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Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals provide instructional and non-instructional supports and services for students in an educational and work settings. A special education paraprofessional is a person who works with one or more students with disabilities under the direction of a teacher or certified professional. Paraprofessionals may be known by various titles, including a teacher’s aide, teacher assistant, paraeducator, one-to-one aide, instructional aide, job coach, or personal care assistant (PCA).

In Pennsylvania, two types of paraprofessionals work with students with disabilities: instructional paraprofessionals and personal care assistants (PCA).

Resources

APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, this publication was developed for those interested in learning more or pursuing a career as a special education paraprofessional. Paraprofessionals provide instructional supports and services for students within a school setting and work with one or more students with disabilities under the direction of a teacher. 

Click here to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative. 
BSE Credential of Competency for Special Education Instructional Paraprofessionals BSE Credential of Competency for Special Education Instructional Paraprofessionals The PDE, BSE has developed a Credential of Competency for special education paraeducators to help them achieve "qualified" status as required by Chapter 14. While there are other ways a paraprofessional can meet the requirements of Chapter 14, the credential is a competency-based approach. This credential addresses seven core competency areas that are modeled after those developed by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) for special education paraprofessionals.
Education Leader - Administrators' Review of Systems and Supports for Paraprofessionals Education Leader - Administrators' Review of Systems and Supports for Paraprofessionals School leaders should periodically examine the practices and procedures related to special education paraprofessionals to determine areas of strength and those in need of improvement, so the educational needs of students with disabilities are met in the most effective and efficient ways. This issue of the Special Education Leader provides a tool that school leaders may use as a guide for evaluating a system's current practices.
Teachers' Desk Reference: Teachers and Special Education Paraprofessionals Working as a Team to Support Students Teachers' Desk Reference: Teachers and Special Education Paraprofessionals Working as a Team to Support Students This issue of  Teachers’ Desk Reference focuses on ways that teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and other personnel can blend their respective talents and expertise to advance student success.

Click here to order the entire Teachers' Desk Reference series in a convenient bundle.
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