A paraprofessional is hired to help licensed professionals perform daily tasks. This position is common in public schools, where paraprofessionals oversee classes and provide 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: Gaining Interest in Special Education
Step 1. Practice working with children
Many paraprofessionals start out as carers 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.
Step 2. Learn basic administrative tasks
Take a basic computer course, a typing course or a note-taking course. Almost all paraprofessionals are required to write reports, keep records of disciplinary matters, and perform administrative tasks for teachers.
Step 3. Use your personal experience
Paraprofessionals specializing 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
Step 1. Get a high school diploma or General Education Development certificate
This is the lowest level of education required to become a general paraprofessional.
Step 2. 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. Enroll in the program, if any.
Step 3. Register with the community campus
Look for a diploma in learning assistant training, special education assistant training, early intervention provider or other major.
Step 4. Make the choice to become a paraprofessional while completing a 4-year bachelor's degree
If you need to work while in school, you can apply for a job as a paraprofessional, while seeking qualifications as an education teacher or program administrator.
You can apply for jobs as a paraprofessional once you apply to the school. Some areas may require you to take an exam to qualify or wait 2 years in post-secondary education
Step 5. 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 the assessment with a local school.
- 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 choices you can make. Contact schools in your area before choosing which path you want to take.
Method 3 of 4: Finding a Paraprofessional Job
Step 1. Contact schools in your area
Ask about vacant positions you can apply for.
Step 2. 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.
Step 3. Apply for a part time job
Sometimes, paraprofessionals must work in one or more part-time positions, depending on the need for special education paraprofessionals.
Step 4. Be flexible
Take a job as a general paraprofessional while you wait to work in special education. You may be asked to help an elementary school teacher, supervise computer labs, work with preschoolers, be an administrative assistant or be a playground superintendent.
Step 5. Discuss the change of position with your local school
Many schools choose to promote people to new jobs internally. Ask if special education positions will open before the end of the school year.
Method 4 of 4: Focus on Special Education
Step 1. Research programs that help you specialize further
Most regional 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 program of paraprofessional work during the term or summer vacation.
Step 2. Consider taking up educational material planning, clerical work or other assignments to increase your salary range
In the US, special education professionals earn between $17,000 and $39,000 per year. The more experience and tasks you can carry out, the higher your salary will be.
Step 3. 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 enhance their qualifications.
Tips
- Ask about tuition assistance programs when you apply to any community college or university. Some schools assist teachers in gaining more qualifications by paying a portion of their tuition fees.
- Pay attention to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Some programs subsidize or provide assistance to special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
