Paraprofessionals are required to have at least a high school diploma or GED. In some states, such as Connecticut, applicants without college credit hours are not considered for paraprofessional jobs. Just as states have different requirements, so do school districts. Check with school district human resources departments to find out specific requirements. There are also schools that specialize in training paraeducators, such as the National Resource Center of Paraprofessionals in New York.
If an applicant has at least 30 college credits, the school district will require them to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment, which measures the applicant's competencies in reading, writing and math. Another education avenue is through community colleges' continuing education classes. The classes are open to individuals who want to work as paraprofessionals but don't want to earn a degree. There are also some online and correspondence courses available.
A two-year degree provides students with the education coursework and competency assessment needed to become a qualified paraprofessional. College-level programs are designed to meet the standards established by NCLB. Classes in the program usually include education systems, classroom management, reading content, multicultural teaching techniques, English, math, science and a practicum. Paraprofessional candidates with an associate's or a bachelor's degree are not required to take an assessment test prior to being hired as a paraprofessional.
Some teaching assistants' roles require more than an education to qualify. For special education positions, applicants must have experience working with children, especially those with learning disabilities. For ESL assistant positions, applicants must be bilingual. Human resources offer tests for candidates to prove their ability to speak and write in another language. Students who seek an associate's degree usually take one or more of these classes as an elective. Some colleges offer degrees in either specialization, while others offer classes in the areas to fulfill degree requirements.
Schools that are considered Title I campuses have the strictest requirements for paraprofessionals. These schools, usually with high poverty levels, receive supplemental funds from the federal government to help meet education goals. The U.S. Department of Education requires paraprofessionals in Title I schools to hold at least an associate's degree or higher, or complete at least two years of education at an institution of higher learning. If a paraprofessional transfers from a non-Title I campus to one that is, they are required to meet the updated standard, if necessary, within a period of time.