How do I become a special education assistant?

Question

I have one year of college (general ed courses geared toward education degree) and I've been involved in working with the special needs children when I was in middle school. I was a volunteer in the special needs room after school. My mother was aid and I got to see first hand what her responsibilities are and that it's not easy but very rewarding. She didn't have any college to obtain her job. In today's society I realize it will probably be required. What kind of degree do I need for this career? Not to be a teacher but an assistant or paraprofessional? I know I would enjoy this career and be very good at it. Thanks.

Answer 1

I've  been working as a Special Education assistant for the past 7 years and love it. Yes it its hard, and very rewarding.

I don't have any formal qualifications but I do have extensive experience with children and special needs.

I've done lots of training and am completing a counselling degree.

You can undertake a teachers aid qualification with TAFE and various distance study providers if you feel it would help.

The best qualifications you can get are the ones you get 'on the ground' so to speak.

Good luck

Answer 2

The law in California is more strict than federal law.  California requires either a two-year college degree OR pass a fairly simple test.  This is to be a paraprofessional.  Instructional aides are routinely hired with nothing more than a high school diploma in my area.  This is all for your standard, run-of-the mill aide or paraprofessional.  If you want to be an aide specializing in autism, you need to just show some coursework in the field of autism, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and/or Verbal Behavior (search internet under B.F. Skinner)

Answer 3

because of the no child left behind law--now teacher aids need to have 48-60 college credits--

exceptions are made-you may be hired as a personal assistant instead of a classroom assistant for a child with involved physical needs

there is also a standardized test aids are taking to get grandfatehred in...contact the districts/schools you are interested in and apply...

Answer 4

all you need's an associate degree

Opportunities should be optimal for people w/ @ least 2 years formal postsecondary education, helping special education students, &/or  bi , tri, quad lingual.

1.3 million jobs in 2006

3 out of 4 worked elementary and secondary

137,000'll be hired form '06-'16

job aspects are full of prospects

paraprofessionals are totally need'd for Spectrum in Oakland, ca ( for special ed kids, like Victor, my little brother) & teachers could not do without

You'll an aspirin' inspiration!

Answer 5

I'm an Instructional Assistant for our County Education Department, not a school district.  In CA you do have to have either a 2 year degree, or pass a test. I'm sure you could easily pass the test at this point.  Your life experience will go a long way on the application.   A great idea is to go to your county education department and see if you can get on their "Sub Service List"  IA's in my area get 10 paid sick days per year, plus 50 days at 1/2 pay.  Those less committed to their students, tend to take many sick days, and subs are needed to fill in.  In fact, in our area they're in high demand.   There are also long-term sub positions usually available.  The benefit is that you get to try on many different environments.  You get to connect with teachers and other assistants. If you're a good fit somewhere, they'll find a way to help you get in.  When I applied, my hope was to work in the preschool for children with autism. My 9 yr old daughter has autism, and I knew I'd be good in that environment.  I ended up working (3 years now) in a Jr High class for Severe Emotional Disturbance, and I love it.  Without subbing, I never would have found this opportunity.   Good luck.  It really is a very rewarding profession.  

For examples on requirements in our area, check out these links

On Call Substitute:

http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/about_sbceo/h...

Instructional Assistant III

http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/about_sbceo/h...

Answer 6

It depends on where you are based. You may be able to get something based on your current experience. Did you actually work with any special needs students during middle school or just do general after school duties like cleaning up, preparing resources for the next day etc.

As you do understand a bit more than the average 2nd year college student they may be willing to take you on. A lot will depend on the requirements set by the state and what the individual school wants.

You could start as a volunteer as you would not neccesarily need any specific education to do this and then go on to become an assistant.

From what I've read elsewhere on this site when people have asked simalar questions I think you need a certificate, diploma or 2 year degree. I could be wrong the best way to find out is to ask your state education department. You could also try asking a local school.

Answer 7

A college degree is normally required, and since that's the case, I strongly recommend you consider being a special ed teacher.  We need people like you!

You probably have quite a few stories to share... I recommend you checkout alternativeeducationbible.com