Before being allowed to work in a school, many areas require teachers’ aides or teaching assistants to obtain a paraprofessional certificate. The requirements for obtaining a paraprofessional certificate vary depending on the jurisdiction and the applicant’s career goals. Completing educational requirements, gaining actual classroom experience, and passing a background check are frequently required to obtain the certificate. Contact your local government agency or licensing board to learn more about the requirements for obtaining a paraprofessional certificate in your area.
State regulatory agencies in the United States issue both paraprofessional and teaching certificates, which are sometimes the same. The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires states to establish appropriate standards for paraprofessional certification in schools receiving Title I funds. Schools with a high percentage of low-income students are eligible for Title I funds. As a result, many states have implemented paraprofessional certification and licensing programs.
In many states, you must meet educational requirements in order to obtain your paraprofessional certificate. State requirements can differ significantly, and in some cases, multiple educational paths can lead to the same certificate. You could, for example, pursue an associate’s degree, a certificate program in education, or other forms of education. You may also be required to take an exam and demonstrate that you have worked for a certain number of hours in a school under supervision. Many organizations demand that paraprofessionals complete additional training in recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. It’s possible that paraprofessionals will be required to take first aid or CPR classes.
There is a hierarchy of paraprofessional certificates in some places. Higher-ranking certificates are available to paraprofessionals with more experience or education. As a result, they might be able to get better-paying jobs or take on more responsibilities.
When applying for a paraprofessional certificate, you’ll almost certainly be required to fill out an application and consent to a thorough background check. It’s possible that you’ll be fingerprinted. Your application can be processed and your certificate awarded once you’ve passed the background check and demonstrated your credentials in the form of school transcripts or exam results. Keep in mind that to keep your certification, you may be required to take continuing education courses on a regular basis in many places.