The Difference Between Aides, Paraprofessionals, and Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers

Learn about the distinctions between these positions.

The terms early childhood classroom assistant teacher (ECCAT), aide, and paraprofessional are often used interchangeable. The definitions for each are below. The classifications are also identified with the entity responsible for it.

Aides

Aide I (County)

An "Aide I" classification is for someone who is hired and trained to support teachers in a variety of ways. This includes:

  • Monitoring students
  • Helping with classroom tasks
  • Providing clerical support
  • Assisting with general, daily needs of the school

The classification of "Aide I" is on pay scale "A."

Aide II (County)

An "Aide II" classification is for someone who meets qualifications that exceed that of "Aide I." This includes completing a state-approved training program or earning a high school diploma or GED®. Only those classified as "Aide II" can work as special education aides. This classification is on pay scale "B."

Aide III (County)

An "Aide III" classification is for someone who holds a high school diploma or GED® along with additional education/experience. This includes either completing six (6) college credit hours or having one (1) year of experience as a special education classroom aide. The classification of "Aide III" is on pay scale "C."

Aide IV (County)

An "Aide IV" is a person who holds a high school diploma of a GED® and has completed advanced training or education. This includes:

  • Completing 18 college credit hours of coursework approved by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE)
  • Completing 15 hours of approve college credits plus state-approved training equal to three (3) college credit hours

This classification is on pay scale "D."

Aide V Temporary Authorization (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "Aide V Temporary Authorization" classification is for someone who has not met the requirements for "Aide V Permanent Status." While requirements set by the WVBE may not yet be met, this person is actively working toward meeting them. The higher pay scale for this role is only awarded if a person is hired for a position requiring this classification. The county school system decides whether this classification is necessary for a vacancy. This classification is on pay scale "E."

Aide V - Special Education Assistant Teacher (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "Aide V (Special Education Assistant Teacher) classification is awarded to someone who:

  • Holds a high school diploma or a GED®
  • Has completed the education and training required by the WVBE
  • Has a sufficient amount of experience as required by the WVBE

The higher pay scale for this role is only awarded if a person is hired for a position requiring the "Aide V" classification. The county school system decides whether this classification is necessary for a vacancy. This classification is on pay scale "F."

Aide VI Temporary Authorization (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "Aide VI Temporary Authorization" classification is for someone who has not met the requirements for "Aide VI Permanent Status." While requirements set by the WVBE may not yet be met, this person is actively working toward meeting them. The higher pay scale for this role is only awarded if a person is hired for a position requiring this classification. The county school system decides whether this classification is necessary for a vacancy. This classification is on pay scale "E."

Aide VI - Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "Aide VI (Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher)" classification is for someone who works with students who have identified behavioral needs. This role requires at least an "Aide III" classification and completion of training and experience set by the WVBE. The higher pay scale for this role is only awarded if a person is hired for a position requiring "Aide VI" classification. The county school system decides whether this classification is necessary for a vacancy. This classification is on pay scale "F."

ECCAT

ECCAT I (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "ECCAT I" classification is for someone who does not met the requirements for a permanent authorization. While requirements are not yet met, this person is actively working toward them. This classification is on pay scale "E."

ECCAT II (West Virginia Department of Education)

An "ECCAT II" classification is for someone who has met minimum requirements and has been awarded an ECCAT certificate. This classification is on pay scale "E."

ECCAT III (County)

An ""ECCAT III" classification is for someone who has:

  • Met the requirements for permanent authorization
  • Completed additional training or education
    • This is similar to the requirements for a paraprofessional certificate.

This classification is on pay scale "F."

Paraprofessional (West Virginia Department of Education)

The "Paraprofessional" classification is for someone certified by the state to provide support in classroom and other school settings. Paraprofessionals help with instruction and supervise students, always working under the direction of a principal, teacher, or another certified educator. This classification is on pay scale "F."

The "Paraprofessional" classification is for someone certified by the state to provide support in classroom and other school settings. Paraprofessionals help with instruction and supervise students, always working under the direction of a principal, teacher, or another certified educator. This classification is on pay scale "F."

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