A paraprofessional is a trained educational support professional who works under the supervision of a certified teacher or service provider to assist in the delivery of instructional and behavioral support services. In the context of working with students with disabilities in a general education classroom, the paraprofessional plays a vital role in promoting access, inclusion, and student success.

 

Paraprofessionals may be assigned to support an individual student or a small group of students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Their primary purpose is to help implement accommodations, behavioral interventions, and academic modifications as outlined in the IEP, enabling students to participate meaningfully in the general education setting. 

 

Qualifications

• Must at least hold an Associates’ Degree or have 48 semester hours of college coursework

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists teacher in supervising students individually or in small groups with activities involving instruction, physical care, physical education, arts and crafts, and social integration
• Assists student(s) with personal hygiene, grooming functions, toileting, and other self-help skills
• Provides physical care for assigned student(s) such as changing diapers and clothes and positioning students on orthopedic equipment
• Assists teacher in operating classroom and teaching skills related to level of achievement for specified individual and/or groups of students

• Reinforcing instruction and strategies provided by the classroom teacher or special education staff. 

• Assisting with behavior regulation and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs). 

• Promoting student independence, social skills, and engagement in classroom activities. 

• Supporting classroom routines and transitions to minimize disruptions and encourage learning. 

• Collaborating with teachers and specialists to monitor student progress and adjust supports as needed.

• Supervise students in the cafeteria, playground, buses, bathrooms, and other areas on and off school property (ex: field trips)
• Lifts student in/out of wheelchairs, assisting students off of floor, toilet/changing table
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher
• Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

 

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information
• Working knowledge of effective methods of dealing with children
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to communicate with school personnel, students, and parents while complying with the confidentiality requirements in local, state, and federal policies and statues
• Physical ability (able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally) and dexterity to perform duties of the job.