Where can I get training to be a special education paraprofessional?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a paraprofessional (like a teacher'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

Answer 1

I am not sure about 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 could probably get hired by a school dist then study and get certified within the first year.  Otherwise the school dist. could probably point you in the right direction if you need to have the certification first.

Answer 2

generly you need 2 years (min 48 credits froma  college0.

there are ways around this such as being a personal aid-not a teachers aid for a student.

contact 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 move on to a school-

many schools teach you on the job-or unfortunately-provide no trianing at all

Answer 3

here in Texas you need 60 college hours.

Answer 4

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 school I worked for provided some training, but for the most part I made sure I did what the teacher asked 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 different classrooms as they are not all the same.  Most parapro's get to choose the rooms they would like to work in so I suggest observing as soon as possible in order to pick what placement you want for next school year.  

I've attached the MN Dept. of Education link below for Paraprofessional Resources to explain 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.

Good luck to you!

Answer 5

Don't know about Minnesota...in missouri no special training is required.  Some things that they look for are experience leading groups of children (scouts, sunday school, 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 school about 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 about caring for their child in exchange for babysitting. But like I said, the school I used to work at would train you for your particular 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 hitting 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.