Summary

Creates a federal grant program that gives states money to help local school systems recruit, train, credential, and retain paraprofessionals who work in public elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. States get allotments based on prior-year Title I, Part A funding, keep up to 5% for administration, and competitively subgrant the rest to local education agencies and educational service agencies that serve high-need schools. The grants may be used for induction and mentoring, evidence-based professional development, credentials and certifications, and wage increases or bonuses. States and local recipients must meet priority, application, reporting, and labor-rights requirements. The program is authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030 at “such sums as necessary.”

Key Points

• Creates a federal grant program to help states recruit, train, credential, and retain paraprofessionals in K–12 and preschool programs.
• State allotments are proportional to prior-year Title I, Part A allocations; SEAs may keep up to 5% for administration.
• SEAs must competitively subgrant most funds to LEAs or educational service agencies serving high-need schools.
• Allowed uses include mentoring, evidence-based professional development, credentialing, and wage increases/bonuses.
• SEAs must prioritize applicants serving high shares of low-income students, very rural schools, or schools receiving certain lunch program assistance.
• SEAs and subgrantees must meet application, reporting, and assurance requirements, including detailed annual reporting on pay and staffing.
• The law protects collective-bargaining rights while requiring compliance with the statute and labor laws.
• Authorized funding is "such sums as necessary" for FY2026–FY2030 (no specific dollar amount set).

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