Education · 1 of 5

The path

This is a job you can hold within months of leaving high school, which is unusual in a school building.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grades 9 to 12

   The base requirement in essentially every district. Volunteer or work with children while you are still in school.

2. 2

   Meet the coursework rule

   0 to 2 years

   For a federally funded program you generally need an associate degree, two years of college, or a passing score on an approved assessment.

3. 3

   Pass the assessment if you take that route

   A few weeks of study

   The ParaPro Assessment from ETS (Educational Testing Service) tests reading, writing and mathematics, and many states accept it.

4. 4

   Apply and clear a background check

   Weeks

   Fingerprinting and a criminal record check are required before you can be alone with students.

5. 5

   Train on the job

   Ongoing

   Districts run their own training on behavior support, safety and the specific needs of the students you work with.