Organization Station: Delegating Responsibilities to Paraprofessionals

In many special education classrooms, paraprofessionals are essential team members who ensure the safety of students, assist in learning activities, and aid the teacher in managing classroom tasks. Often when we encounter teachers who are overwhelmed by their workload, we recommend looking at the tasks they are trying to handle by themselves and determining which can be delegated to their paraprofessionals. Not only does this reduce burnout but it also allows the paraprofessionals to learn more about the ins and outs of the classroom and increases the sense of teamwork and classroom community. Today's Organization Station features some of the ways we have seen responsibilities delegated to paraprofessionals in our referral classrooms. 

Learning Activities

Paraprofessionals can assist during learning activities through assisting students during inclusion and group activities or leading their own small group or 1:1 learning. Clearly communicate expectations through schedules, lesson plans, and zoning plans. 

Daily Center Schedule
Jackie Vollmer
Driscoll Elementary, Centerville

Daily Center Schedule
Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum-Butler

Daily Detailed Staff Schedule
Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum-Butler

Additionally, provide materials and space for paraprofessionals to organize what they need to successfully support students. 

Staff Lesson Materials
Jackie Vollmer
Driscoll Elementary, Centerville

Inclusion Student Materials
Mandy Schetter
Northmoor Elementary, Northmont

Math and Reading Practice Materials with Directions
Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Data Collection

In many of our classrooms, paraprofessionals share the workload when it comes to taking student data. This is a great way to help students work on skill generalization across staff and it can be so helpful for lightening the load of the intervention specialist. 

IEP Goal Sign Up Board
Tim Sullivan
Springfield High School, Springfield

Daily Traveling Data Collection Sheet
Mandy Schetter
Northmoor Elementary, Northmont

AAC Vocabulary Programming List
Jackie Vollmer
Driscoll Elementary, Centerville

Student Goal Visual Reminders
Karyn Smith
Tri-Village High School, Tri-Village

Material Preparation

In the special education classroom, there never seems to be a shortage of materials that need prepared by making copies, laminating, or assembling. Then, finding time to store or organize these materials takes time too! Delegating this responsibility allows paraprofessionals to preview learning materials and better understand where everything is located within the classroom. Having a designated system for material preparation ensures that staff always know where to go to find what needs to be done. This is perfect for those last-minute times when a student may be absent or staff has time during a whole group lesson (if they aren't needed to help with students at that time of course!). 

Staff Communication Corner with Material Prep Organization and Materials
Molly Magoteaux
Kleptz ELC, Northmont

Folders for Copies and Lamination
Jamie Zimmer
Kettering Middle School, Kettering

Material Prep Organization
Lindsey Woods
Fairborn Primary, Fairborn

Material Prep Organization
Rylie Jarrett
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Daily Tasks

Often classroom teachers' heads are spinning with all the things that need to be remembered and decisions to be made. This can make it challenging to remember daily tasks that are not part of the learning routines. Delegating these tasks to paraprofessionals can make sure nothing is forgotten throughout the day!

AAC Charging Reminders

Papers for Daily Folders
Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Weighted Vest Schedule
Nicia Cook
Kenwood Elementary, Springfield

Student Schedules for Setting Up Interactive Visual Schedules
Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum-Butler

For more ideas on working with paraprofessionals, don't miss our previous posts:

Paraprofessionals

Communicating with Paraprofessionals