Note: ATPE is not a provider for aide certification
Educational aides must be employed by a Texas public school district before applying for certification. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) handles educational aide certification. Visit the TEA website to learn more.
Educational Aide I
An applicant for an Educational Aide I Certificate must:
- Hold a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma, or higher; and
- have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent. Experience may be work in church-related schools, day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed daycare centers, or similar experience; or
- be a high school student; and
- be a program of study completer (three or more courses for four or more credits from the list of courses in subparagraphs (A)-(H) of this paragraph, with at least one course being a Level 3 or Level 4 course) with credits verified by the district in which the credits were earned. The courses must include:
- (A) Principles of Education and Training; or
- (B) Human Growth and Development; or
- (C) Child Development; or
- (D) Child Guidance; or
- (E) Communication and Technology in Education; or
- (F) Instructional Practices; or
- (G) Practicum in Education and Training; or
- (H) Practicum in Early Learning.
Educational Aide II
An applicant for an Educational Aide II Certificate must:
- Be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- Have satisfied one of the following requirements:
- Have two creditable years of experience as an educational aide I; or
- Have a minimum of 15 semester hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subject areas; or
- Have demonstrated proficiency in a specialized skill area as determined by the local school district.
- Have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent.
Education Aide III
An applicant for an Educational Aide III Certificate must:
- Be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- Have satisfied one of the following requirements:
- Have three creditable years of experience as either an educational aide I or II; or
- Have 30 semester hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subject areas.
- Have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent.