Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals may work in a variety of positions in a school district, including, but not limited to, instructional assistants, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors, media center assistants and family liaisons.

Paraprofessional Recognition Week is January 22-26, 2018. More information, including Governor Dayton’s proclamation and ideas on how to recognize paraprofessionals, is available below.

A paraprofessional who works in a Title I program must meet federal Title I Paraprofessional Requirements. Even if the position is not paid with Title I funds, these requirements apply to:

• any paraprofessional in a Targeted Assistance Title I school who provides direct services to students and families identified for Title I services.
• all paraprofessionals in a Schoolwide Title I school, including paraprofessionals supporting students receiving special education services.

For paraprofessionals not working in a Schoolwide Title I school or not involved in intervention services in a Targeted Assistance Title I school, the school district may establish its own qualification requirements.

After hiring any paraprofessional, the school district must provide the initial training required in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.363, subdivision 3. For a paraprofessional who provides direct support to students with disabilities, the district must provide additional training specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.08, subpart (c).