The Paraprofessional’s Handbook Second Edition
An essential hands-on guide for new and seasoned paraprofessionals—and a must-have for the educators and other professionals who support them—this empowering book takes the guesswork out of this critical classroom role so you can help students with disabilities reach their full potential.

bring the book to life
Join the author, Julie Causton,
for 4 Sessions of Life-changing Trainings
The Paraprofessional
I was told I got the job, and I knew I would be supporting a student named
Helena. But before school started, I hadn’t met her and I wasn’t really sure what I
would be doing day in and day out. I thought it might be a good idea to have some
information or training about what the job of paraprofessional really entailed.
—Maria (paraprofessional)
Like Maria, some paraprofessionals are hired each year with limited training
or knowledge about how to support students with disabilities. Alternatively,
other paraprofessionals enter the field with teaching degrees or the equivalent
in experience. This book is meant to support any person in this role with any
amount of knowledge or training and to provide essential knowledge and guidance
about the following topics:
1. What it means to be a paraprofessional
2. Basic information about inclusive education
3. Information about special education
4. How to work within a team
5. How to think about the students you support
6. How to provide academic supports
7. Strategies to provide social supports
8. How to provide behavioral supports
9. How to build student independence
10. How to take care of yourself while doing this incredibly important
work
Throughout this book, we will provide you with numerous resources and
strategies to support your work, and we encourage you to actively engage in the
following tasks, which will be indicated by a corresponding icon:
What’s new
- New chapter on Respectful Support for Developing Student Independence
- More on key topics such as collaboration, presuming competence, and supporting social and academic success for students with diverse abilities
- New and updated research, practices, digital tools, resources, examples, quiz questions, and reflection activities throughout the book
- Package of online materials, including printable activities, forms, and worksheets

interior features
Get it Now!
An essential hands-on guide for new and seasoned paraprofessionals—and a must-have for the educators and other professionals who support them—this empowering book takes the guesswork out of this critical classroom role so you can help students with disabilities reach their full potential.
bring the book to life
Learn Even More with PD for Paras on Demand 1 & 2
Four sessions of life changing training taught by the author, Dr. Julie Causton
- Session 1: Going beyond the label
Session 2: Helping kids become independent
Session 3: Decoding the ABCs of the IEP
Session 4: Dealing with big emotions
Buy the book for your whole team
