Article: This is the minimum schooling required for general paraprofessionals. If you know the area where you will be working, call the local school district and ask if they provide training for people who are interested in employ as a paraprofessional. Apply for the program, if they do. Seek an associate's degree in instructional assistant training, special education assistant training, early intervention provider or another discipline. If you need to work while you go to school, you can apply for work as a paraprofessional, while seeking a qualification as a special education teacher or program administrator. You may apply for paraprofessional work after you enroll in school. Some states may require that you take an exam to qualify or wait for 2 years of post-secondary education. If you have extensive experience working with children with disabilities or educational environments, you can study independently and try to pass an assessment with a local school. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that you complete 2 years of higher education (60 credits), earn an associate's degree or pass a local assessment. The school district you work in may have further restrictions on which option you can take. Call the district before you choose which path you want to take.

What is a summary?
Earn a high school diploma or General Educational Development certificate. Enroll in a certificate program. Enroll in a community college. Opt to become a paraprofessional while completing a 4-year degree. Skip additional schooling and take a state-approved local assessment.