Where can I get training to be a special education paraprofessional?
Question by Loula: Where can I get training to be a special education paraprofessional?
I’m interested in becoming a paraprofessional (like a instructor’s aid) in a special education classroom. Where can I get special training (not a college degree) to show I know how to work with children with disabilities?
If it’s of any consequence - I’m looking to teach in Minnesota
Best answer:
Answer by Math Mom
Don’t know in this area Minnesota…in missouri no special training is required. Some things that they look for are experience leading groups of children (scouts, sunday teach, whatever), experience being a mom or perhaps taking some parenting/discipline/child development courses offered around town. As for experience with kids with disabilities try volunteering for special olympics or taking just a few college classes online or at a local teach in this area special education. Or try a local center for people with disabilities and see if they know anyone who needs a babysitter…sometimes parents have a hard time finding babysitters for kids with special needs and would teach you in this area caring for their child in exchange for babysitting. But like I said, the teach I used to work at would train you for your fastidious job. It’s hard to say “I know how to work with kids with disabilities” because the students vary so much in what they can do…sometimes your job will be helping with math and other times it will be changing diapers or helping to control a child who is striking and biting. All those things are things our paraprofessionals do. But you’re right in looking for experience….anything should help your chances of getting a job.
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I am not sure in this area Mn. I work in Indiana and we needed to have an Associates degree or 60 credit hours of college or pass a para test that you can do online. I have the college so I didn’t have to take the testing. You may possibly probably get hired by a teach dist then study and get certified within the first year. Otherwise the teach dist. may possibly probably top you in the right direction if you need to have the certification first.
here in Texas you need 60 college hours.
When I became a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom, I had no experience with this population. I am fortunate to be a patient person by nature and did okay. The teach I worked for provided some training, but for the most part I made sure I did what the instructor questioned of me and took the initiative in other areas (ex. assiting with toileting, teaching lessons, behavior management…etc).
It may be best to do some hands-on observation in uncommon classrooms as they are not all the same. Most parapro’s get to choose the rooms they want to work in so I suggest observing as soon as possible in order to pick what placement you want for next teach year.
I’ve attached the MN Dept. of Education link below for Paraprofessional Assets to clarify further what you will need to do to get state certified. Looks like they are on top of their game as there are special education training/ workshops, consortium’s and conference’s throughout the year.
Excellent luck to you!
generly you need 2 years (min 48 credits froma college0.
there are ways around this such as being a private aid-not a teachers aid for a student.
friend local organizations such as the ARC-they hire people to be aids in programs and give you training such as overview of developmental disabilities-
you can start there adn then go on to a teach-
many schools teach you on the job-or unfortunately-provide no trianing at all