IL SB3988

Allows paraprofessional educators to be licensed at age 18 (instead of 19) if they will work exclusively in grades prekindergarten through 8, provided they meet other paraprofessional endorsement criteria and reach age 19.

Expands paraprofessional educator endorsement eligibility to include three alternative pathways: holding an associate's degree or 60+ semester hours of college credit, passing a paraprofessional competency test, or being at least 18 years old for elementary grades until reaching 19 years old.

Modifies Section 21B-15 to reference the new age exception for paraprofessional educators in subparagraph (J) of Section 21B-20.

Paraprofessional educator endorsements remain valid for 5 years and are renewable through application and appropriate fee payment without additional requirements.