The men and women who work in our country’s education system put in massive efforts to help educate the minds of the next generation. They should be celebrated and supported. Those who take on this role often have a deep passion for the work and devote themselves to bettering the lives of the children and young adults who they work with. One role that some take on within this system is that of a paraprofessional. 

Although this role is not given enough praise and attention, it is a critically important one. There are school-aged children who are actively benefiting from the work that paraprofessionals put in every day. Given this fact, we want to look into what this role entails and what standards and requirements are necessary to become a paraprofessional in California. 

What is a Paraprofessional?

Most of us think first and foremost of the teachers who work within the school system, and they certainly deserve our praise. However, there are other staff members who are also involved in helping to make the school function the way that it needs to. Individuals who support and assist teachers and other staff members but who do not hold a teaching license are known as paraprofessionals. 

A few of the things that paraprofessionals often do include: 

• Help Manage Classroom Behaviors and Routines - Students need guidance as far as how they are supposed to behave (particularly younger students). Paraprofessionals can assist teachers in controlling classroom behaviors to create a safe and productive learning environment for all students.

• Take Care of Activities Not Directly Related to Teaching - Paraprofessionals can also help teachers by taking care of other activities that are not directly related to the teaching process. This is to say that they can handle things such as recess periods and clerical work. 

• Support Students with Special Needs or Disabilities - It is possible for paraprofessionals to also assist with helping students who have special needs or disabilities. They can provide some extra services to those students to help them stay on track. This assistance also helps the special education teachers who primarily work with those children. 

These are just some of the many things that paraprofessionals do to support educators and students alike. They play a critical role in the system and help make things work more smoothly than they otherwise would. 

Are You Required to Get a License to Become a Paraprofessional in California? 

It is not a requirement to hold a license to become a paraprofessional in the state of California. However, many choose to take educational courses to learn how to perform at their best in this role. 

Despite the fact that a license is not a requirement, there are other requirements that one must fulfill to become a paraprofessional in California. Among those requirements are the following: 

• Must hold a high school diploma or GED

• Must pass a local assessment proving their ability to assist with the instruction of children. 

• Must participate in professional development courses to serve in this role in certain schools (not a universal requirement). 

• Must have at least 2 years of college (Associate’s Degree) to serve as a paraprofessional in Title I schools

This means that while licensing is not required in California to become a paraprofessional, there is still a significant amount of training, education, and skill development that goes into serving in this role. These individuals must present themselves professionally and must care about the work that they are doing. 

How Can I Become a Paraprofessional in California?

There are a serious of specific steps that one should take if they wish to become a paraprofessional in California. Aside from meeting the basic requirements mentioned above, it is also necessary to do the following: 

• Pass a Background Check - Just like with most types of work, it is necessary for paraprofessionals to pass a background check before working in the field. They will be interacting with children, and it is necessary for the safety of everyone to ensure that all paraprofessionals undergo a background screening. 

• Apply for Paraprofessional Jobs - Plenty of school districts have significant needs that are not fulfilled by their existing staff. Those school districts will put out job postings detailing the roles that they still need some help with. Search for those roles and put in applications at all applicable paraprofessional jobs. 

• Consider Obtaining Additional Training - Consider taking some time to get additional training via in-house training programs and even on-the-job training. This will give you a better sense about what this work will be like and if you would like to pursue it. It also makes you a more appealing candidate for future paraprofessional jobs as you will have additional experience that other applicants might not. 

• Network with Others in the Industry - Speaking with others in the industry is yet another great way to build connections and position yourself in the best possible light as you seek to pursue your career in the paraprofessional industry. Besides that, it is a great way to learn more from others who are already doing this type of work. 

If you follow this method, you should be able to land a paraprofessional job in California. No licensing is required, but you will want to ensure that you polish up your resume as best as you can via training and more. Take some time to do that and to put in your applications until you land a job that truly suits your needs and personality. You will benefit, but so will the staff and students at that school.