Program Overview

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Program Overview

The graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities for paraprofessionals is an alternate teacher license program that prepares aspiring special education teachers who have at least one year experience working as a full-time special education paraprofessional and do not already hold a valid teacher license. Through real-world experiences in classrooms and mentorship, graduates gain knowledge of strategies to support the learning, curricular and developmental needs of students with extensive and pervasive support needs using an inclusive, strengths-based approach.

Career Outcomes

This program meets the educational needs of students with extensive and pervasive support needs through an inclusive education that seeks and builds upon student strengths, preferences, values, and beliefs. These students have historically been designated as having a significant cognitive disability or multiple disabilities, including students with autism with concurrent cognitive, sensory, and physical support needs. Students who pursue graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities for paraprofessionals are likely to accept positions in areas such as:

• Special education teacher
• Program specialist
• Instructional coach
• Instructional consultant
• Inclusion specialist

Program Details

• This program satisfies the requirements for licensure endorsement in the state of Kansas, but does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree.
• Note: Most teachers who complete our special education programs will take a few additional graduate courses required to finish the master's degree as well. The master's degree is an important goal for many teachers and may substantially increase teacher pay.
• KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure.

Related Programs

• Graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities
• Low incidence disabilities master's of science in education
• Graduate certificate in licensure endorsement in early childhood unified (birth-K) (KS)
• Graduate certificate in high incidence disabilities endorsement (KS)

Resources

• Program faculty
• School scholarships
• Office of Graduate Studies
• Educator licensure services

Statistics

• Top ranked Special Education public graduate program
• Public School of Education & Human Sciences
• Minimum credit hours: 35

Graduate Student Life

Research Opportunities

Graduate students at KU support faculty and research staff in conducting adding new information to the body of knowledge in a variety of fields.

Graduate Student Funding

The Office of Graduate Studies at KU provides both internal and external funding resources to support doctoral students.

Vibrant Campus Environment

In the heart of the United States, the city of Lawrence revolves around the University and its students.

Professional Development

Graduate students will leave KU with a professional and academic network of fellow faculty and staff.

More Doctoral Student Life

Study & Teach Abroad

Program supports unique opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, & dispositions needed for culturally-responsive teaching.

Student Organizations & Engagement

Students can actively participate in educational, social and community-building programs at KU.

Accreditation

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is accredited under the NCATE standards through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Accreditation System.