Title I, Part A Paraprofessional Requirements

Title I, Part A Paraprofessional Requirements

February 12, 2021 | Grants Management

Clarity. Having a clear understanding of the often-murky waters of Title I regulations is a good thing! The Federal Program Compliance Division at TEA has recently posted updated guidance on the requirements for paraprofessional positions funded fully or in part by Title I, Part A federal grants. If you have any paraprofessionals, you will want to read this article for clarity about their educational and certification requirements as it relates to their funding source and campus assignments.

Previous Presumptions

Previously, Charter Districts had operated under the guidance that all instructional paraprofessionals on a Title I Schoolwide campus must meet the requirements, while Targeted Assistance campuses only required it for Title I-funded positions. Because this was the guidance previously issued by TEA, the Federal Programs Compliance Division is issuing this new, revised guidance. The new guidance relaxes the requirements on Schoolwide campuses.

New Guidance

The new guidance is very clear that the Title I education and certification criteria only applies if:

  1. The paraprofessional performs instructional duties,
  2. The salary is paid in full or in part by Title I, Part A funds, and
  3. He or she works on a Title I Schoolwide or Targeted Assistance campus.

It does not apply to Title I-funded positions with solely non-instructional duties such as translators or parent liaisons. For a list of examples of instructional paraprofessional job duties, please click here.

What are the requirements?

Prior to providing services, Title I, Part A paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (defined as completion of 48 semester hours or equivalent trimester hours) of college coursework or an applicable number of semester hours as defined by the institution of higher education attended, whichever is less;
  2. Possess an associate (or higher) degree; or
  3. Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a local academic assessment—
    • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
    • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Additionally, within one year of being hired, Title I, Part A paraprofessionals must have the Educational Aide state certification.  Note:  Charter school personnel are exempt from the state certification requirement unless it is required by local policies and procedures.

Resources

Title I, Part A Paraprofessional One-page Handout

Title I Paraprofessional Documentation Form

The documentation must be maintained in the employee’s service record or personnel file. Please note the credentials must be in place prior to being hired. It is not acceptable to hire a paraprofessional without the college hours and allow him or her time to pass the local assessment in reading, math, and writing.

CSS offers both Title I and Human Resource support services to help our contracted clients meet compliance for all Title I, Part A certification requirements.

Need assistance?

Please contact:

Have questions?

Visit the Charter School Community Roundtable, where you can ask questions, get answers and discuss this topic!