Paraprofessional job description templates for schools, plus the childcare assistant and private school roles small private programs actually hire. Download DOCX.
6 templates spanning the public-school paraprofessional roles and the childcare and private-school roles small private programs actually hire, with the Title I, certification, and FLSA guidance the generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
A paraprofessional supports a certified teacher and helps students learn, working under the teacher's supervision. In the United States the title is an education term, written into federal law through Title I and IDEA, and most paraprofessionals work in public schools. It is an hourly, non-exempt role, and the people who hire it at scale are public school districts that run their own HR.
So this page does two jobs. It gives you clean paraprofessional templates for school settings, across general, special education, and aide roles, and it points the private programs that look like a small business, private daycares and small private schools, to the childcare and instructional-assistant roles they actually hire. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description is a useful companion.
TL;DR
A paraprofessional is a K-12 school support role (also called paraeducator, teacher aide, or instructional assistant) that helps a certified teacher. It is hourly and non-exempt, with a federal median wage of $35,240, and about 71 percent work in public schools governed by Title I rules. Private daycares and small private schools hire the same kind of support under different titles, like childcare assistant. This page has 6 templates spanning both. Download as DOCX.
What a Paraprofessional Is and Who Hires One
A paraprofessional is a classroom support worker who assists a certified teacher, also called a paraeducator, teacher aide, or instructional assistant. The federal occupation is teaching assistants, preschool through secondary, with a related special education code. The title is written into federal education law, so it specifically describes a school employee.
The key thing to know before you write the posting is who hires paraprofessionals. About 71 percent work in local public schools, with another 9 percent in private schools and 11 percent in childcare. So the classic paraprofessional posting is a public-school document governed by Title I. A private daycare or small private school hires the same kind of support, but under a different title, which is why this page covers both.
Paraprofessional, Aide, or Childcare Assistant?
Before you pick a template, confirm your setting and the right title. Public schools use paraprofessional and its synonyms under Title I, while private programs hire under different titles and rules. Getting this right up front saves a rewrite later.
What a paraprofessional actually is
A K-12 school role
In the United States, paraprofessional is an education term for a classroom support worker, also called a paraeducator, teacher aide, or instructional assistant, who helps a certified teacher under their supervision. The title is written into federal education law through Title I and IDEA, so it specifically describes a school employee. The federal occupation is teaching assistants, with a median wage of $35,240 a year. It is an hourly, non-exempt role tied to the school calendar.
Who hires paraprofessionals
Mostly public districts
About 71 percent of these workers are employed by local public elementary and secondary schools, with another 9 percent in private schools and 11 percent in childcare. That means the large majority of paraprofessional hiring is done by public school districts, which run their own HR and follow district and state rules. The classic paraprofessional posting is a public-school document, governed by Title I qualification standards.
What private programs hire instead
Different titles
Private daycares, learning centers, and small private schools do hire classroom support, but they rarely use the word paraprofessional, which signals the public-school context. They hire childcare assistants, assistant teachers, classroom aides, and instructional assistants, and they follow state childcare or private-school rules rather than Title I. If you run a private program, the private-setting templates below will fit better than a district paraprofessional posting.
FLSA: paraprofessionals are non-exempt
Hourly, overtime-eligible
Paraprofessionals and aides do hands-on support work that does not meet a white-collar exemption, so they are non-exempt and entitled to overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek. This holds whether the employer is a public district or a private center. Many roles follow a school-year calendar and part-time hours, so track time carefully. This is general information, not legal advice.
Private Programs Use a Different Title
If you run a private daycare or learning center, the role you are filling is almost always a childcare assistant or assistant teacher, not a paraprofessional, and it follows state childcare licensing rather than Title I. Use the private-setting templates here, and see the childcare worker templates for the role most private centers post.
Paraprofessional Duties and Responsibilities
Paraprofessional duties cluster into four areas: instructional support, supervision and classroom, special needs support, and records and reporting. A strong job description picks the specific responsibilities from each area that match your setting and the student population.
Instructional support
Reinforce lessons one-on-one and in small groups
Prepare materials and set up activities
Help students access the curriculum
Supervision and classroom
Monitor students in class and during transitions
Support classroom management and routines
Supervise lunch, recess, and hallways
Special needs support
Support IEP goals under the teacher
Assist with behavior and de-escalation
Help with personal-care and mobility tasks
Records and reporting
Collect data on student progress
Report observations to the teacher
Maintain student confidentiality
For a general aide the focus is instructional support and supervision; for a special education para it extends to IEP support and behavior. For a structured way to scope the role, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by setting and role. Three cover the public-school paraprofessional roles, and three cover the private daycare, private school, and dedicated-support roles. Use this guide to choose the closest fit, then adjust.
General / Instructional Para
Public school baseline
The core classroom support role: reinforce lessons, support small groups and classroom management under a certified teacher. The default to adapt.
Special Education Para
IEP support
For students with disabilities: implement IEP goals, provide one-on-one support, assist with behavior and personal care under a special education teacher.
Teacher Aide / Classroom Aide
Common synonyms
The same support role under a different title, focused on daily classroom tasks, supervision, and small-group help for a classroom teacher.
Childcare Assistant
Private daycare
The private childcare equivalent: assist a lead teacher with young children, activities, meals, and routines, under state childcare licensing.
Private School Assistant
Independent schools
For a private school hiring directly: instructional support tailored to the program, without the federal Title I rules that govern public districts.
Behavior Support / 1:1 Aide
Dedicated support
For a student who needs dedicated help: implement a behavior plan, use de-escalation, and support safe classroom participation one-on-one.
6 Paraprofessional Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: program and job summary, key responsibilities, qualifications, a compliance note, and how to apply, with an EEO statement. Fill in the brackets and post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
General, special education, teacher aide, childcare assistant, private school assistant, and behavior support. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: General / Instructional Paraprofessional
The core public-school support role: reinforce lessons, support small groups and classroom management under a certified teacher. The baseline to adapt.
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time [ ] School year
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
ABOUT [SCHOOL OR PROGRAM NAME]
[One or two sentences about your school or program, the students you serve, and
the classroom the paraprofessional will support. Note grade level and schedule.]
JOB SUMMARY
[School Name] is hiring an Instructional Paraprofessional to support a classroom
teacher and help students learn. Under the supervision of a certified teacher,
you will reinforce lessons with individuals and small groups, support classroom
management, and help with materials and routines. This is a hands-on role focused
on student success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Reinforce teacher-led lessons one-on-one and in small groups
•Support classroom management and daily routines
•Prepare materials and help set up activities
•Monitor students in class, hallways, lunch, and recess
•Track and report student progress to the teacher
•Support students with diverse learning needs
•Maintain student confidentiality and follow school policy
•Help create a safe, positive learning environment
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•For Title I roles: 48 college semester hours, an associate degree or higher,
or a passing score on a formal state paraprofessional assessment
•Patience, reliability, and strong communication
•Ability to follow a teacher's direction and classroom plan
•Background check and any state-required clearances
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCE (read before posting)
In public schools, paraprofessional requirements are set by federal and state
rules. Under Title I, a paraprofessional generally needs a high school diploma
plus one of: at least two years of higher education (about 48 semester hours), an
associate degree or higher, or a passing score on a formal state assessment.
States certify through assessments such as the ParaPro test. Confirm your state
and district requirements before posting. This is general information, not legal
advice.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
Benefits: __ (district benefits, PTO, school calendar)
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, send your resume to __ by _.
[School Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 2: Special Education Paraprofessional
For students with disabilities: implement IEP goals, provide one-on-one support, and assist with behavior and personal care under a special education teacher.
Special Education Paraprofessional Job Description
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Organization: __
Location: __
Reports to: Special Education Teacher / Case Manager
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time [ ] School year
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[School Name] is hiring a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students
with disabilities under the direction of a special education teacher. You will
help implement IEP goals, provide one-on-one or small-group support, assist with
behavior and personal-care needs, and help students access the curriculum. This
role is central to an inclusive, supportive classroom.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Support students with disabilities per their IEP goals
•Provide one-on-one or small-group instructional support
•Assist with behavior support and de-escalation strategies
•Help with personal-care, mobility, and daily living tasks as assigned
•Collect data on student progress for the teacher and team
•Support communication devices and assistive technology
•Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality
•Follow the IEP, the teacher's direction, and school policy
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent; Title I qualification where required
•Experience or training with special-needs students preferred
•Patience, empathy, and a calm, consistent approach
•Comfort with physical assistance and behavior support
•Background check and any state-required clearances
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCE NOTE
Special education paraprofessionals in public schools work within IDEA and Title
I requirements and support legally binding IEPs. State certification and
assessment rules apply, and some roles require specific behavior or personal-care
training. Confirm your district and state requirements, including any restraint
or de-escalation training, before posting. This is general information, not legal
advice.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __ by _.
[School Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Still Using Spreadsheets for Onboarding?
Automate documents, training assignments, task management, and track onboarding progress in real time.
The private childcare equivalent: assist a lead teacher with young children, activities, meals, and routines, under state childcare licensing rather than Title I.
For a student who needs dedicated help: implement a behavior plan, use de-escalation, and support safe classroom participation one-on-one.
Behavior Support Aide / One-on-One Aide Job Description
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT AIDE / ONE-ON-ONE AIDE JOB DESCRIPTION
Organization: __
Location: __
Reports to: Special Education Teacher / Behavior Specialist
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time [ ] School year
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[Organization Name] is hiring a Behavior Support Aide, also called a One-on-One
or 1:1 Aide, to support a specific student who needs dedicated assistance. Under
the direction of a teacher or behavior specialist, you will provide consistent
support, help implement a behavior plan, and help the student participate safely
and successfully in the classroom.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Provide dedicated one-on-one support to an assigned student
•Help implement the student's behavior intervention plan
•Use approved de-escalation and redirection strategies
•Collect behavior and progress data for the team
•Support the student's access to lessons and activities
•Assist with personal-care or mobility needs as assigned
•Maintain the student's dignity, privacy, and safety
•Follow the plan, the teacher, and organizational policy
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•Experience with behavior support or special needs preferred
•Training in de-escalation or crisis prevention a plus
•Patience, consistency, and a calm presence
•Background check and any state-required clearances
COMPLIANCE NOTE
One-on-one and behavior support aides often work with students who have IEPs or
behavior plans, and may need specific de-escalation, restraint, or crisis-
prevention training depending on the setting and state. In private behavioral or
therapy settings, related roles include registered behavior technicians. Confirm
the training and clearance requirements for your setting. This is general
information, not legal advice.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __ by _.
[Organization Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Title I, Certification, and FLSA
This is the part the generic templates skip, and it is the part that separates a public-school paraprofessional from a private-program aide: the federal Title I qualification rules, state certification, and the FLSA classification that applies to both.
Topic
Public school paraprofessional
Private daycare / school
Governing rules
Federal Title I and IDEA
State childcare or private-school rules
Qualification
48 college hours, associate degree, or state assessment
State training hours; set by the program
Certification
State assessment such as ParaPro
CPR, First Aid, state orientation
FLSA status
Non-exempt, hourly
Non-exempt, hourly
Common titles
Paraprofessional, paraeducator, aide
Childcare assistant, assistant teacher
Typical employer
Public school district
Owner-run center or small school
Title I Sets Public-School Qualifications
Under Title I, a public-school paraprofessional generally needs a high school diploma plus one of: about 48 college semester hours, an associate degree or higher, or a passing score on a formal state assessment. Paraprofessionals are non-exempt and overtime-eligible under the Fair Labor Standards Act, since the support role does not meet a white-collar exemption. Private centers set their own standards under state childcare licensing.
Paraprofessional roles start from patience, reliability, and the right clearances, with the formal qualification depending on the setting. Scale the requirements to a public or private program.
Requirement
What to look for
Education
High school diploma; Title I qualification in public schools
Certification
State assessment for public roles; CPR and First Aid for childcare
Skills
Patience, communication, and the ability to follow a teacher's plan
Experience
Work with students or children a plus; training provided
Clearances
Background check and any state-required clearances
Classification
Non-exempt, hourly; often a school-year schedule
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic, and the SHRM guide covers the standard sections of a job description.
Paraprofessional Pay
Paraprofessionals are paid hourly, with pay varying by setting, region, and experience, and often reflecting a school-year calendar rather than full-year work. Set your range using government data as a baseline, then adjust for your local market.
Median $35,240 a Year (BLS)
The federal occupation of teaching assistants, except postsecondary, had a median annual wage of $35,240 as of the May 2024 data, with the 10th percentile at $23,710 and the 90th at $48,140, across about 1.4 million jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Many figures reflect part-time or school-year schedules, and special education aides often earn somewhat more.
Employment is projected to decline about 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, but with roughly 170,400 openings a year, almost all to replace workers who leave the field. Turnover is steady, so a competitive, transparent pay range helps any program, public or private, attract reliable support staff.
Hiring for a Private Program
A public school district hires paraprofessionals through its own HR office under Title I rules. A private daycare, learning center, or small private school does not. The owner or director writes the posting, runs clearances, and onboards the new hire directly, often between everything else. For related private-care roles, the same pattern holds, which is why hiring a childcare worker or a direct support professional shares the same challenge. Here is how to write the posting for that reality.
If you run a public school or district, you already have district HR and Title I rules
The classic paraprofessional posting is a public-school document. Public districts hire most paraprofessionals, run their own HR, and follow federal Title I qualification standards and state certification rules, including formal assessments. The general, special education, and teacher aide templates here are written for that public-school reality: adapt the qualifications to your district and state, and confirm the Title I and assessment requirements that apply to the specific role and funding.
If you run a private daycare or small private school, you hire under a different title
Private childcare centers, learning centers, and small private schools are the private-sector employers that look like a small business: an owner or director who hires directly, often handling everything themselves. But these programs rarely advertise a paraprofessional. They hire childcare assistants, assistant teachers, classroom aides, and instructional assistants, and they follow state childcare licensing or their own private-school standards rather than Title I. The childcare assistant, private school assistant, and behavior support templates below are built for that setting, and the closest private-sector role to a paraprofessional is usually a childcare assistant or assistant teacher.
Whatever the setting, onboarding is where the certifications and clearances get handled
Whichever template you use, the work after hiring is people operations made specific by the setting: a signed offer letter, new hire paperwork, a background check and any state clearances, CPR and First Aid where required, and signed acknowledgment of safety and confidentiality policies. FirstHR fits this people side for a private childcare center or small private school: e-signature for offers and policy acknowledgments, document management for background checks, CPR cards, and training certificates with renewal dates, training modules for safety and conduct, and task workflows for the onboarding checklist. To be clear about scope, FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a student-information or classroom system, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so pair it with those providers. Applicant tracking is coming soon.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. Once a candidate accepts, the same document becomes the basis for the offer and a clearance-heavy onboarding. Because school and childcare roles require background checks and certifications, a smooth, repeatable process pays off every time you hire.
Send the offer
Confirm the role, hourly pay, schedule, and start date in writing. An offer letter template makes this fast for an hourly school-year role.
Run clearances
Background check and any state-required clearances, plus CPR and First Aid where the setting requires them.
Confirm qualifications
Title I qualification for a public role, or state childcare training hours for a private center, documented and on file.
Store the records
Keep clearances, certificates, and signed acknowledgments organized with renewal dates, since states and districts can ask for them.
Once your offer is ready, the offer letter template handles the next step, and an onboarding template gives the new hire a structured start. FirstHR connects the offer, paperwork, e-signatures, clearance and certificate storage, training acknowledgments, and onboarding workflow in one place so a private childcare center or small private school can manage the full process from one system. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a student-information or classroom tool, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so connect those separately. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
A paraprofessional is a K-12 school support role that helps a certified teacher; synonyms include paraeducator, teacher aide, and instructional assistant.
About 71 percent work in public schools governed by federal Title I rules, with private schools and childcare making up the rest.
Private daycares and small private schools hire the same kind of support under different titles, like childcare assistant or assistant teacher.
The role is hourly and non-exempt under the FLSA, and often follows a school-year, part-time schedule.
Public-school qualification follows Title I: 48 college hours, an associate degree, or a passing state assessment score.
Onboarding is where the compliance gets handled: background checks, CPR and First Aid where required, and signed policy acknowledgments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a paraprofessional do?
A paraprofessional supports a certified teacher and helps students learn, working under the teacher's supervision in a classroom. Day to day, that means reinforcing lessons one-on-one and in small groups, supporting classroom management and routines, preparing materials, supervising students, and tracking progress for the teacher. Special education paraprofessionals also help implement IEP goals and assist with behavior and personal-care needs. The role goes by several names, including paraeducator, teacher aide, instructional assistant, and classroom aide. The federal occupation is teaching assistants, except postsecondary. The work is hands-on and student-focused, and in public schools it is governed by federal and state education rules.
What is the difference between a paraprofessional and a teacher?
A teacher is a certified or licensed professional who plans lessons, delivers instruction, assesses students, and is responsible for the classroom. A paraprofessional supports the teacher and works under their direction, reinforcing lessons, helping individuals and small groups, and assisting with classroom tasks, but does not plan the curriculum or carry the teacher's professional responsibility. Teachers typically need a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license, while paraprofessionals generally need a high school diploma plus Title I qualification in public schools. Their pay and classification differ too: most teachers are salaried and exempt, while paraprofessionals are hourly and non-exempt and entitled to overtime. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a paraprofessional exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA?
A paraprofessional is non-exempt and paid hourly. The role is hands-on support work that does not meet the white-collar exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, so paraprofessionals and aides are entitled to overtime at one and a half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This is true whether the employer is a public school district or a private program. Many paraprofessional roles follow a school-year calendar and part-time hours, and many workers do not work over the summer, so employers should track hours carefully and account for the school calendar when setting pay. Classification depends on duties and salary, not job title alone. This is general information, not legal advice.
What qualifications does a paraprofessional need?
In a public school, paraprofessional qualifications are set by federal Title I rules and state standards. A Title I paraprofessional generally needs a high school diploma plus one of three things: at least two years of higher education, which is usually defined as about 48 college semester hours, an associate degree or higher, or a passing score on a formal state paraprofessional assessment such as the ParaPro test. States administer certification and may add their own requirements. Private schools and childcare centers are not bound by Title I and set their own standards, though state background-check and clearance rules still apply. Always confirm the specific requirements for your state, district, and role before posting. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a paraprofessional the same as a teacher aide or paraeducator?
Yes, for the most part these are different names for the same role. Paraprofessional, paraeducator, teacher aide, teacher assistant, instructional assistant, and classroom aide all describe a classroom support worker who assists a certified teacher. The federal government groups them under the single occupation of teaching assistants, except postsecondary. Districts and states vary in which title they use and may draw fine distinctions, for example between an instructional paraprofessional and a special education paraprofessional, or between a general aide and a one-on-one aide. When you post, use the title your state and district recognize, and describe the specific duties and student population so candidates understand the role.
How much does a paraprofessional make?
Paraprofessionals are paid hourly, with pay varying by state, setting, and experience. The federal occupation of teaching assistants, except postsecondary, had a median annual wage of $35,240 as of the May 2024 data, with the 10th percentile at $23,710 and the 90th percentile at $48,140, across about 1.4 million jobs. Many of these figures reflect a school-year calendar rather than twelve months of full-time work, since part-time and seasonal schedules are common. Special education paraprofessionals often earn somewhat more than general aides. Pay tends to run higher in states with higher minimum wages. For a posting, benchmark to your specific setting and local market, and publish a pay range where required. This is general information, not legal advice.
I run a private daycare. Should I post a paraprofessional job, or something else?
Something else. Paraprofessional is an education term tied to public schools and federal Title I rules, so it is not the right title for a private childcare center. A private daycare hires a childcare assistant or assistant teacher, follows state childcare licensing rather than Title I, and looks for CPR and First Aid certification and state-required training hours rather than a ParaPro assessment. Using the right title attracts the right applicants and avoids confusing candidates who expect a public-school role. The childcare assistant template on this page is built for exactly that setting, and a dedicated childcare worker posting goes deeper on the role. This is general information, not legal advice.
What should a paraprofessional job description include?
A strong paraprofessional job description names the setting and the specific role, whether a general instructional paraprofessional, a special education paraprofessional, or a teacher or classroom aide, and includes a short program summary and a job summary that makes the support role clear. List responsibilities grouped into instructional support, supervision and classroom, special needs support where relevant, and records and reporting. State the qualifications honestly, including the Title I requirements in public schools or the state childcare requirements in a private center, and note the FLSA non-exempt, hourly classification and the school-year schedule. Close with a background-check note, an equal opportunity statement, and clear apply instructions. This is general information, not legal advice.
