What education and work experience is required for Mental Health Assistants? (special ed, teacher assistant)?

Answer 1

Mental Health Assistants and Special Education Teacher Assistants are two different things.

MHA's work at mental hospitals, clinics, etc.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos059.htm

If you want to be a Sped TA working in the E/BD classrooms...

You will need either 2 years of college (60 credits), an Associates' Degree, OR pass a competency test (that pretty much covers the content of those first two years of college's basic courses like grammar, math, history, science, etc.).

While you will be assigned to ANY classroom the disctrict needs you for, if you want E/BD classrooms there are some things you can do to help ensure you are placed there:

-- Don't take the competency test.... get your 60 credits (or Associates' Degree). Focus you elective choices on psychology, sociology, and especially behavior modification techniques. Take an introductory special education class (if it isn't limited to education majors), human development, etc.

--Get your CPR/First Aid certifications. If a behavioral restraint system like Mandt is available, take that too (NON-damaging restraints... NOT martial arts).

--Volunteer in the schools, focusing on the special education population whenever possible, but at least doing something there.

--If there is a non-profit troubled-youth program in your area that takes volunteers, go there too. If not, do any volunteer work with kids, somewhere (museum, scouts, etc.). Build your resume!

--On your application, mention your educational and volunteer background, that you would PREFER E/BD classrooms, but are willing to be initially placed wherever needed (you can always in-district transfer to your preferred job later).

--Once hired, your knowledge is for you to help the teacher, not second-guess his/her decisions... so try to avoid "sophomoritis" (suddenly, you know everything). Remember that the teacher has had twice to three times the amount of schooling as you, plus additional trainings, plus is the one held totally responsible for implementing the students' IEPs... and so on. If you are intelligent, responsive, positive, and follow his/her policies/lead in dealing both with instruction and with behavioral programming, you will have eternal job security and a happy boss.