Organization Station-- Paraprofessionals

Recently we shared a great post on our Facebook Page from Bree at Breezy Special Ed which shared ideas for How to Work Successfully with Paraprofessionals.

Today, we would like to continue focusing on paraprofessionals with some ideas for organization which will help those helping you know what is needed each day.

First, it is important to set the stage for success through communicating the general classroom expectations ahead of time. A list of roles and responsibilities and/or a Paraprofessional Handbook can be a great start. Allison created this handbook with her teaching team which can be found for free by clicking on the image below:

Sometimes, paraprofessionals are expected to start working with students with little to no training on their disabilities. This is such a disservice to these professionals who set out to do their best but are not given the tools to do so. Another resource Allison created can help paras learn more about working with students with disabilities. Click on the image below:

Once school has started, the best way to communicate expectations to paraprofessionals is through organized, detailed plans. We love the Zoning Plan method by Christine Reeve at Autism Classroom News.

This is the method Allison recommends in her SpEd Hacks workshop and when coaching teams because it accounts for the essential questions of which staff member (teacher or para) is doing what activity (lesson) with who (student) where (location) and how (instructional methods). It is a very detailed approach which ensures that every student is tended to and that every job gets done.

Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum

Make sure to give each paraprofessional a copy of their plan and post an extra in a central location that can be accessed if needed. This will cut down on class being interrupted to direct people to various locations. Also, when implementing a new plan, it is helpful to designate a location of the classroom where staff can write any discrepancies in the schedule that may arise (because it is bound to happen!) and this will also cut down on any interruptions because you can address it at a later time instead of during a lesson. Consider developing a Team Communication corner of the classroom where schedules, a calendar with important dates and requested staff leave days, an a place to write any questions, comments, or concerns throughout the day is a great support for classrooms with multiple staff members.

Labeling everything is also an EXTREMELY helpful way to help paraprofessionals know where materials are located. This makes gathering materials more efficient and can cut down on additional interruptions.

These drawers are labeled using adhesive backed business card holders that can be switched out when materials in the drawers change.

Lesson materials can be kept in tubs like the ones in these IKEA Trofast shelves. Each staff member can have a bin of needed materials that can be taken to their designated location during lessons. 

Carrie Prickett
Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg

Within each bin, specific lesson materials can be organized using folders and gallon-sized baggies to hold all of the manipulatives. Large labels detailing which staff member, days, times, students, and subject are helpful for efficiently finding materials and for replacing materials that may get lost.

In the high-stress environment of the classroom, it can be difficult for everyone to remember certain expectations. Often we have visuals to help the students remember but forget visuals for the adults too!

Tabitha Eaton
Main Elementary, Beavercreek

Sometimes, paraprofessionals may have extra time allotted for material prep. This could happen before or after school or during times when their assigned students are absent. Create a system for material prep that can be readily accessed at any time so they have what they need. Separate bins or folders for items that need copied, assembled, laminated, cut out, or passed back can be helpful.

Jamie Zimmer
Kettering Middle School, Kettering

Every special education teacher knows that it would be impossible to meet the needs of our students without our paraprofessionals so it is important that we show them the love!

Tabitha Eaton
Main Elementary, Beavercreek

Get the tags for the Paraprofessional Survival Kits Allison created by clicking on the image below: