The third in a series of reports examines the future of special education paraprofessionals relative to cost effectiveness; unconventional programs in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, and Kansas; the state's role in licensing; recruitment; unionization; and survival of the field. Excerpts from studies are presented to emphasize minimal training of paraprofessionals in relation to the extensive service they provide. A forecast is made indicating that community colleges will no longer play a major role in training due to fiscal pressure. Described are the following parent-initiated programs: Focus on Children, (Jonesboro, Arkansas); the Philadelphia Association for Retarded Children, (Pennsylvania); the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, (California); and the Parsons-Labette Program, (Parsons, Kansas). Licensing is said to have variable support from national organizations such as the National Education Association, but strong backing from trainers, post-secondary institutions, and state agencies. The approaches of California and Louisiana in moving toward a statewide model are discussed. New sources of aides such as teachers in training are proposed, and recommendations for their recruitment are given. Among the union issues briefly reviewed are seniority, concern of unions for other groups, training, and unionism versus professionalism. A summary states that budget cuts and reduced federal funding are threats to survival of the field and that training in vocational tracks may aid field retention. (MC)