How to become a paraeducator in California.

To become a paraprofessional in California you’ll need to understand and meet the state requirements. This will include a minimum education level and a background check.

Keep in mind that individual districts may establish their own requirements beyond what the state mandates. Typically, the specific requirements for a paraeducator are listed in the job description.

Minimum requirements to be a paraeducator in California.*:

• 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Pass a knowledge and skills assessment
• Background check
• Fingerprinting

What will I do as a paraeducator in California?

In this role, you’ll provide essential support to students with special needs. At Kelly Education, we refer to this essential education role as a paraeducator. Like “paralegal” and “paramedic,” this term highlights the professional nature of the field of work. School districts often call this role a paraprofessional, parapro, or teacher’s aide.

While the requirements are straightforward, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The timeline often depends on how long it takes you to complete certain steps of the hiring process, like fingerprinting and completing district-specific paperwork. Starting these requirements as soon as possible can help prevent delays and get you into the classroom quickly.

Education and qualification pathways.

To work as a paraeducator in California, the California Department of Education says you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. It has four levels of paraprofessionals. The requirements increase with responsibilities. Positions connected to Title I funding require candidates to meet at least one additional qualification standard.

Typically, candidates qualify for Title I Paraprofessional by completing one of the following:

• Associate degree or higher
• Two years of college coursework
• Pass a knowledge and skills assessment

The assessments are designed to evaluate skills related to reading, writing, and math support in classroom settings. Hiring standards can vary by district, and some schools may have additional preferences or requirements depending on the grade level or student population being served.

Education verification.

You’ll need to provide proof of your education. This is typically a transcript from the school that represents your highest education level.

Some school districts will accept a high school diploma instead of a transcript. If a college transcript is required, there is often a fee for each request, generally around $10 to $15.

Do I need experience to be a paraeducator?

While you don't necessarily need experience in the field, working with children can strengthen your application.

Many successful paraeducators come from backgrounds that involve mentoring, tutoring, childcare, coaching, camps, or youth programs. These experiences can help you build important skills like communication, patience, adaptability, and student engagement. Even volunteer experience with children can be valuable when applying for school support positions.

Background checks and fingerprinting.

California schools prioritize student safety, and those who are interested in working in schools are required to pass a criminal background screening before beginning work.

Most districts use Live Scan fingerprinting, an electronic fingerprinting system common throughout California. Fingerprints are typically reviewed through both state and federal databases.

Processing times can vary depending on the district and time of year, so completing fingerprinting early is one of the best ways to avoid delays during hiring.

Employment verification.

Like all school employees, paraprofessionals in California must verify their 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.

Do I need paraeducator training?

Per the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), paraprofessionals working with students with disabilities to receive appropriate training and supervision.

Depending on the district, training may cover topics such as:

• Classroom support strategies
• Student behavior management
• Special education procedures
• Safety practices and emergency response
• Confidentiality and school policies

Some districts may also encourage or require CPR and first aid certification.

At Kelly Education, paraeducator candidates complete pre-hire training focused on classroom expectations, professional responsibilities, and effective student support practices. After being hired, employees also participate in new hire orientation tailored to both Kelly Education policies and district-specific procedures.

Get online paraeducator training from Kelly Education.

Kelly Education takes pride in providing well-trained paraeducators to hundreds of schools across the country. Using our ground-breaking LEARN standards, our instructional designers and special education experts collaborated to develop foundational training that is essential for success.

The Paraeducator Path covers such important topics as:

Paraeducator 101 - Role and basic responsibilities across social, behavioral, physical, academic, safety, and ADL support. Understanding IEP implementation and legal foundations.

Foundations of Instruction - Techniques for differentiated instruction, explicit teaching, multi-sensory learning, modeling, and using adapted tools to support diverse learners.

Supporting Behavior - Student and personal safety, BIP implementation, and supporting students' emotional intelligence and self-regulatory skills.

Be the most prepared you can be on day one with your students. This training will set your expectations—and elevate your performance. It’s also recommended for paraeducators who didn’t receive training as part of their school district onboarding experience.

Learn more about our interactive, self-paced training.