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.
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
Dive deeper into trainging JUST for paras with the experts,
Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN PD ADVENTURE
AMAZING SUPPORT FOR THOSE PROVIDING AMAZING SUPPORT
Make it make sense! Paraprofessionals are staff who have the least training and work with our most challenging learners. It doesn’t have to be that way! Your paraprofessionals are integral to the success of every student. Equip them with invaluable insights through this exclusive on-demand series featuring inclusion experts and authors Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak.
This unique dashboard grants 24/7/365 access to session content, practical tips, handouts, and a plethora of downloads packed with evidence-based practices for effectively supporting children and students with disabilities. Enroll today and take a significant step toward creating classrooms where every student's potential is celebrated.
FINALLY TRAINING YOUR PARAS HAVE TIME FOR!!
Immerse your paraprofessionals in a dynamic, expert-led experience tailored just for them!. With Para-Bytes, 24 byte-sized videos, covering Foundational Practices, Academic Strategies, Behavioral Strategies, and How to Support Student Independence, you’ll revolutionize inclusive support!
These byte-sized trainings are, co-taught by inclusion experts Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, and cover EVERYTHING paraprofessionals need to know to provide exceptional inclusive support to ALL students
Buy the book for your whole team
FREE WORKSHOP FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
How to Train & Retain Paraprofessionals
Struggling to find time or the right strategies to train your amazing paraprofessionals? Join Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak for a free workshop packed with practical, time-saving solutions specifically for school administrators.
Why Should I Attend?
- Discover 32 Proven Strategies: Motivate, retain, and empower your paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and aides with actionable strategies.
- Quick & Impactful Trainings: Learn about Para-Bytes—our most popular, bite-sized PD sessions designed specifically for paraprofessionals.
- Practical Tools for Behavior Management: Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that help paras confidently address challenging behaviors.
- Help with Student Independence: Equip your paraprofessionals with proven techniques to support students in becoming more independent.
This isn’t just another workshop—it’s a hands-on, transformative session tailored to help you lead your team with confidence and ease.
Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your support for paraprofessionals and create a more inclusive, effective school environment.