TRAINING FOR YOUR FUTURE

Personal Care Aides (PCA’s) are the true heroes of the caregiving world, offering essential support to those who need it most. If you are seeking a fulfilling career that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives, consider becoming a PCA—it’s a role that truly matters.

PRACEP’s PCA training program offers both remote instruction and 2 hands-on practice sessions. Topics covered include personal care techniques, communication skills, and safety protocols. NOTE: Many states also require PCAs to pass a background check and obtain certification to work in home care settings (usually paid for by the employer).

Personal Care Assistants can work in hospitals, nursing homes and patient’s homes. PCA’s work with patients with differing levels of self-sufficiency and capability, with duties ranging from monitoring vital signs, help with mobility, preparing meals and feeding patients, as well as general hygiene. PCA’s play a vital role as they communicate with patients and providers, informing the patient care team of changes or concerns. PCA’s also provide companionship and social interaction, important for both the physical and mental health of their patient. 

In addition to National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) certification, PRACEP’s PCA cohort will provide training to:

• help patients requiring elder care, pediatric care and those recovering from illness and injuries

• understand clinical knowledge needed to read treatment plans and ensure they are implemented effectively

• Improve communication skills to share information with patients and other professionals

• Help develop the professional interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with patients

Possible Benefits of PCA Certification:

• Important work that supports older adults & people with disabilities
• Hybrid work schedule options
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Benefits could include:
  • Medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement       
  • Education assistance up to $1500 annually
  • Training & professional development

               o   Foundation and Pathway to a career as a CNA, Med Tech, or Nurse
 

Participants receive:  

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

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

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

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.