: on-demand access to the virtual content and in-person group training sessions.
Regardless of format, CEC recommends enrollment in all three levels to ensure exposure to and alignment with all national competencies for Special Education paraeducators, in additional to CEC’s 22 High-Leverage Practices (HLPs). Completion of the program will prepare participants for the upcoming CEC National Assessment for Paraeducators certification exam, scheduled for release in 2027.
Designed by national content expert Dr. Peggy Yates, the curriculum incorporates principles of adult learning theory and is structured around the engaging “CEC Playbook for Paraeducators” framework.
Program Structure
The program consists of three sequential levels, each of which is completed individually while building progressively toward advanced practice.
On-Demand: Each level is comprised of five interactive modules: four content-based learning modules and one culminating scenario-based, practice-oriented implementation module. In the first four modules, learners build knowledge and skills; in the fifth module, they demonstrate application proficiency.
In-Person: The same on-demand content is repackaged into three highly engaging in-person training sessions (one session per level), each intended to last a full day. If required, these sessions may be shorted into six, half-day training sessions.
ON-DEMAND PROGRAM INCLUDES:
✔ Flexibility to enroll in one level at a time or all three simultaneously for a discounted rate
✔ On-demand online access to the interactive modules associated with the level(s) of enrollment
✔ Six hours of on-demand training at each level
✔ Eligibility to take the forthcoming CEC National Assessment for Paraeducators certification exam for Level I-III completers
✔ Option to add-on a supplemental live virtual session with the program author, Dr. Peggy Yates, to reinforce implementation (purchased separately)
✔ Dedicated customer service available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5 pm EST via live chat, email, and phone
BEST FOR:
✔ Individual paraeducators seeking professional development
✔ Education leaders seeking to enroll a group of paraeducators in on-demand training
IN-PERSON PROGRAM INCLUDES:
✔ Bringing the expert to your educators for three full days of interactive, engaging training, with discounted rates available for consecutive days booked
✔ Bulk group discount rates for groups of 60+ participants
✔ Six hours of in-person training at each level
✔ Eligibility to take the forthcoming CEC National Assessment for Paraeducators certification exam
✔ Reference materials that participants can review ahead of the CEC National Assessment for Paraeducators certification exam
✔ Option to purchase access to online content for educators who were unable to attend in-person
✔ Dedicated customer service available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST via live chat, email, and phone
BEST FOR:
✔ Education leaders seeking to enroll a group of paraeducators in a full-day in-person training
Looking to enroll a group in the Paraeducator Academy?
Submit an interest form for support and potential discounts.
Level & Module Descriptions
Level I introduces paraeducators to the foundational knowledge and skills needed to support students in inclusive settings. Participants develop an understanding of their role within a collaborative team, key principles of special education, and basic instructional and behavior support strategies. Through structured modules, learners are introduced to High- Leverage Practices and begin applying foundational skills, such as supporting instruction, providing feedback, and reinforcing positive learning environments. This level builds confidence and prepares learners for deeper skill development.
Enroll in Levels I-III Enroll in Level I ONLY Book In-Person Training
Level II builds on foundational knowledge by preparing paraeducators to actively support licensed teachers in instruction and student learning. Participants deepen their ability to interpret IEPs, collect and use data, and support communication within the instructional team. Through targeted modules, learners practice applying High-Leverage Practices to deliver explicit instruction, scaffold learning, and promote engagement. The implementation module provides opportunities to apply skills in scenario-based examples. This level emphasizes the transition from understanding to application.
Enroll in Levels I-III Enroll in Level I ONLY Book In-Person Training
Level III prepares paraeducators to integrate and apply advanced skills across instructional, behavioral, and engagement domains to actively support licensed teachers. Participants strengthen their ability to analyze data, make real-time instructional decisions, and adapt supports to meet diverse learner needs. Modules focus on refining High-Leverage Practices, including responding to complex behavior and coordinating supports across settings. The Championship Game Day implementation module requires participants to demonstrate mastery through simulation and performance-based tasks. This level emphasizes independence, precision, and integrated practice.
Enroll in Levels I-III Enroll in Level I ONLY Book In-Person Training