Para eLink: Where Minnesota's Paraprofessionals Learn Online

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1.2 (1K2C): Awareness of the human and legal rights and responsibilities of parents and children/youth as they relate to students.

The Paraprofessional's Role in the Individualized Planning Process

A perfect example of teamwork is the development of an individual plan. As you have learned in this unit, there are many types of individual plans developed to meet the educational goals of individuals with disabilities.

It is essential that the paraprofessional be involved in the process because the paraprofessional often works directly with the individual with the disability. For example, if the paraprofessional serves as the bus assistant, he or she may also be the staff member who has regular contact with parents. Therefore, often, the paraprofessional may personally know the individual, the family, and their needs.

The paraprofessional may or may not be involved in the actual individual planning meetings. The meetings may be scheduled at times when a paraprofessional is not on site (after regular school hours) or is busy with other school activities and responsibilities (i.e., performing bus duty). Sometimes the paraprofessional is not asked to attend because it is not considered standard practice to invite paraprofessionals to these meetings.

However, some involvement towards the planning is still possible. For example, you may be asked to write a detailed report of your work with the students and your recommendations. Because paraprofessionals are being given more and more responsibility, your contributions are essential. Talk to your supervising teacher about what level you are expected, want to be, or need to be involved in the individual planning process.

Activity 1

The degree of paraprofessionals' involvement in writing a plan will often depend on the needs and preferences of the family. Paraprofessionals have a large role in implementing the plan's components because they regularly apply their skills in the classroom or the community by working directly with children.

The following chart contains some examples of how you can help implement the components of IEPs and IFSPs.

Get a worksheet that you may print for this activity.

In the last column, write down how you have been involved in these activities in the past or how you will be involved in your current position.

Example of Activity Worksheet
IEP and IFSP Components	Paraprofessional Role	Your Personal Experience
Assessment: Current levels of performance	Share observations with teacher.
Placement: Least restrictive environment	Work with child or family in integrated classrooms, out in the community.
Annual goals: Instructional objectives	Share observations with the teacher about progress or lack of progress.
Implementation: Actual instruction	Assist teacher by enhancing instruction or providing practice in a variety of ways.
Evaluation of goals: Help monitor children's progress	Communicate with teacher.