Los Angeles Vally College

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• P-CAT
• HIGH-5
• Community Partners

P-CAT

Para-educator Companion Assistant Training

The Para-educator Companion Assistant Training project is designed to enhance the expertise of incumbent workers and to develop a pipeline of new entrants to the pool of para-educators. This project addresses the critical shortage of well-trained companion teachers assigned to a specific young child with special needs as well as for teachers in an inclusive early childhood program with multiple children with special needs. New entrants will also have specialized high quality training and be job ready to be hired as para-educators in a classroom with children birth through five years old with special needs.

The P-CAT project includes:

• Specialized training modules in early childhood development, specific skills for working with children with special needs and skills for employment readiness and career advancement.
• Workshops and modular trainings offered in flexible formats related to working as part of a team with young children with special needs; including recognition of signs of developmental delays, skills for working with parents, knowledge of the laws, regulations and resources regarding the care of young children with special needs.
• Two levels of observation and internship opportunities for the new entrant: participation in the "Infant and Toddler Playgroup" program at LAVC, followed by a field internship as  companion to a young child with special needs at an industry partner site.
• The development and dissemination of career pathway information to provide incumbent workers and students' opportunities for growth in the area of serving young children with special needs (speech, occupational, physical therapists, child psychologists, social workers, etc.).
• The opportunity to earn an A.A. degree, a full certificate or a specialized industry recognized skill certificate as a Para-educator Assistant Teacher.
• The implementation of a state-wide conference on young children on young children with special needs.

Click here to access P-CAT Spring 2012 Flyer

Click here to access P-CAT application

The P-CAT Model includes the following coursework:

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
• Week Seven
• Week Eight
• Week Nine
• Week Ten