Paraeducator Handbook

Ongoing professional development

Paraeducators should be regarded as team members responsible for assisting in the delivery of instruction and other direct services. This requires systematic communication, on-the-job training, in-service training, teacher/paraeducator training, and conference activities, as well as career development and advancement including financial support for further education.

A variety of professional development options should be available to paraeducators, both to support their work and the diverse needs of students and to allow career mobility and flexibility. Here is a listing of potential delivery systems for professional development:

• paraeducator in-services sponsored by the school district
• teacher in-services sponsored by the school district
• universities and community and technical colleges
• educational service districts
• organizations business, professional, and community
• national, state, and local associations
• UniServ offices or councils
• private vendors

Specific professional development subjects may include child development, ethical, medical, or technical issues, but need not be limited to such areas. Some topics might be:

• behavior management and discipline
• child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• instructional strategies
• teachers and paraeducators working in teams
• confidentiality and ethics
• stress management
• basic computer skills
• data collection, inclusion
• conflict resolution
• reporting of child abuse
• first aid
• basic understanding of specific disabilities
• suctioning
• intermittent catheterization
• blood-borne pathogens
• specialty care (lifting, back care, etc.)
• CPR

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