How to become a paraprofessional in Wisconsin.

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To become a paraprofessional in Wisconsin there are several requirements that you’ll need to meet during the hiring process.

Minimum requirements to become a paraprofessional in Wisconsin:

18 years or older
High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
Meet one of the three hiring requirements options
Employment verification to work in the U.S.
Background check
Fingerprinting

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

Specialist Educator Para License in select districts
Pre-hire training
New hire orientation

At Kelly Education, we refer to this position as a paraeducator. Like “paralegal” and “paramedic,” this term highlights the professional nature of the field of work. School districts often call this role: paraprofessional, parapro, or teacher’s aide.

A deeper dive into paraeducator requirements.

Kelly Education works with schools across Wisconsin 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.

To become a paraprofessional in Wisconsin, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Additionally, you must meet one of the three hiring requirements for select districts.

Hold an associate degree (or higher)
Complete at least two years of higher education equaling 48 credits
Demonstrate your abilities by passing an assessment

You can complete an exam instead of educational requirements to show your knowledge of and ability to assist in mathematics, writing, and reading. Several assessments are available in Wisconsin, including WorkKeys ACT, Parapro-Assessment ETS, ParaEducator Master Teacher, and Authentic Portfolio.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires all paraprofessionals working in Title I targeted assistance programs to meet these qualifications upon initial hire.

Employment verification.

Like all jobs, you must verify your legal eligibility to work in the U.S. to start as a paraprofessional in Wisconsin. 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.

Background screening and fingerprinting.

Wisconsin districts generally require background checks and fingerprinting for most school employees. As a paraprofessional in Wisconsin, you may be required to complete a Conduct and Competency questionnaire. This includes a criminal background check as well as a review of any behavior considered unethical under Wisconsin’s state administrative regulations.

The Wisconsin DPI provides a Fingerprint Decision Tree to help determine whether you’ll require fingerprinting. If so, fingerprinting typically costs between $40 and $50 in Wisconsin.

Work experience.

While you technically don’t need prior work experience to become a paraprofessional in Wisconsin, it can strengthen your application. Working in a camp, after-school youth program, or similar role can help you gain practical experience while contributing to your teaching skills. These roles highlight valuable qualities, such as the ability to lead, engage, and support students.

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. This training is typically provided by school districts either before employment or as part of the onboarding process.

In Wisconsin, any paraprofessional who works with students with disabilities must hold a Special Education Program Aide License issued by the Wisconsin DPI or another valid and current DPI license or permit. This license is valid for five years.

Obtaining a First Aid and CPR certification is another smart move. Being able to respond in emergencies is vital to protecting student and classroom safety, no matter your position.

There isn’t a statewide requirement for these certifications in Wisconsin, so districts can set their own standards. Some employers offer First Aid courses at no cost. Otherwise, these certifications typically cost around $50 to $80.

If working with Kelly Education, we require paraeducator candidates to complete a pre-hire training course called ParaSmarts, which introduces essential responsibilities and best practices for the paraeducator role. Once hired, you’ll participate in a New Hire Orientation that covers company policies and highlights guidelines specific to your assigned school district.

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:

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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