how to become a paraprofessional

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How to Become a Paraprofessional

Content:

Step
Tips
Things You Will Need

A paraprofessional is hired to help licensed professionals perform daily tasks. This position is a common position in public schools, where paraprofessionals supervise classes and pay one-on-one attention to students with disabilities. You can learn more about the paths you can take to become a paraprofessional.

Step

Method 1 of 4: Acquiring an Interest in Special Education

Practice working with children. Many paraprofessionals start out as custodians of children or workers in child care. Other paraprofessionals are parents of young children and are comfortable with the possibility of working with primary education students throughout the day.
Learn basic administrative tasks. Take a basic computer class, a typing course or a note taking course. Nearly all paraprofessionals are required to write reports, keep records of disciplinary issues, and perform administrative tasks for teachers.
Use your personal experience. Paraprofessionals who specialize in special education may have some personal experience working with people with mental or physical disabilities. Personal bonds can help you understand the value of this role.

Method 2 of 4: Choosing an Educational Path

Obtain a high school diploma or a General Education Development certificate. This is the lowest education required to become a general paraprofessional.
Enroll in a certificate program. If you know the field in which you will be working, contact your local school and ask if they provide training for people interested in working as paraprofessionals. Register with the program, if any.
Register on a community campus. Look for diplomas in learning assistant training, special education assistant training, early intervention providers or any other major.
Make the choice to become paraprofessional while completing a 4-year bachelor's degree. If you need to work while in school, you can apply for work as a paraprofessional, while seeking a qualification as an education teacher or program administrator.
- You can apply for jobs as a paraprofessional after you apply to the school. Some areas may require you to take an exam to qualify or wait 2 years in post-high school education.
Skip additional education and take state-recognized local assessments. If you have extensive experience working with children with disabilities or an educational environment, you can study independently and try to pass assessments with local schools.
- The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires you to complete 2 years of higher education (60 credits), earn a diploma or pass a local assessment.
- The school you work for may have further rules on which options you can take. Contact the schools in your area before choosing which path you want to take.

Method 3 of 4: Finding a Paraprofessional Job

Contact schools in your area. Ask about the vacant positions you can apply for.
Do your search for positions between April and August. This is the time when the school renews the contract and finds out about the vacant position. Some schools need to hire people during the fall semester.
Apply for part-time jobs. Occasionally, paraprofessionals must work in 1 or more part-time positions, depending on the need for special education paraprofessionals.
Be flexible. Take a job as a general paraprofessional while you wait to work in the specialty education area. You may be asked to help out elementary school teachers, supervise computer labs, work with preschoolers, be an administrative assistant or supervise a playground.
Discuss the change in position with your local school. Many schools choose to promote people to new jobs internally. Ask whether special education positions will open before the end of the school year.

Method 4 of 4: Focus on Special Education

Research programs that help you further specialize. Most area conferences or certified programs will help you learn about how to work with autism, deafness, blindness, learning disabilities, mobility issues and developmental problems. Complete a paraprofessional work program during the summer or summer holidays.
Consider taking up educational material planning, clerical work or other assignments to increase your salary range. In the US, special education paraprofessionals earn between $ 17,000 and $ 39,000 per year. The more experience and assignments you can carry out, the higher your salary will be.
Join a program to earn a teaching certificate. Some states, such as Texas, allow paraprofessionals with more than 45 community campus credits to enroll in online special education training to upgrade their qualifications.

Tips

Ask about tuition assistance programs when you apply to any community campus or university. Some schools help teachers gain more qualifications by paying a portion of their tuition fees.
Pay attention to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Some programs have subsidies or provide assistance to special education teachers and paraprofessionals.

Things You Will Need

High school diploma / general education diploma
Teaching certificate

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