TRAINING FOR YOUR FUTURE

Want a Career as a Education Paraprofessional, commonly know as a teacher's aide?
 

​If you have an interest in the education field, ​this is the program for you. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Interested candidates should contact the PRACEP office (info@pracep.org) for information and registration. The admission procedure includes official registration with PRACEP, an assessment to determine eligibility, and an interview.
 

Participants receive:  
 

• ​​​Their GED® (if not a high school graduate)
• Job Skills Coaching 
• Stackable credentials
• Official Industry-Recognized Paraprofessional Certification
  

This program meets one evening per week, plus occasional Saturdays. 

Attendance is mandatory.  Successful candidates may find employment in a school system or similar venue as a teacher's aide. Paraprofessionals enjoy job security and good benefits.
 

This program is offered free of charge to qualified participants (including all books and test certification fees). It is funded with a PluggedInVA grant through the Commonwealth of Virginia (funded in large part by the Virginia Lottery).
 

If interested, please contact the PRACEP office at
540-718-8243, or 540-718-8230.
 

Candidates who earn a Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential are prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. 

Participants receive:  
 

• ​​​Their GED® (if not a high school graduate)
• On-line training with Instructor support
• Stackable Credentials
• Official Industry-Recognized CDA Certification

The assessment process is made up of two components: the CDA Exam and Verification Visit. 

The CDA® Exam

The CDA Exam questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of basic early childhood best practices based on the CDA Competency Goals and the thirteen Functional Areas. Once the exam is completed, the scores are sent to the Council electronically.

Click the link under Additional Information if you require special accommodations for the exam.

CDA Verification Visit®

During the visit, the Council-approved, CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist™ will go to the candidate’s place of work and review the candidate’s Professional Portfolio, observe the candidate working with children/families, and conduct a reflective dialogue about the candidate’s strengths and areas of growth. The PD Specialist will submit the evaluation and scores electronically to the Council.

This program is offered free of charge to qualified participants including books and fees).
 

If interested, please contact the PRACEP office at
540-718-8243, or 540-718-8230.
 

Candidates who earn a Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential are prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. 

Participants receive:  
 

• ​​​Their GED® (if not a high school graduate)
• On-line training with Instructor support
• Stackable Credentials
• Official Industry-Recognized CDA Certification

The assessment process is made up of two components: the CDA Exam and Verification Visit. 

The CDA® Exam

The CDA Exam questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of basic early childhood best practices based on the CDA Competency Goals and the thirteen Functional Areas. Once the exam is completed, the scores are sent to the Council electronically.

Click the link under Additional Information if you require special accommodations for the exam.

CDA Verification Visit®

During the visit, the Council-approved, CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist™ will go to the candidate’s place of work and review the candidate’s Professional Portfolio, observe the candidate working with children/families, and conduct a reflective dialogue about the candidate’s strengths and areas of growth. The PD Specialist will submit the evaluation and scores electronically to the Council.

This program is offered free of charge to qualified participants including books and fees).
 

If interested, please contact the PRACEP office at
540-718-8243, or 540-718-8230.