Resources to Support Required Annual Paraprofessional Staff Development

Paraprofessionals must receive 20 hours of staff development training each school year, as stated in §§ 14.105 Personnel. These trainings should apply to the paraprofessional's assignment and benefit the students with whom they work in a variety of settings. More information can be found at:
Chapter 14. Special Education Services and Programs

Additional information can be found in the Common Questions and Answers for Leaders of Special Education ⏵, we encourage this to be reviewed when questions arise.

PaTTAN provides varying resources for local education agencies (LEAs) and paraprofessionals to complete 20 hours of training. First and foremost, LEAs should guide their paraprofessionals with assistance for selecting and completing training based on their position and approval for selection and completion of training.

These opportunities include:

LEAs provide a wealth of resources and training each year for paraprofessionals to complete 20 hours of training and learning opportunities at their local level and school districts. LEAs may also contact their local Intermediate Unit (IU) for resources and training provided at the county level.
Entry Level Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraprofessional ⏵
Online Courses ⏵
PaTTAN Training Calendar ⏵ no credit courses will offer a certificate of completion.
PaTTAN Conferences ⏵
Schoology Courses – Please see the PaTTAN calendar ⏵ for scheduled events:

These include, but are not limited to:

Job Coaching Essentials: Supporting Students for Career Success
Introduction to Universal Design for Learning: The Why, the What, and the How
OHOA: Open Hands Open Access: Deaf-Blind Intervention Modules
The Essentials of IEP Writing
The Nuts and Bolts of Job Coaching

National level organizations provide modules and training for paraprofessionals and educators to increase their learning for the students they support. Some of these national organizations include, but is not limited to:

Please note, trainings varies in length and the ability to provide a certificate of completion. Prior to starting any new learning, paraprofessionals should seek the guidance and approval of their administration for specific learning and training.