The Associate of Arts degree in School Paraprofessional is designed to prepare students for work in a school setting as an instructional aid. The coursework for this program has been chosen and designed to prepare students to be "highly qualified" instructional aids and paraprofessionals.

With the No Child Left Behind guidelines, it has come the requirement that schools hire only those paraprofessionals who are "highly qualified." Those with two years of college or an associate degree as a paraprofessional would meet this highly qualified criteria. Graduates of this program would be prepared for the role as a paraprofessional and could be employed in public or private school settings.

Students learn the instruction of basic skills along with competencies that are appropriate for the classroom. The program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and strategies to apply working in classroom settings.

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in elementary and secondary classrooms assisting teachers and creating an environment that improves learning outcomes for children. Paraprofessionals must enjoy working with children and young adults and want to share knowledge with others. School paraprofessionals could be employed are teachers' assistants, library-media aides and instructional assistants who contribute to the education of students in K-12 schools.