Grants to boost paraprofessional recruitment, training, and pay in public schools.
This Act establishes a new federal grant program, administered by the Department of Education, aimed at improving the quality and stability of employment for paraprofessionals (teacher assistants) in public schools and preschool programs. Citizens can expect better educational support for their children, as schools will be able to use funds for professional development, increased wages, and retention bonuses for these essential staff. Priority funding is directed towards schools serving low-income families.
Key points
School Funding: State educational agencies will receive funds to provide grants to local schools for recruiting and retaining paraprofessionals.
Pay Increases and Bonuses: Funds can be used to increase paraprofessional wages or provide bonus pay incentives, directly impacting their personal finances.
Improved Training: The grants support the development of mentoring programs and high-quality professional development to help paraprofessionals gain specialized credentials (e.g., in special education or English learner support).
Priority for High-Need Areas: Schools serving high numbers of low-income children or located in rural/remote areas will receive priority access to these funds.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5476
Sponsor: Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6]
Process start date: 2025-09-18