ParaPost Volume 1

February 2023 • Volume 1, Issue 1 www.centralriversaea.org ParaPost Welcome to the first edition of ParaPost! A post for paraeducators working with students within schools in Central Rivers AEA. We at Central Rivers AEA look forward to supporting you in your role as a paraeducator and hope you find this information helpful.



The Iowa Code lists the following paraeducator positions titles (a) paraprofessional (special education), (b) in- structional aide (Title I), and (c) educational aide (general education). In addition, a myriad of other position titles are used to describe paraeducators in educational settings: teacher associate, teacher aide, instructional assis- tant, learner assistant, transition trainer, job coach, education technician, home, and community liaison, childcare worker, native language tutor, media associate, clerk, health aide, lunchroom aide, office interventionist, library assistant, student support assistant, behavior management aide, student coach, and tutor. In schools, assistants to teachers are best described as paraeducators, just as their counterparts in law and medicine are designated paralegals and paramedics. The prefix “para” means “along side of,” as in working along side of an educator. So, we will use the term “paraeducator” to represent all those titles. Why you are so important Paraeducators play an active and essential ● Paraeducators are effective in their role in their work with children and youth work by getting resources, support, by providing encouragement, support, feedback, and assistance from assistance, and advocacy. teachers, administrators, and other members of the educational team. ● Paraeducators are critical to children’s and youth’s social, emotional, ● Paraeducators are professionals that academic, and vocational success. maintain positive, supportive, cooperative, and professional ● Paraeducators are respected and relationships. valued members of the educational team. ● Paraeducators need training prior to starting services and ongoing ● Paraeducators understand the needs professional development to keep of children and youth and have updated on best practices and current, specialized training to meet student effective strategies. needs. ● Paraeducators are valued team ● Paraeducators are part of the team and members and are recognized as communication among paraeducators, essential to the school’s success. license personnel, and parents is carefully planned and carried out.



Para Help Line Submit any questions you have and we will share the answers, advice, and guidance. Please submit your questions to [email protected] and our team will address them. I have to help many students with tests; sometimes I need help figuring out what to do or not to do. How can I make sure I’m providing the students with appropriate support, following their IEP and not giving too much help? Remember, tests are for what students know, so being sure you don’t give the answer or give hints as to what the correct answer is, is important. Always start with their accommodations on their IEP. Be sure to communicate with the special education teachers if you have questions or if you are providing support that may or may not be on the IEP. Our number one goal for students is for them to become independent individuals. I was recently hired as a paraeducator. My problem is that I run into parents at the grocery store who ask me questions about their children and others in the class. How should I handle this? For the time being, refer the parent to the teacher in charge of the class. Confidentiality is very important! Remember - It is best to never give out information in a public setting such as a grocery store.

Confidentiality... Paraeducators often have access to confidential information regarding students. A key responsibility of paraeducators is to practice responsible and ethical standards regarding confidential information. Paraeducators need to be knowledgeable about laws regarding confidential information and practice appropriate behaviors reflecting the law and respecting the privacy of students and families. The list below, from Paraprofessional Connection — Color Me Successful: Ideas to grow by for beginning and experienced paraeducators by Sam Mule, outlines some of the issues creatively and memorably. (Also in Appendix E: Guide to Effective Paraeducator Practices, Edition II, Iowa DE) Control information about the students. Only share information with those people who have a need to know and who have proper authorization. Never discuss school information regarding students while attending social events. Forward inquires regarding students to teacher and supervisory personnel if you are approached for confidential information. Interact with those who inquire in a manner in keeping with your responsibilities. Don’t discuss student situations in the lounge with staff who do not need to know. Explanations for not discussing a student are easier than explanations for inappropriately divulging confidential information. Not sharing is caring. Think about privacy. It’s important that things that happen at school stay at school. Appropriate information exchange carries with it responsibility. Learn how to handle uncomfortable inquiries in positive and courteous but confidential ways. Identify acceptable ways that the necessary people can access information. Treat confidential information as if your job depended on it – it may. You are part of positive public relations for schools. Confidentiality is a cornerstone. Protect it!

Paraeducator Billboard What’s coming up in para educator classes Central Rivers AEA Online- Classes available The following classes are currently in our system for paraeducators. Course 1 is a prerequisite for course 2 or 3. Courses 1-3 are required for those wanting to earn their paraeducator certification. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Kay Schmalen at [email protected]. ● #204124 CR - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/ Foundation (Watch for upcoming dates this summer/fall!) ● #204317 CR - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support (Currently in Session- Watch for upcoming dates this summer/fall!) ● #204318 CR - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral Support (May’ 23) ● #204379 CR - Paraeducators: Enhancing Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom (April’ 23) On-Demand content available While we don’t have content specific to paraeducators, the content found on the on-demand content system can be used to support paraeducators. More information availabe at: www.centralriversaea.org/classes-workshops-and-trainings/paraeducators/ Paraeducator Advisory Board Part of the evaluation of our paraeducator program is an advisory team that meets at least once a year. Its purpose is to review, discuss, analyze, and make recommendations based on the data and the per- spectives of its members. This team consists of in- structors, paraeducators, administrators, and teach- ers. Contact Kay Schmalen, Director of Professional Learning, at [email protected] if you want to join!

Who are you going to call? We’ve always said, “You don’t need to know it all, you just need to know who to contact.” Reach out if you want to know more about paraeducators and their work. Kay Schmalen Angie Gansen Director of Professional Learning Professional Learning Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Coming Next Month● ● ●A p A mpaInlfirppAenaoyrahnetootnaodgrpubeuuitreheckiccatenahGatitsoetvawootwenreriuotssatohplhemef:nissosWataeuhhtnmseaadertag?ripdale,aonsdrspaaoeolenlnndt’@thsuhioccbeaseisltenioitttairraesactslrewrofitovhnoeroyrgmsdeasitdea.org. Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices as required by all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state and local governing bodies and agencies. Students, parents of students, applicants for employment and employees of Central Rivers AEA shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging non-compliance with federal and state regulations requiring nondiscrimination in educational programs and employment. Inquiries concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Gina Weekley, Equity Coordinator, Central Rivers AEA, 1521 Technology Pkwy, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, Telephone: 800-542-8375.