14 Del. Admin. Code § 1517-8.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 1517-8.0 - Renewal of the Paraeducator Permit

8.1 In order to continue practicing as a Paraeducator in a Delaware public school, a Paraeducator who holds a Paraeducator Permit shall renew the Paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit prior to the expiration date. Pursuant to 14 Del.C. § 1205(b), the Department may renew a Paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit for an additional 5-year term if the Paraeducator completed 15 Clock Hours of Professional Development during the term of the Paraeducator's Paraeducator Permit.

8.1.1 Professional development activities for renewal are listed in Section 9.0. The criteria for determining if a professional development activity is acceptable for Clock Hour credit are set forth in subsections 8.1.1.1 through 8.1.1.4.

8.1.1.1 The activity must be 1 of the renewal activities in Section 9.0; and

8.1.1.2 The activity must be completed during the term of the Paraeducator's current Paraeducator Permit; and

8.1.1.3 Completion of the activity must be documented; and

8.1.1.4 The activity must enhance the Paraeducator's understandings and abilities in the Paraeducator's job.

8.1.2 The Paraeducator is responsible for obtaining approval from the Paraeducator's Employing Authority before participating in a professional development activity.

8.1.3 The Paraeducator is responsible for obtaining documentation of the Paraeducator's participation in and completion of a professional development activity from the individual, school or school district, or other entity that organizes and conducts the activity.

8.1.4 Professional development activities which fulfill the criteria for renewal for which Paraeducators receive compensation may be submitted in fulfillment of the 15 Clock Hour requirement for renewal.

8.2 Application for Renewal

8.2.1 An applicant must disclose the applicant's criminal conviction history upon application for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial of a Paraeducator Permit as specified in 14 Del.C. § 1219.

8.2.2 Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the Department shall not act on an application to renew a Paraeducator Permit if the applicant is under official investigation by any national, state, or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications. The Department shall not act where the allegations include but are not limited to conduct such as Immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty, or falsification of credentials until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation's resolution.

8.2.3 The Department will not process an application to renew a Paraeducator Permit until the applicant has submitted all of the required documentation. The following documentation is required to be submitted to the Department with the application for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit:

8.2.3.1 A completed renewal application; and

8.2.3.2 Documentation to verify participation in and completion of professional development activities if required by the Department; and

8.2.3.3 Additional documentation as required by the Department.

8.2.4 Each activity must be verified by the applicant's Employing Authority as provided in Section 9.0. Even if an activity has been verified by the applicant's Employing Authority, the Department ultimately determines whether an activity satisfies the requirements for renewal of a Paraeducator Permit. If, at the time of application, the applicant is not employed by an Employing Authority in Delaware, the applicant must submit the documentation required to verify the applicant's participation in and completion of each activity to the Department as provided in Section 9.0.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 1517-8.0

27 DE Reg. 526 (1/1/2024) (Final)