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Steps to be a Paraprofessional
Step 1: At the school level, you must by law have a Background Check through the school. Once the individual is cleared through the background check, then the following steps below need to be followed.
Step 2: The individual must acquire permission from the Principal or Athletic Director of the school.
The individual must take the following courses to be a paraprofessional at the MHSAA level:
- Fundamentals of Coaching (at nfhslearn.com $75.00)
- Safety/First Aid (at nfhslearn.com $50.00) (**must be American Red Cross course)
- A hands-on CPR training (local schools) (does not replace safety/first aid course)
- Concussion in Sports (free) on-line at nfhslearn.com
- Sportsmanship (free) on-line at nfhslearn.com
- Heat Illness (free) on-line at nfhslearn.com
Step 3: After completion of these courses:
- The certificates of completion MUST be printed from the website.
- A copy MUST be sent to MHSAA to accompany the individuals name to show proof of their eligibility.
- In lieu of the Fundamentals of Coaching and Safety/First Aid modules, the individual will have to show proof from a college transcript/and course description that the individual has taken these courses through a college. (within the last 2 years) (course must be approved)
Step 4: Once the individual has acquired permission and taken the courses above, the Principal or Athletic Director must submit in writing (email or letter) to MHSAA names of the individual and the sport he/she will be assisting and if they are an assistant or the head coach
Step 5: All paraprofessional coaches must be approved for hire by their local school board and must be compliant in Dragonfly.
NOTE: Paraprofessional’s MUST RECERTIFY EVERY 5 YEARS on the Safety/First Aid course. The date starts from the completion of last certification date of the Safety/First Aid course. Course must be an American Red Cross course.
**Paraprofessionals are not to be the head coach in football, basketball, baseball, or softball at any level. **
**Cheer paraprofessionals, whether head or assistant, must complete the “Cheer and Dance Safety” $85.00 (formerly AACCA) at www.nfhslearn.com in addition to the steps listed above. This course is renewed every 4 years.**
**Archery paraprofessionals will complete the required course from the Mississippi Wildlife Department.**
Point of Contact: LeAnna Dawson ldawson@misshsaa.com
