The paratherapist training project was begun to increase training time provided to severely and profoundly handicapped students. Twenty-one retired persons volunteered to participate in a series of skill training modules that touched upon the following topics: observation, skill training, placement, individual or small group work, and daily and weekly staffings. Ss exhibited increases in knowledge and skills related to preschool exceptional children. Increases were maintained over a 2-year period. Additionl project success included increases in direct contact time from 132 to 400 hours per child yearly and substantial increases in developmental ages of the students. Findings suggested that such an approach may alleviate the manpower shortage in special education. (CL)