Is A paraprofessional / educational aide an allowable Arizona ESA expense?

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Is a paraprofessional / educational aide ESA eligible in Arizona?

Verdict · SY2025-26 handbook

Only for students with a disability

Only for students with a disability. A paraprofessional / educational aide is allowable only for ESA students with an IEP, MET Report, 504 Plan, or ESA-purpose IEE on file, with category-specific supporting documentation.

Documentation required

Credential: associate degree+, 60+ college credit hours, or passing ACT WorkKeys / ParaEducator / Praxis ParaPro (official scores)

The receipt still has to be complete

A yes on allowability doesn't survive an incomplete receipt. Every receipt needs the vendor's name, address, and contact; the date; a receipt or order number; an itemized description; and the itemized and total amounts. Missing any field can get the expense rejected — and undocumented debit-card purchases past the quarterly deadline must be repaid.

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educational aideparaclassroom aide

Source: A.R.S. §15-2402(B)(4)(c)(ii); Handbook Ch.3. School year 2025-26 rules. Last reviewed 2026-06-12.

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Educational information based on the official ADE Parent Handbook SY2025-26 — not legal advice. Final allowability is determined by ADE. Verify against the official database at azed.gov/esa/esa-allowable-items.