The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 stipulates qualification requirements for Title 1, Part A paraprofessionals with instructional support duties. The act also provides funds under Title I, Part A and Title II, Part A to assist paraprofessionals to meet the requirements.

Statute requires Title I, Part A paraprofessionals to hold a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Title I, Part A also requires that paraprofessionals hired after January 8, 2002, and who work in a Title I Part A program to;

1. complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education or
2. obtain an Associate of Arts (AA) or higher degree or
3. meet a rigorous standard of quality where they can demonstrate their knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics, or demonstrate knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness through a formal state or local academic assessment, such as the Region 12 Paraprofessional Academy