How to become a paraprofessional in Texas.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

To become a paraprofessional in Texas you’ll need to meet some minimum requirements. This includes education requirements, certifications, background screening, and training.

Minimum requirements to become a paraprofessional in Texas, at a glance*:

18 years or older
High school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED)
Employment verification to work in the U.S.
Background check
Fingerprinting
Obtain an Educational Aide state certification within 1 year of employment to provide instructional support

Along with Texas state requirements, Kelly Education requires:

Pre-hire training
New hire orientation

At Kelly Education, we call this role “paraeducator” because it emphasizes the expertise and professionalism required to support student learning. This is similar to how paramedics support the medical field.

Some school districts refer to the role as a paraprofessional or parapro, In line with state licensing requirements, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) refers to paraprofessionals who provide instructional support as Educational Aides.

A deeper dive into paraeducator requirements.

Kelly Education works with many schools in Texas to place paraeducators, so we know what it takes to get started. While the state doesn’t have a long list of requirements, the process can still take a little time, usually a few days to a few weeks.

How quickly things move depends on how soon you complete each step. Background checks and fingerprinting, in particular, can slow things down, so it’s helpful to get those going early.

Education requirements.

To become a paraprofessional in Texas, you must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. It’s also necessary to meet one of these criteria:

Possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.

Complete at least two years of study at a college or university

Complete a local academic assessment. The assessment can serve as an alternative to college coursework, demonstrating your knowledge and ability to assist in teaching math, reading, and writing.

Certifications.

As part of the process of becoming a paraprofessional who provides instructional support in Texas, you must obtain an Educational Aide certification within one year of employment. There are three levels of Educational Aide certifications, with requirements varying by education and years of experience.

After your first year of employment, you’ll qualify for the Level I Educational Aide certification. Here’s a closer look at the criteria for this role:

Superintendent-approved experience working with students or parents.

A final grade of 70 or higher in at least two designated education and training courses totaling three or more credits

Written verification by your district’s superintendent of where you earned the credits.

Education and training courses can include two or more of the following topics:

Human Growth and Development
Child Development
Child Guidance
Practicum in Early Learning
Communication and Technology in Education
Instructional Practices
Practicum in Education and Training

Paraprofessionals who solely work with parents, conduct family engagement activities, or provide translation services won’t need to obtain an Educational Aide certification.

Background screening and fingerprinting.

Texas requires a national criminal history check to qualify for working as a paraprofessional. Some schools may also conduct a name-based background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

You’ll also submit digital fingerprints through a Texas DPS-approved vendor. Fees can vary, but are typically between $50 and $60, depending on the vendor you choose. Before hiring, TEA requires schools to check the Do Not Hire Registry. This registry highlights those barred from employment in Texas Public Schools.

Many districts may require employment history verification, additional background checks, or drug testing. It’s best to check with your district for specific requirements for how to become a paraprofessional in Texas.

Training.

Per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, paraprofessionals must receive appropriate training if they work with students who have special needs. School districts generally provide training for paraprofessionals during the pre-hire or orientation period.

In Texas, the first step is obtaining an Educational Aide I certification. Additional training may be required depending on your district’s standards.

Pursuing a First Aid and CPR certification is also beneficial. The ability to respond in emergencies is vital for student safety. While districts set their own standards, many require these certifications before employment. Employers and some online organizations may provide free First Aid courses. Otherwise, these certifications can range from around $50 to $80 in Texas.

Kelly Education requires our paraeducator candidates to complete a pre-hire course called ParaSmarts. This course outlines role-specific duties and best practices. Once hired as a paraeducator at Kelly Education, you’ll also complete a one-hour, online New Hire Orientation. This summarizes our policies and your school district’s specific regulations.

Experience.

While Texas doesn’t require prior experience to work as a paraprofessional, it can help you stand out in the hiring process. Experience working with youth groups, day camps, church-related schools, and other similar settings can contribute to your overall readiness to work with students. You can highlight valuable skills, such as creating a positive learning environment and effectively managing groups, demonstrating that you’re well-equipped to work with children.

Employment verification.

Paraprofessionals in Texas must also provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S.

Before starting your work as a paraprofessional, you must prove eligibility to work in the United States. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. This form can be completed in just a few minutes.

Again, if working with Kelly Education, our team will help you with this. If working for a district, you’ll typically work on this with the human resources team.

Become a substitute paraeducator with Kelly Education.

If you or someone you know is interested in paraprofessional or substitute teaching jobs, please fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will reach out to you to answer your questions.

We also have an entire library of helpful articles for paraprofessionals and school educators. Some of the resources we have available include:

*Information subject to change. This is a general guideline as of July 2025. School districts may have additional requirements in addition to state requirements.

I’m interested