How to become a paraprofessional in New York.

To become a paraprofessional in New York, 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.

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.

Minimum requirements to become a paraprofessional in New York*:

• High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Create a NYSED TEACH account
• Pass the ATAS exam
• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Complete required state workshops

What will I do as a paraprofessional?

In New York public schools, many paraprofessional positions fall under the Teaching Assistant certification pathway managed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

The NYSED describes teaching assistants as school professionals who work under the supervision of certified teachers to support student instruction and classroom learning.

A paraprofessional’s role is to support both teachers and students throughout the school day. Responsibilities vary greatly depending on the school and school district, grade level, and classroom needs. For example, some paraprofessionals assist with classroom management, administrative tasks, and classroom supervision. Others may be trained to specialize in providing 1:1 support for students with special needs or intervention services.

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.

ATAS exam requirements.

One of the biggest steps to become a paraprofessional in New York is passing the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills exam, commonly called the ATAS.

The ATAS exam evaluates the foundational skills needed to support classroom instruction and student learning. Topics covered include reading, writing, math, instructional support, and professional responsibilities.

Education requirements and verification.

As we mentioned above, to become a paraprofessional in New York public schools, candidates must hold either high school diploma, or a GED/high school equivalency diploma

Unlike licensed teaching positions, New York does not require paraprofessionals to earn a bachelor’s degree before applying for entry-level certification.

To begin the certification process, candidates generally apply for a Level I Teaching Assistant certificate through NYSED.

You’ll first need to create an account through the TEACH online services system. This account is where you’ll:

• Submit certification applications
• Monitor application progress
• Review certification requirements
• Manage future renewals and updates

It’s not the most exciting part of the process, but setting up the account early usually makes the rest of the steps easier.

Note that you’ll need to provide proof of your education. This is typically a transcript from the school that represents your highest education level. If a college transcript is required, there is often a fee for each request, generally around $10 to $15.

Fingerprinting and background checks.

Most New York school districts require fingerprinting and background clearance before paraprofessionals can begin working with students.

Because schools work closely with children every day, background screening is considered a standard part of the hiring process.

We recommend booking your fingerprinting and background testing as early as possible to avoid delaying your start date.

Employment verification

To work as a paraprofessional in New York, you must demonstrate that you are legally able to work in the U. S.

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 special paraprofessional training?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), paraprofessionals working with special education students must receive appropriate training for their responsibilities.

Before certification can be issued, New York requires several workshops related to school safety and student well-being.

These workshops typically include:

• Child Abuse Identification
• School Violence Prevention and Intervention
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training

Most candidates complete these workshops online.

At first, the training can feel like another item to check off the list. But each session is designed to help school employees recognize concerns, understand reporting responsibilities, and contribute to safer classroom environments for students.

For those who have never worked in schools before, the workshops also provide a better understanding of how school systems handle student safety and support.

Some districts may also encourage CPR or first aid certification. While those certifications are not always required statewide, they can strengthen your qualifications and help prepare you for emergency situations within school settings.

Get online paraeducator training from Kelly Education.

If you don’t work for us, consider investing in our foundational paraeducator training. 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.