Do you need a degree to work as a paraprofessional?
I am looking for a non degree required job in Massachusetts and am curious about becoming a paraprofessional
I am looking for a non degree required job in Massachusetts and am curious about becoming a paraprofessional
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In most cases, no. But it could vary from state to state or even district to district. I know in Missouri you do not have to have any degree, however you have to have 60 hours of college credit to be alone with a child in a public school (with exception to before and after school care, tutoring, coaching (though they usually have at least 60 hours)). Children are sometimes taken out of the room and worked with one on one out of the room so there is less distraction, a para who does not have 60 hours cannot do this. Because of this districts like to hire applicants with 60 hours.
It depends on the state that you live in. Because of the NCLB- No Child Left Behind Act, paraprofessionals are required to have at least 48 credits hrs. There is a test you can take to qualify yourself. I would check with the Mass. State Board Of Education to find out the requirements are they many vary from state to state. I work with Paraprofessionals, and they had to take classes to meet their requirements for our state.
Go to the Massachusetts state board of education web site and look. In Illinois you need a four year degree in anything or at least 60 hours, or take the test.
You have to be "No Child Left Behind Certified" which means an AA degree or a minimum number of college units or a high school diploma/ GED and pass a test.
Not in Georgia. It helps though!