Whether it is helping a student grasp a new concept, providing extra attention during group activities, or supporting students with special needs, rewarding work as an educational aide is crucial to student growth and confidence. For prospective applicants, this role is perfect for those passionate about education, patient in guiding others, and ready to make a meaningful impact on learning each and every day. If you're looking for a rewarding career that allows you to work hands-on with students and be an essential part of a dynamic educational team, we encourage you to explore the opportunities to become an educational aide in our district. Join us in making a difference—one student at a time.
What educational training is needed to become an Educational Aide?
In order to become an Educational Aide in the State of Ohio, you must either hold an Associate's Degree, a Bachelor's Degree, OR receive a passing score of 456 on the ParaPro Test for Paraprofessionals (Educational Aides).
The ParaPro Assessment is a general aptitude test for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals that measures your:
- skills and knowledge in reading, writing and math
- ability to apply them when assisting in classroom instruction
From here, the candidate must meet other application and eligibility requirements set forth in board policy and state law (such as passing of a background check, etc).
NEW*** District Aide Prepatory Program: Spring 2025
This coming March 2025, SWCSD is proud to offer a new Direct Service Professional (DSP) prepatory program through our Adult Training Hub at the South-Western Career Academy (SWCA). Every day across the nation, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in America’s workforce and economy by providing necessary supports and services to people with disabilities of all ages, including supports related to employment. As skilled professionals, DSPs support people with disabilities to participate in their communities, including through employment. For example, they may serve as job development staff to assist in finding and/or customizing jobs or as job coaches who provide direct employee assistance on the job. They also provide other services, such as supporting students with disabilities in the classroom. Admittance into the program is application based on prescribed criteria, but is free to those accepted.
Career Skills Developed:
Overview of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Health and Safety Management
Effective Incident Report Writing
Alternative Communication Strategies
Assessment Tools & Approaches
Strategies to Guide People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities toward Healthy Choices
Principles and Practices of Effective Support Models
Crisis Intervention
Guidelines for Effective Documentation
Positive Behavior Support
Career Opportunities Available:
Direct Support Professional
Paraprofessional
Direct Service Provider
Nursing/Medical Assistant
Occupational Therapist Assistant/Aide
Physical Therapist Assistant/Aide
Social and Human Service Assistant
Home Health Aide
Childcare Worker
What types of Educational Aide licenses are available in Ohio?
Educational Aide Permit (1-Year): This permit, new or renewal, may be issued at the request of an employing school or district to an individual who holds a high school diploma or the equivalent. Please note that a candidate’s initial 1-Year Educational Aide permit is valid only in the employing school or district that requested the permit. One-year or 4-Year Educational Aide permits issued after the initial permit will be valid in any Ohio school or district.
Educational Aide Permit (4-Year): This permit may be issued to an individual who holds a high school diploma or the equivalent, and who has successfully performed their duties for a minimum of one full school year under a 1-Year Educational Aide permit.