What is a Paraprofessional?
Educational Paraprofessionals work under the guidance of both general and special education teachers. They lead activities during individual or small group time and assist in observing, recording, and charting behavior. This position also collaborates with related personnel to support the carryover of academic skills to other areas of students' lives.

Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) provide one-to-one, noninstructional support to individual students. They assist students with SLP, OT, and PT therapy programs and monitor students' safety, redirect behavior, and assist in the use and care of equipment.

You Might Enjoy This Work If You Like To:

• Be part of an instructional team.
• Work closely with students and help them during their daily routines.
• Assist students in building independent skills.
• Coach students through academic and behavioral tasks.
• Help students make friends.
• Positively impact future generations of citizens.

How to Become a Paraprofessional:
In Pennsylvania, there are three (3) options to become a paraprofessional:

1. Complete two (2) years of postsecondary education (48 college/university credits).
2. Possess an associate degree or higher.
3. Successfully complete a state or locally developed assessment. The Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators in Pennsylvania is one way to meet this requirement through the use of the Pennsylvania Credential of Competency Checklist, which ensures competence in ten performance-based standard areas.

Why Work as a Paraprofessional for the CAIU?
This position allows for continuous professional development, enhancing skills and knowledge in the field of education. Collaboration with a team of dedicated professionals cultivates a supportive working environment, promoting teamwork and shared goals. Additionally, the rewarding nature of seeing students thrive under your guidance and assistance is unmatched, making this a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about education and community service.

Who Are School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners?
School-Based Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with students who have physical, sensory, and/or learning challenges. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components of performance. In schools, occupational therapy practitioners focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-care skills (Activities of Daily Living or ADLs), and transition/work skills. Occupational therapists' expertise includes activity and environmental analysis and modification with a goal of reducing the barriers to participation.

You Might Enjoy This Work If You Like To:

• Make a positive impact by helping kids and teens overcome challenges and reach their goals.
• Have a hands-on job where you teach and show others how to develop new skills.
• Learn how the body and mind work together, especially in movement, coordination, and strength.
• Have fun at work by interacting with students through movement and creative activities.

How to Become a School-Based Occupational Therapist:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as biology, psychology, health sciences, or kinesiology. Occupational therapy programs don't require a specific major.
2. Complete a Master's Degree or Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at an accredited Pennsylvania program listed on the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association website.
3. Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam after completing your degree. This certification is necessary to practice as an OT in Pennsylvania and across the United States.
4. Apply for Pennsylvania State Licensure from the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy. You will need to submit your exam score, proof of education, and other required documents.

Why Work as a School-Based Occupational Therapist for the CAIU?
This position allows OTs to make a significant impact on the lives of students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes growth and development. The supportive work culture, which includes a dedicated mentor combined with a commitment to student success, ensures that educators feel valued and empowered in their positions. For those passionate about making a difference, the Occupational Therapist role is not only rewarding, but also instrumental in shaping future generations.

What is a Special Education Teacher?
A Special Education Teacher is a certified, highly trained teacher who may work in public, private, cyber charter, or charter schools or in hospitals, a student's home, or the community to help students with disabilities. They use information in a student's individualized education program (IEP) to plan and deliver instruction and supports including Autistic, emotional, learning, life skills, and/or multiple disabilities support. Special education teachers often partner with families and other professionals, such as school psychologists and physical therapists, to provide support to students.

You Might Enjoy This Work If You:

• Like to inspire and motivate others.
• Are flexible and creative.
• Like to work on a team.
• Are empathetic and connect easily with others.
• Are patient and understanding.
• Can remain calm in stressful situations.
• Understand and want to learn about special education law.
• Like to use data to solve problems.
• Have effective communication skills.
• Are well organized and self-driven.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher
There are multiple pathways to becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania. All pathways require you to earn a bachelor's degree, successfully student teach, achieve a passing score on the required content area tests, and obtain a special education teaching certificate.

There are more than 70 approved special education teacher programs in Pennsylvania from which to choose.

Why Work as a Special Education Teacher for the CAIU?
This position allows educators to make significant impact on the lives of students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes growth and development. The supportive work culture, combined with a commitment to student success, ensures that educators feel valued and empowered in their positions. For those passionate about making a difference, the Special Education Teacher role is not only rewarding but also instrumental in shaping future generations.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?
A Speech-Language Pathologist works in schools to help students who have speech, language, and social-communication challenges. An SLP evaluates, diagnoses, and provides a variety of interventions to students. SLPs learn about and use skills relating to anatomy, physiology, technology, behavior, and education in their work with students.

You Might Enjoy This Work If You Like to:

• Have variety in you daily schedule - no two days are the same.
• Solve problems.
• Work with children and adolescents.
• Work in a variety of areas such as science, technology, literacy, and hearing.
• Make a difference in the lives of individuals with speech, language, and social-communication needs.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Becoming an SLP is a two-step process of completing a bachelor's degree program and a master's degree program in communication sciences and disorders or in speech-language pathology.

There are more than 20 approved programs in Pennsylvania that provide the coursework for you to become an SLP. Many colleges and universities offer programs where students earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.

Why Work as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the CAIU?
This position allows practitioners to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families, fostering communication and language development. The CAIU provides a collaborative work environment where SLPs are supported by a dedicated team. As part of this organization, you will also gain access to valuable resources and cutting-edge tools that aid in the therapy process, enhancing your ability to deliver effective and individualized care.