Procedures for Applying for School-Based Non-Teaching Positions

At the present time, you may apply for school-based positions such as school aides, health service aides and family paraprofessionals by calling the Regional Operations Centers to determine if there is a need for additional staff, depending on the schools' needs and budgetary capability.

The Regional Operations Centers can direct a prospective applicant with a Fingerprint Referral Form directly for fingerprinting. Only those applicants who have been referred will be fingerprinted. The Regional Operations Centers may also maintain a prospective applicant's resume on file for future reference.

The applicant procedure for the position of educational paraprofessional (teacher's assistant) is slightly different than other titles. In order to obtain a position as a full-time paraprofessional one must begin employment as a substitute special education paraprofessional. A full-time position is offered to the most senior qualified substitute paraprofessional. The full-time position can be in either a general or special education assignment. Substitute paraprofessionals are called in to work on an as needed basis when full-time paraprofessionals serving in special education assignments are absent. The minimum requirement for this position is a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), and the ability to read, write and communicate in English fluently.

Begining February 2, 2004 newly-hired substitute paraprofessionals will be required to pass an assessment test prior to begining full-time employment. Although taking and passing the test does not guarantee that you will be offered a position as a full-time paraprofessional, we encourage you to take this test. More information regarding the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills Test (NYSATAS) can be found by logging on to www.nysatas.nesinc.com