Teacher Assistant Training

RI Teacher Assistant Qualifications:

To be employed as a teacher assistant in RI the following criteria must be met:

1. Have a high school diploma OR general equivalency (GED)
   • More info on CCRI's GED Program
2. Must have completed a RIDE approved Teacher Assistant Training Program.  Exceptions to this qualification are:
   • Certification as a TA in another state, OR
   • Hold an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree and have completed coursework or other training that covers the knowledge and skills needed for entry level instructional TAs as articulated in RIDE TA Standards. That is, the law does not specify the degree has to be in education or a related field...BUT training needs to have covered the Standards regarding TA knowledge and skills.
   • More info on CCRI's Teacher Assistant Training Program
3. Must meet one of the following 3 requirements:
   • Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education. OR
   • Obtained an associate’s or higher degree. OR
   • Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment: knowledge and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness. (The ParaPro is the state recognized assessment for RI.)

More info on the ParaPro Assessment

More info on CCRI's ParaPro Review Course

Teacher Assistant Training Program

If you are serious about beginning a career in education, this program is for you. Become a confident, paraprofessional by acquiring the skills and knowledge to be an effective member of a teaching team.

This Rhode Island Department of Education approved, 42-hour program will provide training consistent with state standards for all persons interested in being employed as a full-time, part-time, or substitute teacher assistant.

Instruction is provided by a multidisciplinary team. Topics to be addressed include: roles and responsibilities of the teacher assistant, human development, diversity, special education basic rights, school health & safety, the instructional process, school laws, computer & technology skills, positive classroom climate, team building & collaboration, and professionalism & communication.

A certificate of completion recognized by the RI Department of Education is awarded upon the successful completion of all classes, assignments, and the final assessment. The cost of the program is $270, payable at time of registration (includes $20 non-refundable assessment fee and training manual).

Participants are required to have a high school diploma or GED, and must complete a reading, language, and math assessment given at the first class session.  Students will receive the results of the tests that night.

Students will be required to complete 3 hours of job shadowing a TA. The TA must be approved prior to the job shadowing.

One credit transferable to Human Services Program!

For more information on becoming a teacher assistant and resources for teacher assistants please visit the RI Department of Education Teacher Assistant Website.

ParaPro Assessment Review Class

This class is designed to assist students who are preparing to take the ParaPro Assessment.  Instruction, review, and practice are provided in requisite reading, mathematics and writing skills.

Please note that CCRI does not offer the actual test, only a review class to help you prepare for the test.  For more info on the ParaPro Assessment please visit the RI Department of Education Teacher Assistant Website.

This page developed and maintained by the Center for Workforce & Community Education at CCRI. Send comments and suggestions to .  ©2009, Community College of Rhode Island - All rights reserved.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained on this website; however, this information is not in any manner contractually binding and my be subject to revision at any time.

This page last modified on: December 22, 2008