DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Professional Standards Board
Content
This regulation shall apply to paraprofessional qualifications and training for issuance and renewal of a Paraeducator Permit pursuant to 14 Del.C. §§1204(a) and 1216A(a)(1) . The Paraeducator Permit is required of behavior intervention paraeducators, instructional paraeducators, and service paraeducators who are employed, either full time or part time, in support positions in Delaware public schools. The Paraeducator Permit is required of all behavior intervention, instructional, and service paraeducators, regardless of their employment date.
14 DE Reg. 560 (12/01/10)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning:
" Action research " means a process by which educational issues and problems are identified and researched at either the school or the classroom level. By integrating current research into these settings and engaging the relevant educators in research activities, the findings can be applied immediately to solve the targeted problems more quickly.
" Activity Documentation Form " means the official form approved by the Department that includes specific details about the activity to be used for Paraeducator Permit renewal.
" Behavior intervention paraeducator " means a public school employee whose main responsibility is to assist the school administration or school climate team to maintain safety and order by providing direct behavioral support to students primarily outside of a classroom setting, which may include de-escalating student behavior, facilitating restorative conversations, enforcing school behavioral standards, and implementing behavior supports developed by school-based teams.
" Clock hour " means actual time spent in professional development, not credit hours.
" Department " means the Delaware Department of Education.
" Educational project " means an individual professional growth project of 15 or more clock hours, including a research project not related to a course for which credit is claimed, completed to enhance the individual's professional practice, with the development of a final product or report.
" Employing authority " means any entity which employs educators, and includes school districts, charter schools, boards of directors, and management companies.
" Immorality " means conduct which is inconsistent with the rules and principles of morality expected of a paraeducator and may reasonably be found to impair a paraeducator’s effectiveness by reason of the paraeducator's unfitness or otherwise.
" Instructional paraeducator " means a public school employee who provides 1-on-1 or small group instruction; assists with classroom management or individual student classroom behavior; provides assistance in a computer laboratory; provides support in a library or media center; assists in training and support with functional skill activities, such as personal care or assistive technology; or provides instructional services to students under the direct supervision of a teacher. Instructional paraeducators include those working with regular education students and students with disabilities in Title I schoolwide schools and with students receiving Title I services in Title I targeted assistance schools. Instructional paraeducators include Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Applied Behavior Analysis Technicians (ABATs).
" Micro-credential " means evidence-based professional development activities that are competency-based, personalized, on-demand, and sharable.
" Paraeducator " means a paraprofessional as it is defined in 14 Del.C. §1202(10) and as it is used in 14 Del.C. §1205(b) . Paraeducators are not "educators" within the meaning of 14 Del.C. §1202(6) .
" Permit " means a document issued by the Department that verifies an individual's qualifications and training to serve as an instructional or service paraeducator.
" Professional development " means a combination of focused, in-depth learning, practice, feedback, reflection, and expert support experiences designed to change participants' attitudes, insights, and perspectives and ultimately results in improved professional practice.
" Professional health or human service work " means experience in diverse roles focused on supporting people with various needs, which may include mental health, public health, social work, life skills, and child welfare.
" Secretary " means the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education.
" Service paraeducator " means a public school employee who provides support services other than instructional or behavior intervention assistance to students, but does not include bus aides. The support service may include hall, study hall, playground, or cafeteria monitoring.
" Standards Board " means the Professional Standards Board pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12.
9 DE Reg. 139 (07/01/05)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Issuance of a Paraeducator Permit
In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1205(b) , the Department shall issue a Paraeducator Permit to an applicant who:
Meets the requirements for issuance of an Instructional Paraeducator Permit as set forth in Section 4.0 of this regulation; or
Meets the requirements for issuance of a Service Paraeducator Permit as set forth in Section 5.0 of this regulation; or
Meets the requirements for issuance of a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit in Section 6.0 of this regulation.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the Department shall not act on an application for a Paraeducator Permit if the applicant is under official investigation by any national, state, or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications. The Department shall not act where the allegations include conduct such as immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty, or falsification of credentials until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation's resolution.
9 DE Reg. 232 (08/01/05)
14 DE Reg. 560 (12/01/10)
17 DE Reg. 919 (03/01/14)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Requirements for an Instructional Paraeducator Permit
In order to practice as an instructional paraeducator in a Delaware public school, an individual must hold an Instructional Paraeducator Permit. The Department may issue an Instructional Paraeducator Permit to an applicant who has satisfied 1 of the requirements in subsections 4.1.1 through 4.1.5.
The applicant holds a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma approved by a state, or a secondary credential approved by a state and achieved:
A minimum score of 459 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment; or
A minimum score of 332 on the ParaPathways Reading and Writing Exam (ETS Code #5758) and a minimum score of 334 on the ParaPathways Mathematics Exam (ETS Code #5759).
The applicant completed at least 2 years of instruction in general or educational studies at a postsecondary institution that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Secretary of Education as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by the postsecondary institutions or programs the accrediting body accredits.
For the purpose of this subsection, 2 years of instruction means a minimum of 60 semester hours unless the applicant provides documentation that the applicant's postsecondary institution defines 2 years of full-time study as the successful completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours.
The applicant shall have earned a "C" or better in each course the applicant seeks to have counted toward the minimum semester hours required.
Developmental level or remedial courses shall not be included in the calculation of semester hours.
The applicant holds an associate's degree, awarded for the successful completion of a program of studies that required at least 2 years of full-time college-level study or the equivalent, or a higher degree conferred by a postsecondary institution that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Secretary of Education as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by the postsecondary institutions or programs the accrediting body accredits.
The applicant holds a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
The applicant holds an Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) certificate issued by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board.
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Requirements for a Service Paraeducator Permit
In order to practice as a service paraeducator in a Delaware public school, an individual must hold a Service Paraeducator Permit.
In accordance with 14 Del.C. §§1204(a) and 1616A(a)(1) , the Department may issue a Service Paraeducator Permit to an applicant who holds a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma approved by a state, or a secondary credential approved by a state.
An applicant who holds a permit or the equivalent to practice as a service paraprofessional issued by another state or jurisdiction shall meet the requirements of subsection 5.1.1 in order for the Department to issue the applicant a Service Paraeducator Permit.
9 DE Reg. 232 (08/01/05)
14 DE Reg. 560 (12/01/10)
17 DE Reg. 919 (03/01/14)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Requirements for a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit
In order to practice as a behavior intervention paraeducator in a Delaware Public School an individual must hold a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit.
In accordance with 14 Del.C. §§1204(a) and 1216A(a)(1) , the Department may issue a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit to an applicant who has satisfied 1 of the following requirements in subsections 6.2.1 through 6.2.4.
The applicant holds a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
The applicant holds an Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) certificate issued by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board.
The applicant holds or qualified for a Service Paraeducator Permit and has completed 40 clock hours of Department-approved training or the equivalent in coursework from an accredited college or university in any or a combination of the following areas:
Trauma informed practices.
Positive Behavior support strategies.
Applied behavior analysis principles.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
Behavior de-escalation, crisis management, and restorative approaches in behavior support.
The applicant provides proof of at least 2 years of professional health or human service work. Experience as a paraeducator or a behavior interventionist in a school may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Nothing in this Section shall preclude a person who is otherwise licensed and certified under 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 or licensed under Title 24 from providing behavior services to students. Such individuals do not need a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit.
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Requirements for Reissuance of an Expired Delaware Paraeducator Permit
For an applicant whose Paraeducator Permit has expired, a Paraeducator Permit may be reissued to the applicant who meets all of the requirements in subsections 7.1.1 through 7.1.2.
The applicant shall have previously held a Delaware Instructional, Behavior Intervention, or Service Paraeducator Permit that expired prior to the date of the application; and
The applicant shall have completed 15 clock hours of professional development within 5 years prior to date of the application.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Application Requirements for Issuance of a Paraeducator Permit
An applicant must disclose the applicant's criminal conviction history upon application for a Paraeducator Permit. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial of a Paraeducator Permit as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219 .
The Department will not process an application for a Paraeducator Permit until the applicant has submitted all of the required documentation.
For applicants who are applying for the Instructional Paraeducator Permit under subsection 3.1.1 of this regulation, the documentation in subsections 8.3.1 through 8.3.6 is required with the application.
Proof the applicant holds a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma approved by a state, or a secondary credential approved by a state, if applicable.
Proof the applicant achieved the minimum score on the assessment as provided in subsection 4.1.1.1 or 4.1.1.2 of this regulation, if applicable.
Official transcript from the applicant's postsecondary institution, if applicable.
The Department will accept: electronic transcripts submitted by the employing authority or by the applicant’s postsecondary institution or sealed paper transcripts.
The Department will not accept copies of transcripts.
Proof the applicant holds a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, if applicable.
Proof the applicant holds an Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) certificate issued by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board.
Additional documentation as required by the Department.
For applicants who are applying for the Service Paraeducator Permit under subsection 3.1.2 of this regulation, the documentation in subsections 8.4.1 and 8.4.2 is required with the application.
Proof the applicant holds a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma approved by a state, or a secondary credential approved by a state.
Additional documentation as required by the Department.
For applicants who are applying for a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit under 3.1.3 of this regulation, the documentation in subsections 8.5.1 and 8.5.2 is required for this application.
Proof the applicant holds a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma approved by a state, or a secondary credential approved by a state, if applicable.
Proof that the applicant has completed 40-clock hours behavior intervention training as approved by the Department or proof that the applicant has at least 2 years of experience in a human services field as verified by the employer.
For applicants who are applying for reissuance of the Paraeducator Permit under subsection 7.1 of this regulation, the documentation in subsections 8.6.1 and 8.6.2 is required with the application.
Proof the applicant previously held a Delaware Paraeducator Permit that expired.
Proof the applicant has completed 15 clock hours of professional development in the 5 years preceding the date of the application.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Renewal of the Paraeducator Permit
In order to continue practicing as a paraeducator in a Delaware public school, a paraeducator who holds a Paraeducator Permit shall renew the paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit prior to the expiration date. Pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1205(b) , the Department may renew a paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit for an additional 5-year term if the paraeducator completed 15 clock hours of professional development during the term of the paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit.
Professional development activities for renewal are listed in Section 10.0 of this regulation. The criteria for determining if a professional development activity is acceptable for clock hour credit are set forth in subsections 9.1.1.1 through 9.1.1.4.
The activity must be 1 of the renewal activities in Section 10.0 of this regulation; and
The activity must be completed during the term of the paraeducator's current Paraeducator Permit; and
Completion of the activity must be documented; and
The activity must enhance the paraeducator's understandings and abilities in the paraeducator's job.
The paraeducator is responsible for obtaining approval from the paraeducator's employing authority before participating in a professional development activity.
The paraeducator is responsible for obtaining documentation of the paraeducator's participation in and completion of a professional development activity from the individual, school or school district, or other entity that organizes and conducts the activity.
Professional development activities which fulfill the criteria for renewal for which paraeducators receive compensation may be submitted in fulfillment of the 15-clock hour requirement for renewal.
Application for Renewal
An applicant must disclose the applicant's criminal conviction history upon application for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial of a Paraeducator Permit as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219 .
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the Department shall not act on an application to renew a Paraeducator Permit if the applicant is under official investigation by any national, state, or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications. The Department shall not act where the allegations include conduct such as immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty, or falsification of credentials until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation's resolution.
The Department will not process an application to renew a Paraeducator Permit until the applicant has submitted all of the required documentation. The following documentation is required to be submitted to the Department with the application for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit:
A completed renewal application; and
Documentation to verify participation in and completion of professional development activities if required by the Department; and
Additional documentation as required by the Department.
Each activity must be verified by the applicant's employing authority as provided in Section 10.0 of this regulation. Even if an activity has been verified by the applicant's employing authority, the Department ultimately determines whether an activity satisfies the requirements for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit. If, at the time of application, the applicant is not employed by an employing authority in Delaware, the applicant must submit the documentation required to verify the applicant's participation in and completion of each activity to the Department as provided in Section 10.0 of this regulation.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Professional Development Activities for Renewal of a Paraeducator Permit
ACTIVITY | HOUR VALUE | CRITERIA | VERIFICATION Action research or other educational project | Verified clock hours completing action research or other educational project. | The verified clock hours shall be accrued during the action research or other educational project. The documented goal for the paraeducator shall be a product and a new set of paraeducator knowledge and skills. These shall complement the school, district, or charter school’s success plan or State’s initiative and shall be focused on student learning. A product shall be made available for verification. | A certificate of participation or a completed Activity Documentation Form as well as the final product which documents the goals and results of the action research or other education project. Certification activities required to retain a State or national professional credential | Verified clock hours involved in recertification activities. | The certification to maintain a State or national professional credential as required in the applicable regulation or by the applicable body. | A certificate of attendance and the original certificate of completion for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). College course | Clock hours may be accrued where 1 semester hour equals 15 hours and 1 quarter semester hour or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals 10 hours. | The course shall be completed within a matriculated bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program or a graduate level course of study at or through a regionally accredited college or university or other Department-approved provider. The course shall be taken at a regionally accredited college or university for credit. The educator shall attain a grade of "C" or better (or a "P" in Pass / Fail course). | Official transcripts, original grade slips, or an original certificate of completion for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Curriculum development, assessment development, or both | Verified clock hours of service. | The documented goal is a curricular component, an encompassing assessment, or both a curricular component and an encompassing assessment. A product shall be made available for verification. | A certificate of participation or the completed Activity Documentation Form as well as the final product. Mentoring or coaching through a comprehensive educator induction program | Verified clock hours involved in mentoring or coaching activities. | Documentation of the lead coach, coach, or mentor that involves observation, feedback, training, presentations, facilitation of professional learning communities, professional learning, and other activities directly related to the preparation and guidance of mentees or coaches within a Comprehensive Educator Induction Program. | A completed Activity Documentation Form. Micro-credential | Verified clock hours of completed micro-credentials through a Department-approved issuer. | Verified hours for successfully completing, preparing, and submitting evidence based on evaluation criteria. Paraeducators must demonstrate their competence via evidence submitted and reviewed by trained evaluators. | The paraeducator's credentialing documentation must be completed and approved by the micro-credential evaluator. Planned professional development activity or program | Verified clock hours of service or experience. | The planned professional development activity or program shall focus on the paraeducator's or the school's success plan which may be targeting curriculum, instruction, assessment, school climate, or an other identified need or shall be related to the paraeducator's work with students or staff. The activity or program may be in-State or out-of-State and held in-person or virtually. | A certificate of participation or other documentation to verify attendance. Presentation | Verified clock hours of presentation and preparation as a workshop or conference presenter or course instructor. The ratio of preparation to presentation is 3:1. Each presentation topic may be submitted 1 time. | The presentation shall be related to the individual's professional responsibilities and shall contribute to the education profession or add to the body of knowledge in the paraeducator's specific field. The presentation shall be made at a local, state, regional or national conference. | The completed Activity Documentation Form and conference agenda listing the presentation. Professional committee, conference, workshop, institute or academy | Verified clock hours of service or experience. | The paraeducator may include time spent in those portions of the professional committee, conference, workshop, institute, or academy that contribute to the paraeducator’s knowledge and skills, competence, performance or effectiveness in education that are directly connected to the paraeducator's or the school's success plan or State initiative. This activity includes workshops offered by districts or other employing authorities either as part of a professional development day or during after school hours. Examples of expected student or paraeducator outcomes are anticipated. The professional committee, conference, workshop, institute, or academy may be in-State or out-of-State and held in-person or virtually. | The completed Activity Documentation Form, the original certificate of attendance or completion or a letter from the professional committee, conference, workshop, institute or academy staff. Professional Learning Community (PLC) | Verified clock hours of participation. | The paraeducator shall be a contributing member of a formal or informal professional learning community whose documented goal for participants is a product or new set of knowledge and skills which are focused on student learning. The PLC must consist of a group of paraeducators with the following attributes: supportive and shared leadership, collective creativity, shared values and vision, supportive conditions, shared personal practice, and focus on improving student learning with an accountability measure built into their process. | A certificate of participation or the completed Activity Documentation Form. Paraprofessional of the year or other district, state, or national recognition award or program activities | Verified clock hours involved in the application and selection process activities that do not fall under 1 of the activities above. | Candidates for paraprofessional of the year at the building, district, or state level may use hours that they have accrued in the application and selection process. Activities required for consideration for district, state, or national recognition awards or programs may also be included. | The completed Activity Documentation Form.
14 DE Reg. 560 (12/01/10)
17 DE Reg. 919 (03/01/14)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Validity of a Paraeducator Permit
For an applicant who applied for and met the requirements of the Paraeducator Permit under subsection 3.1.1 or 3.1.2 of this regulation, the Paraeducator Permit is issued for a period of 5 years.
For an applicant who applied for and met the requirements for renewal of the applicant's Paraeducator Permit under Section 9.0 of this regulation, the Paraeducator Permit may be renewed for a 5-year period.
Disciplinary Action
A paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit may be revoked, suspended, or limited for cause as provided in 14 DE Admin. Code 1514 Limitation, Suspension, and Revocation of Licenses, Certificates, and Permits.
A paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit shall be revoked if the paraeducator made a materially false or misleading statement in the paraeducator's application in accordance with 14 Del.C. §1222 .
A paraeducator whose Paraeducator Permit is noticed for disciplinary action is entitled to a full and fair hearing before the Standards Board. Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with 14 DE Admin. Code 1515 Hearing Procedures and Rules.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
Contact Information and Change of Name or Address
All applicants and paraeducators are required to update their contact information in Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) if their contact information changes.
A paraeducator who legally changes the paraeducator's name and wishes to change the name on the Paraeducator Permit shall provide a notarized copy of evidence of the name change such as a marriage license or court action.
An applicant or paraeducator whose mailing address, email address, or phone number changes, shall provide the Department with the new mailing address, email address, or phone number within 14 calendar days of the change.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
Past Title I Paraeducator Permit Recognized
The Department shall recognize a Title I Paraeducator Permit that was issued by the Department prior to the effective date of this regulation. An individual holding such a Title I Paraeducator Permit shall be considered permitted to work as an instructional paraeducator.
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
New Permit Requirement Date
Instructional or service paraeducators working in behavior intervention or similar roles on or before August 1, 2026 have until August 1, 2027 to complete or show evidence of having completed within the last 5 years, the requirements for a Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit in order to continue working in behavior intervention.
Behavior intervention paraeducators hired after August 1, 2026 have 1 calendar year from the date of commencing work as a behavior intervention paraeducator to complete the training for the Behavior Intervention Paraeducator Permit.
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)
5 DE Reg. 856 (10/01/01)
7 DE Reg. 1006 (02/01/04)
8 DE Reg. 1141 (02/01/05)
9 DE Reg. 139 (07/01/05)
9 DE Reg. 232 (08/01/05)
14 DE Reg. 560 (12/01/10)
17 DE Reg. 919 (03/01/14)
22 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/19)
27 DE Reg. 526 (01/01/24)
28 DE Reg. 734 (04/01/25)
29 DE Reg. 776 (03/01/26)