How to become a paraprofessional in Florida

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To become a paraprofessional in Florida, the state has several minimum requirements that you’ll need to meet—including age, education, and a background check.

Here are the minimum requirements to become a paraprofessional in Florida:

18 years or older
High school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED)
Employment verification to work in the U.S.
Background check
Fingerprinting

Kelly Education also requires the following, along with Florida state requirements:

Pre-hire training
New hire orientation

In this role, you’ll provide essential support to students with special needs who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

At Kelly Education, we use the job title “paraeducator” to highlight the professionalism of this role—just as paralegals or paramedics. School districts may also use titles including, paraprofessional, teaching assistant, teaching aide, or parapro.

A deeper dive into paraeducator requirements.

Kelly Education works with school districts across Florida 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 and certification requirements.

Florida requires that paraprofessionals have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many Florida paraprofessionals who offer instructional support are also subject to Title I Part A requirements.

This includes completing at least two years of study at a higher education institution, obtaining an associate degree (or higher), or passing a state or local academic exam. This assessment offers an alternative to college classes, showcasing your skills and readiness to support instruction in math, reading, and writing. It’s available online and costs $65.

If you don’t plan to offer instructional support, these additional requirements won’t apply. Paraprofessionals in Florida who work only as translators or conduct parental involvement activities can do so with just a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Employment verification.

Florida schools also require paraprofessionals to verify their legal eligibility to work in the U.S. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. The form confirms both your identity and authorization to work. You must complete it before beginning employment, as it’s a standard requirement for all school district staff.

This form can be completed in just a few minutes. If you’re hired through Kelly Education, we’ll help you navigate this step with ease.

Background screening and fingerprinting.

To become a paraprofessional in Florida, you must complete a background screening and fingerprinting. Many traditional and charter public schools conduct fingerprinting through the school district’s personnel office for employment.

Once your district submits your results to Educator Certification, you can start work as a paraprofessional. Depending on the district, you may also have to pass a drug screening.

Work Experience.

Although prior experience isn’t necessary to become a paraprofessional in Florida, it can give you a competitive edge during the hiring process. Experience as a camp counselor, youth program worker, daycare assistant, or similar role can greatly contribute to key teaching skills. You’ll demonstrate your preparedness to work with students and promote a positive learning environment.

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. Generally, school districts offer this training either before hiring or during the orientation process.

If you’re working as a paraprofessional who provides instructional support in Florida, you’ll have to meet the additional requirements mentioned above. Supplementary training may also be necessary based on your district’s requirements.

Earning a First Aid and CPR certification is a valuable step. Regardless of your position, being able to respond in emergencies is essential to ensure student safety. While the Florida Department of Education doesn’t have a statewide requirement for paraprofessionals to hold these certifications, districts can set their own standards.

Many expect candidates to have these certifications before starting. Some employers or online platforms offer free training. If not, basic CPR and First Aid training costs about $45 to $85 in Florida.

Kelly Education requires candidates to complete a pre-hire training course called ParaSmarts which covers key responsibilities and best practices for the role. Once hired, you’ll also participate in a one-hour New Hire Orientation that reviews company policies and outlines your school district’s specific guidelines.

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. They 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.

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