Special Education Paraeducator Onboarding Checklist

Special Education Paraeducator Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Special Education Paraeducator starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Special Education Paraeducator, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Special Education Paraeducator onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Special Education Paraeducator Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new special education paraeducator attends an orientation session to learn about the school’s policies, procedures, and expectations. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or human resources department.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new paraeducator is introduced to the special education team, including the special education teacher, other paraeducators, and related service providers. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or team leader.

3. Classroom Tour: The new paraeducator is given a tour of the special education classroom, including an overview of the physical layout, resources, and materials available. The special education teacher or a senior paraeducator typically performs this task.

4. Review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs): The new paraeducator is provided with an overview of the students’ IEPs, including their goals, accommodations, and modifications. The special education teacher or case manager is responsible for sharing this information.

5. Training on Assistive Technology: The new paraeducator receives training on the assistive technology devices and software used in the classroom to support students with disabilities. This training is typically conducted by the special education teacher or a technology specialist.

6. Behavior Management Strategies: The new paraeducator is trained on the behavior management strategies and techniques used in the classroom to support students with challenging behaviors. This training is usually provided by the special education teacher or behavior specialist.

7. Collaboration with General Education Teachers: The new paraeducator is introduced to the general education teachers with whom they will be collaborating to support students in inclusive settings. The special education teacher or team leader facilitates this introduction.

8. Understanding Individual Student Needs: The new paraeducator is provided with detailed information about each student’s specific needs, including medical conditions, communication preferences, and sensory sensitivities. This information is typically shared by the special education teacher or case manager.

9. Shadowing Experienced Paraeducators: The new paraeducator shadows experienced paraeducators to observe their interactions with students, instructional strategies, and classroom management techniques. This task is usually coordinated by the special education teacher or team leader.

10. Review of Emergency Procedures: The new paraeducator is trained on the school’s emergency procedures, including lockdown drills, evacuation plans, and protocols for medical emergencies. This training is typically conducted by the school’s administration or safety officer.

11. Understanding Confidentiality and Privacy: The new paraeducator is educated on the importance of maintaining student confidentiality and privacy, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. The special education teacher or school counselor typically provides this training.

12. Introduction to Related Service Providers: The new paraeducator is introduced to related service providers, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, who work with students in the special education program. The special education teacher or case manager facilitates these introductions.

13. Review of Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHCPs): The new paraeducator is provided with an overview of any individualized healthcare plans for students with medical needs, including medication administration and emergency protocols. The school nurse or healthcare coordinator shares this information.

14. Understanding Crisis Intervention Techniques: The new paraeducator is trained on crisis intervention techniques to effectively respond to situations involving student aggression, self-harm, or emotional distress. This training is typically provided by the special education teacher or behavior specialist.

15. Introduction to Special Education Laws and Regulations: The new paraeducator is educated on the federal and state laws and regulations governing special education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This training is usually conducted by the special education teacher or a district-level special education coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Special Education Paraeducator checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Special Education Paraeducator up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.