How to become a paraprofessional in PA.

To become a paraprofessional in PA, you’ll need meet Pennsylvania’s state minimum requirements. This includes, at least a high school diploma, clearing a background check, passing a paraprofessional assessment, and employment verification.  

Paraprofessionals in schools work to support students with one-on-one support with both instructional and non-instructional activities. 

Minimum PA state paraprofessional requirements, at a glance: 

• High school diploma (education requirements can vary by district) 
• Background check and fingerprinting 
• Health clearance 
• Pennsylvania public school employment clearances 
• Employment verification 

In addition to Pennsylvania state requirements, Kelly Education requires: 

• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

At Kelly Education, we refer to this role as a paraeducator. We believe this title reflects the professionalism of the education field, much like the job titles paramedic and paralegal. Some school districts refer to this role by other names, like paraprofessional or teacher’s aide. 

A deeper dive into paraeducator requirements.  

Kelly Education works with schools across Pennsylvania 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 get started making a difference in Pennsylvania classrooms as a paraprofessional, you’ll need to earn your high school diploma. If working with students with special needs or working in a Title I school, you’ll need to meet one of the following criteria: 

• Complete an associate degree. 

• Earn at least 48 credits in higher education 

• Pass a reading, writing, and mathematics test (like the PRAXIS) to earn your Pennsylvania paraprofessional certification.  

Your district may require additional coursework or steps before you qualify to work as a paraeducator. 

Education verification. 

Your school district will require that you contact your high school to send a copy of your transcripts. If you have a higher education degree or credits, you’ll also request those transcripts through your institution. This may take a few days or weeks. There may be a small fee. 

Experience. 

While there are no specific experience requirements, you may be more likely to gain a position as a paraprofessional if you have experience working with children, have excellent communication skills, and function well as a member of a team. 

Background screening and fingerprinting. 

Before working as a paraprofessional in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to pass screenings that include: fingerprinting, a PA criminal clearance, a PA child abuse clearance, and an FBI clearance. 

Health screenings. 

Before beginning work in a school, candidates are often required to show documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test. In some cases, a physical examination may also be required as part of the hiring process. 

Training for paraprofessional jobs in PA. 

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.  

Training requirements for paraprofessionals in Pennsylvania can differ depending on the school district. Most districts offer training during the onboarding or orientation process. 

It’s a great idea to earn CPR and first aid certification, especially since many districts require them. Some schools cover the cost, but if not, expect to pay around $50. These certifications not only meet requirements but also prepare you for emergencies on the job. 

Kelly Education requires our candidates to complete our ParaSmarts course, which covers best practices and role-specific responsibilities. When hired, you’ll also attend an online one-hour new hire session to learn about Kelly Education policies and your school district’s regulations. 

Employment verification. 

To start any paraprofessional jobs in Pennsylvania, you must verify your legal eligibility 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.  

If you work 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 paraprofessional with Kelly Education. 

Now that you understand how to become a paraprofessional in PA, we’d love to talk with you about how we can help you make a difference in classrooms in your area. Fill out our brief interest form, and we’ll reach out to you to talk about how to get started. 

We also have an entire library of helpful articles for paraprofessionals and school educators. They include: 

• What is a paraprofessional in schools 

• Understanding IEP and 504 plans 

• Paraeducator job description, duties, and responsibilities 

*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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