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How do I become a special education assistant?

  • I have one year of college (general ed courses geared toward education degree) and I've been involved in working with the special needs children when I was in middle school. I ...show more

  • Answer:

    I'm an Instructional Assistant for our County Education Department, not a school district. In CA you do have to have either a 2 year degree, or pass a test. I'm sure you could easily pass the test at this point. Your life experience will go a long way on the application. A great idea is to go to your county education department and see if you can get on their "Sub Service List" IA's in my area get 10 paid sick days per year, plus 50 days at 1/2 pay. Those less committed to their students, tend to take many sick days, and subs are needed to fill in. In fact, in our area they're in high demand. There are also long-term sub positions usually available. The benefit is that you get to try on many different environments. You get to connect with teachers and other assistants. If you're a good fit somewhere, they'll find a way to help you get in. When I applied, my hope was to work in the preschool for children with autism. My 9 yr old daughter has autism, and I knew I'd be good in that environment. I ended up working (3 years now) in a Jr High class for Severe Emotional Disturbance, and I love it. Without subbing, I never would have found this opportunity. Good luck. It really is a very rewarding profession. For examples on requirements in our area, check out these links On Call Substitute: http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/about_sbceo/hr/ia3_oncall_sub.pdf Instructional Assistant III http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/about_sbceo/hr/ia3_sbc.pdf

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It depends on where you are based. You may be able to get something based on your current experience. Did you actually work with any special needs students during middle school or just do general after school duties like cleaning up, preparing resources for the next day etc. As you do understand a bit more than the average 2nd year college student they may be willing to take you on. A lot will depend on the requirements set by the state and what the individual school wants. You could start as a volunteer as you would not neccesarily need any specific education to do this and then go on to become an assistant. From what I've read elsewhere on this site when people have asked simalar questions I think you need a certificate, diploma or 2 year degree. I could be wrong the best way to find out is to ask your state education department. You could also try asking a local school.

suzie_lea_2007

because of the no child left behind law--now teacher aids need to have 48-60 college credits-- exceptions are made-you may be hired as a personal assistant instead of a classroom assistant for a child with involved physical needs there is also a standardized test aids are taking to get grandfatehred in...contact the districts/schools you are interested in and apply...

JMITW

all you need's an associate degree Opportunities should be optimal for people w/ @ least 2 years formal postsecondary education, helping special education students, &/or bi , tri, quad lingual. 1.3 million jobs in 2006 3 out of 4 worked elementary and secondary 137,000'll be hired form '06-'16 job aspects are full of prospects paraprofessionals are totally need'd for Spectrum in Oakland, ca ( for special ed kids, like Victor, my little brother) & teachers could not do without You'll an aspirin' inspiration!

posse

I've been working as a Special Education assistant for the past 7 years and love it. Yes it its hard, and very rewarding. I don't have any formal qualifications but I do have extensive experience with children and special needs. I've done lots of training and am completing a counselling degree. You can undertake a teachers aid qualification with TAFE and various distance study providers if you feel it would help. The best qualifications you can get are the ones you get 'on the ground' so to speak. Good luck

Julie T

A college degree is normally required, and since that's the case, I strongly recommend you consider being a special ed teacher. We need people like you! You probably have quite a few stories to share... I recommend you checkout alternativeeducationbible.com

Mike S

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