Champion students with special needs

As a substitute paraeducator, you have the flexibility to choose the days you work and the schools at which you work. As a full-time paraeducator, you have a consistent work schedule throughout the school year, working at the same school each day and often with the same students.

Depending on the assignment – but always under the direct supervision of district/school employees -- paraeducators may work directly in a special education classroom, a general education classroom, or one-on-one with a student or small group of students with special needs, behavioral need and/or physical needs.

Minimum requirements vary by state and district, and a Kelly Education recruiter will walk you through your specific requirements. But typical requirements are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older. Depending on the district or position, 20 years or older may be required.
• Many states and districts allow for degreed and non-degreed candidates to become paraeducators. If you do not have a degree, you may be required to have completed coursework from an accredited institution or a GED and paraeducator certificate.
• Obtain fingerprint and/or licensure clearance in select markets (certain fees apply)
• Letters of recommendation required for certain districts.
• Complete Kelly Education's free online training (1 ½ hours).

No prior teaching experience or education degree is required to become a paraeducator.

Here's what to expect.  You can be ready to work as a paraeducator in less than two weeks.

1. Submit an application or the interest form linked at the bottom of this web page. Let us know you’re interested, and a Kelly Education recruiter will follow up with you on the next steps.
2. Fill out a prescreen form. This will be sent to you to confirm that a few minimum requirements are met.
3. Join a virtual interview or discovery session. Learn more about becoming a paraeducator and see if the job is a good fit.
4. Complete our online paraeducator training. This free, required training will prepare you to feel confident working in a special education environment.
5. Pass a background check. Fingerprinting and background checks are completed to ensure a safe school environment.
6. Complete any state or district hiring requirements. Your Kelly Education onboarding team will inform you of any additional requirements needed.
7. Attend our paid orientation. Learn about the policies and procedures for working with Kelly Education and the school district.
8. Start working! If you choose to work in a substitute paraeducator capacity, you will use our online system to view the available paraeducator assignments and schedule the days and schools that work for you.

We pride ourselves on flexible work opportunities, so we do not require a regular hourly or daily commitment. However, given the critical need for paraeducators and other staff, we encourage our employees to work at least two days a week. (Note: You must work at least one shift every 150 days to remain eligible for substitute assignments).

You will have real-time access to our web-based scheduling system that allows you to view available jobs and teacher absences. You can log in from a computer or smart phone to schedule yourself to work in the schools and classrooms that interest you.