What qualifications are needed to be a classroom assistant (Special needs children)?

Answer 1

i am one already and i started by just doing a teaching/classroom assistant course most jobs are funded so the majority of kids u will work with will be special needs- the council pays these positions because the children will have statement of special needs. its nearly always just to the funding runs out- which can be months or years- but new kids start every year so even if the child leaves /moves on there will be another child to take his/her place- most places will want u to -have a maths and english qualification also-good luck if you decide to do it ive done it for 7 years now and i never get sick of it-please email me if u need any more information x ps this is in the uk

Answer 2

If you just want to be an assistant, here in Texas you just need to let it be known. There have been people who have been my son's personal aide in the classroom and had no clue what so ever about what to do. Of course to really make an impression on the parents, learn all you can about special education and not just from the schools point of view!

I don't know you, but love you for wanting to do something that means so much to all involved!

Answer 3

Hi,
Every school district has a different job description for spec. Ed Asst. I work for Los Angeles Unified and because of No Child Left Behind Act all new hires must have high school diploma or GED, must pass a test showing proficency in english, math, reading and writing at high school level. Also must have either 60 college units or an AA or take a test on class room managment/education theory.
Most school districts post requirements at their web sites.
It is a very rewarding job, but it is not a career, it is a job and it can be challenging mentally, physically and emotionally.

Answer 4

i am not sure if youi need any special qualifications other than that what you would need to be a teachers assistant
i have a daughter who has special needs and as far as i am aware her LSA does not have any special formal qualifications to do this

as a parent of a child with special needs i would say it is more important that you have lots of patience as these kids sometimes need a lot more help in understanding things

a willingness to work with the parents so you can work together to support the child and if needed come up with strategies together that will help the child to develop

Answer 5

NCLB requires that new Paraeducators have 2 yrs of college or an Associate's Degree. (veteran paraeducators can take a proficiency test and combine that with their years of experience).

Details are different depending on the state, and the district. Here are some links to get you started:

http://www.nea.org/neatoday/0304/esea.html

http://www.ecs.org/html/issue.asp?issueid=195&subissueID=112

http://ericec.org/osep/recon12/rc12sec3.html

Answer 6

You need to be police checked, and it would help if you had qualifications in childcare or child development/psychology or something like that, hope this helps and good luck, its people lik u that mk a difference to lives well done!!

Answer 7

Well to start with you have to be a understanding person. Because the kid in that class are slow to learn. And you need to be state certified meaning you have to be a teacher. It's a lot of work but it's worth it because the kids in special ED need to learn to..........

Answer 8

it just so happens i'm also studying special education. you would need an assistant teaching certificate; as many credits needed depending on the college you go to.

Answer 9

im not sure,but bless you for wanting to work with special needs children good luck

Answer 10

Hey Rev! By the looks of it, you have the special qualifications..... you look like you're nuts!!

It's not necessary, but it WILL HELP!!!

To answer your question in one word.....

PATIENCE!