Rule 505-2-.18 - Paraprofessional License(1)Summary: On January 8, 2002, federal legislation known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) established mandatory federal guidelines for the hiring of paraprofessionals in specified school settings. These guidelines are found in Section 1119 of the federal legislation, with each local unit of administration (LUA) is responsible for ensuring that all applicable federal requirements are met. While the federal hiring requirements apply only to designated paraprofessional positions, all Georgia Paraprofessionals must hold a valid state license issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).(2)Requirements.(a) Meet one of the following requirements: 1. Hold an associate's degree or higher in any subject from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.2. Have completed two (2) years of college coursework (sixty [60] semester hours) above the remedial level with a grade of "C" or better at a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.3. Have passed the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment and hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.(b) Meet Standards of Conduct.(c) The issuance of the license must be requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.(d) Employing LUAs are responsible for ensuring that all applicable federal ESEA hiring requirements are met.(3)Non-Renewable License Requirements.(a) One-year Non-Renewable License (Issued to individuals who have not completed renewal requirements). 1. Issuance. (i) Hold an expired Paraprofessional license.(ii) Have the license requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.2. Conversion. (i) Verify completion of requirements outlined in the renewal rule. (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS).(ii) Have the license conversion requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.(4)Renewal.(a) To renew the license the individual must: 1. Be employed as a paraprofessional in a Georgia LUA.2. Satisfy renewal requirements as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS. (i) Individuals holding expired paraprofessional licenses issued prior to the implementation of the requirements outlined in section (2), above, must meet those requirements in addition to renewal requirements.(5)Validity.(a) The Paraprofessional license is valid for five (5) years.(b) Should a paraprofessional change employing LUA, it is not necessary to request a new license until the expiration of the validity period.(6)In-Field Statement. Paraprofessional licenses are not issued with specific field designations. Individuals with a Paraprofessional license, as well as individuals who hold a valid renewable professional certificate in any teaching, service, or leadership field, are in-field to perform assigned paraprofessional responsibilities in grades P-12. Individuals holding professional certification will not be issued Paraprofessional licensure.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.18
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200.
Original Rule entitled "Substitute Teachers" adopted. F. Dec. 16, 1992; eff. July 1, 1993, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Apr. 29, 1994; eff. July 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "General Procedures for Certification Application" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2004; eff. Mar. 15, 2004, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. June 18, 2007; eff. July 15, 2007, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "Paraprofessional License" adopted. F. June 11, 2014; eff. July 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. May 25, 2016; eff. June 15, 2016, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Apr. 10, 2018; eff. Apr. 15, 2018, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.