Resources to Support Required Annual Paraprofessional Staff Development
Paraprofessionals must receive 20 hours of staff development training each school year, as stated in §§ 14.105 Personnel. These trainings should apply to the paraprofessional's assignment and benefit the students with whom they work in a variety of settings. More information can be found at:
Chapter 14. Special Education Services and Programs.
Additional information can be found in the Common Questions and Answers for Leaders of Special Education ⏵, we encourage this to be reviewed when questions arise.
PaTTAN provides varying resources for local education agencies (LEAs) and paraprofessionals to complete 20 hours of training. First and foremost, LEAs should guide their paraprofessionals with assistance for selecting and completing training based on their position and approval for selection and completion of training.
These opportunities include:
These include, but are not limited to:
- Job Coaching Essentials: Supporting Students for Career Success
- Introduction to Universal Design for Learning: The Why, the What, and the How
- OHOA: Open Hands Open Access: Deaf-Blind Intervention Modules
- The Essentials of IEP Writing
- The Nuts and Bolts of Job Coaching
National level organizations provide modules and training for paraprofessionals and educators to increase their learning for the students they support. Some of these national organizations include, but is not limited to:
Please note, trainings varies in length and the ability to provide a certificate of completion. Prior to starting any new learning, paraprofessionals should seek the guidance and approval of their administration for specific learning and training.