What is the CO-TOP*EIS project?

CO-TOP*EIS - (Comprehensive Training Opportunities for Paraprofessionals in Early Intervention Services) is a project funded by Early Childhood Connections (ECC) Program of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Division for Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The CO-TOP*EIS project is coordinated by the PARA Center. The overall goal of CO-TOP*EIS is to develop and implement a state-wide system of training for paraprofessionals who are employed to work with families that have infants and toddlers from birth through two years who have significant developmental delays or disabilities or have been diagnosed with a condition associated with significant delays in development. Considering the developmental nature of the services provided by paraprofessionals in early intervention services, the state-wide coalition for the CO-TOP*EIS project has chosen the title of Developmental Intervention Assistant (DI Assistants) for this position.

The objectives for this project are to establish a state-wide coalition of local, rural and urban agencies that will coordinate program goals, objectives, and activities; prepare DI Assistants for the roles they assume in the delivery of early intervention supports and services; enhance local capacity of Community Centered Boards (CCBs) to supervise and train early intervention paraprofessionals and facilitate paraprofessional career pathways into early childhood special education professions through articulated degree programs.

CO-TOP*EIS program features include:

• TUITION for CO-TOP courses
• PEER SUPPORT in the form of cohort groups
• FLEXIBLE delivery of courses in your school district
• TUTORIALS /developmental instruction
• FAMILY SUPPORT activities
• MENTORING and coaching
• RECOGNITION for progress
• Accurate and consistent ADVISING to attend community college

Who may be eligible? And what are the requirements?

A paraeducator must currently be employed in a Colorado public school. Paraeducators who are willing to work with English learners and are interested in this project should meet several requirements:

• Possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Submit Three Letters of Recommendation
• Submit a Written Statement of Interest
• Complete a Program Application

Whom do I contact for more information?

For more information on this project please contact: Geri DiPalma at Geraldine.DiPalma@ucdenver.edu.