Paraprofessional Certification Information
Paraprofessionals play essential roles in improving student achievement in schools. They are responsible for reinforcing a teacher's efforts in the classroom and providing critical support to students with disabilities. The role and assignments are not defined by setting or program but rather by students' needs as determined by the IEP.
In order to become a paraprofessional you must meet one of the following:
Tier 1 (Federal Programs-Title 1 Paraprofessionals)
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours of college coursework), OR
• An associates degree (or higher), OR
• Passed the WorkKeys Test (Bronze +) OR ParaPro Assessment (455 +)
Tier 2 (Special Education)
In addition to Tier 1, a special education paraprofessional must complete the following requirements:
• OSDE Special Education Paraprofessional training through Pepper, career technology centers, or other state-approved training providers (more info below)
• Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid training, maintaining current certification
• Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens yearly training, AND
• Six hours of professional development each year
Paraprofessional training through Pepper:
Courses Included:
• Legal Foundations of Special Education
• Responsibilities and Ethics
• IEP Participation
• Disability Awareness and Instructional Strategies
• Communication and Interaction Strategies
• Behavior Strategies, Progress Monitoring and Data Collection
• Classroom and Behavior Management for Paraprofessionals
• Supporting Instruction in the Classroom
Cost: FREE
Presentation: ONLINE
Register here!
Paraprofessional training at Moore Norman Tech Center:
This course meets the Oklahoma State Department of Education requirements and will prepare paraprofessionals to provide quality services to children and youth with disabilities.
Cost: $132.00
Presentation: In Person
Date & Time: 11/13/23-11/16/23 9am-3pm (South Penn Location), 4/8/24-4/11/24 9am-3pm (South Penn Location)
Register here!
Please note, if you are hired by Moore Public Schools as a paraprofessional, you will be required to do CPR training, as well as Blood Borne Pathogen training. More information will be provided to you at a later time.