Career Pathways for Related Service Paratherapists Working in Early Intervention and Other Education Settings

Abstract

This article presents issues in personnel training practices for paraprofessionals providing related services in early intervention and education settings. The generic term paratherapist is used to refer to persons who work under the supervision of professional level therapists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. A philosophy of related service paratherapist utilization is presented and discussed. Current and future needs for paratherapists are summarized. A description of career pathways for paratherapists from high school to advanced graduate studies is described and advantages of well developed career pathways for participants in career planning are discussed.