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-Statewide Autism Resource and Training Project-
Paraprofessional Need and Role Description
Paraprofessional support should only be provided when
the student needs direct academic, behavioral or social support.
Determining IF a Paraprofessional is Warranted:
1. Is there a safety concern for self or others?
2. Does the student require continual teacher prompts or help during instructions and/or after instructions (e.g. during independent work)?
3. Does the student require assistance with functional skills (dressing, organization)?
4. Do peers exclude the student in classroom activities?
If you answered YES to any question with regard to a particular point on the schedule, a paraprofessional may be warranted DURING THAT TIME.
Typical ROLES for Paraprofessional if Determined that one is Warranted:
1. Support the student in interacting effectively with the environment:
--Interpret Environmental / Educational Expectations
--Assist in Material Organization
--Assist in Desk Top Organization
--Implement Academic Accommodations / Modifications
--Support /Facilitate Socialization
--Support/Facilitate Communication
2. Provide additional learning opportunities:
--Prompt appropriate behavior / work completion, etc.
--Run Behavioral Systems
3. Assist the student in learning systems or using tools that allow for optimal participation in the school environment:
--Visual Schedules
--Visual Prompts
--Modeling Peers
