What is a paraprofessional?

Does your special needs child have a paraprofessional? First, what is a paraprofessional? A paraprofessional is often referred to as an aide; a special-education worker who is not licensed to teach, but performs many duties both individually with students and in the classroom. Your child may be assigned a one-on-one paraprofessional as part of his or her IEP or has a paraprofessional in his classroom.

Unfortunately, many of our special needs children are being taught by paraprofessionals and most parents do not know that they are not certified to teach. Paraprofessionals usually only have a high school diploma and are not trained to teach special education children nor are they qualified to do so.

The No Child Left Behind Act expanded the qualifications required to become a paraprofessional as well as what their duties are.

Department of Education Paraprofessional Guidance Document- definition, qualifications, and requirements for paraprofessionals

wrightslaw.com- What IDEA 2004 says about Paraprofessionals


Does your child have a paraprofessional? What does the paraprofessional do for your child? Is your school complying with The No Child Left Behind Act?