What is a typical role of a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities?

What is a typical role of a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities?

• A. Provide specialized instruction to all students
• B. Support one-on-one to assist with severe disabilities
• C. Develop IEPs
• D. Evaluate progress

Answer: (B)

In a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities, a paraprofessional’s typical role is to provide one-on-one support to address each student’s specific needs under the supervision of the licensed teacher. This direct, individualized assistance helps students access instruction, participate in activities, and stay safe. The paraprofessional may help implement goals from the IEP, assist with communication, support daily living skills, and carry out behavior and instructional strategies as directed by the teacher. Formal development of IEPs and official progress evaluations are tasks handled by the licensed educators and IEP team, not the paraprofessional. Paraprofessionals may collect data to support progress monitoring, but the formal decisions about programs and evaluations come from the certified staff.

In a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities, a paraprofessional’s typical role is to provide one-on-one support to address each student’s specific needs under the supervision of the licensed teacher. This direct, individualized assistance helps students access instruction, participate in activities, and stay safe. The paraprofessional may help implement goals from the IEP, assist with communication, support daily living skills, and carry out behavior and instructional strategies as directed by the teacher.

Formal development of IEPs and official progress evaluations are tasks handled by the licensed educators and IEP team, not the paraprofessional. Paraprofessionals may collect data to support progress monitoring, but the formal decisions about programs and evaluations come from the certified staff.