The intention of this paper was to propose certain principles and strategies for the "professional" use of paraprofessionals in education. It was stated that uncredentialed persons on school district payrolls are given few genuine opportunities to interact professionally with children, parents, and helping agencies, thus creating a waste of resources and a form of discrimination. These conclusions are supported and alternatives are offered by the reporting of observations gleaned from participation in programs utilizing paraprofessionals. The primary source referred to was School Parent Advisors to the Neighborhood (SPAN), a project based in Rochester, New York, that employs 33 adults as home-school-community relations workers. SPAN is a consistent, visible bridge between school and neighborhood. The 33 SPAN workers work with staffs of public and parochial, elementary, pre-kindergarten and secondary schools. They work toward a number of goals, most importantly at motivating and involving parents in dealing with the educational needs of their children. (Author/BW)