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Getting Started
Getting Started Guide
☐Step 1: Read the Project PARA: Getting Started Guide to understand all Project PARA has to offer.
☐Step 2: Administrator will go to projectpara.com and select your district’s K–12 enrollment tier and complete the subscription purchase.
☐Step 3: The administrator will receive login details to access lessons.
☐Step 4: Administrator assigns lessons or schedules support with the Project PARA team.
☐Step 5: Each paraprofessional will receive an email invitation into Canvas
(learning management system) to access the online lessons.
☐Step 6: District may add the optional $10 per student for full progress tracking and reporting.
Lesson Descriptions
Core 1 Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
Lesson 1
Professional & Ethical Conduct in the School Setting
• Understand the ethical practices of paraprofessionals
• Define dignity and confidentiality
• Understand your role in Mandatory Reporting
• Recognize potential for cultural biases
• Understand the chain of command in the school setting
Lesson 2
Who Does What? The Roles of Staff in the School Setting
• Recognize the different roles within the school system
• Understand the paraprofessional’s role with parents
• Review legal documents required to support students: IEPs and BIPs
Lesson 3
Valuing Differences: Roles and Responsibilities in the Educational Teams
• Define related services and their roles
• Understand the paraprofessional’s role with related services
Lesson 4
Professional Boundaries: Working within Your Role
• Understand the expectations and boundaries of the paraprofessional role
• List examples of activities and responsibilities of a paraprofessional
Lesson 5
Professional Boundaries: Navigating Relationships
• Define professional boundaries
• Demonstrate understanding of confidentiality and privacy
• Communicate professionally and appropriately with school personnel and families
• Recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas
Core 2 Learner Development and Individualized Learning Differences
Lesson 6
Foundations of Child Development
• Identify typical developmental milestones
• Recognize atypical development
• Understand educational challenges related to development
Lesson 7
Understanding Disabilities and Their Education Impact
• Understand IDEA eligibility categories
• Recognize how different disabilities influence student learning, behavior, and engagement in the classroom
Lesson 8
Disability Across the Lifespan: Impact on Students and Families
• Define disability across life stages
• Understand academic, social, emotional impacts on students
• Gain awareness of family dynamics, finances, and well-being
Lesson 9
Communication and Learning: Academic and Social Impacts of Language Development
• Describe the different components of speech and language
• Understand how language and speech develop
• Explain the difference between receptive and expressive language
• Describe some of the effects of communication disabilities on academic and social learning
Lesson 10
Every Voice Matters: Supporting Non-Verbal Communication in Education
• Define non verbal communication
• Explain the different types of AAC devices and how they support learning
• Describe ways to support an AAC user in the classroom
Lesson 11
Fostering Independence and Self-Advocacy in Students with Disabilities
• Understand how to encourage student independence
• Give examples of supporting student self-advocacy skills
• Give examples of teaching and reinforcing self-control
Lesson 12
Communicating Effectively: Matching Methods to Student Language Proficiency
• Describe why communication matters
• Describe ways to support communication and conversations in real life situations
Lesson 13
Strategies Supporting Diverse Learners
• Describe why communication skills matter for diverse learners
• Define verbal vs non-verbal and written vs oral modalities
• List key strategies and classroom interventions
Core 3 Special Education Services and Supports in the Learning Environment
Lesson 14
Understanding Supports and Services in Special Education-IDEA Law
• Identify the key principles of IDEA, including FAPE, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Describe the role of paraprofessionals in implementing IEPs within IDEA guidelines
• Demonstrate understanding of confidentiality and ethical responsibilities under IDEA
• Apply knowledge of IDEA to real-life classroom scenarios
Lesson 15
Understanding Supports and Services in Special Education-IEP Walkthrough
• Understand the differences of supports, related services and specially designed instruction
• Recognize the purpose of each component within the IEP
• Understand paraprofessional responsibilities in key components of the IEP
Lesson 16
Introduction to Special Education Categories
• Understand IDEA eligibility for special education
• Review the 13 IDEA categories
Lesson 17
Foundations of Inclusion in the Classroom
• Describe inclusion and its value
• Understand the paraprofessional role in inclusive practices
Lesson 18
From Support to Independence: Using Proximity and Fading Effectively
• Understand the effects of proximity and fading on student engagement, learning and independence
• List strategies for building student independence
Lesson 19
Building Positive Relationships with Students
• Describe the importance of establishing and maintaining with rapport with learners
• Identify and apply strategies to effectively build and sustain rapport with diverse learners
Lesson - 20P
Understanding Supports and Services in Special Education-IDEA Law
• Identify the key principles of IDEA, including FAPE, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Describe the role of paraprofessionals in implementing IEPs within IDEA guidelines
• Demonstrate understanding of confidentiality and ethical responsibilities under IDEA
• Apply knowledge of IDEA to real-life classroom scenarios
Lesson - 20E
Understanding Supports and Services in Special Education-IEP Walkthrough
• Understand the differences of supports, related services and specially designed instruction
• Recognize the purpose of each component within the IEP
• Understand paraprofessional responsibilities in key components of the IEP
Lesson - 20HS
Introduction to Special Education Categories
• Understand IDEA eligibility for special education
• Review the 13 IDEA categories
Lesson 20D
Adapting Classrooms and Materials for Student Success (Disability Focus)
• Describe inclusion and its value
• Understand the paraprofessional role in inclusive practices
Lesson 21
Promoting Independence Through Routines and Transitions
• Understand the effects of proximity and fading on student engagement, learning and independence
• List strategies for building student independence
Lesson 22
Health and Safety Essential for School and Support Staff
• Understand the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy school environment
• Identify common health and safety responsibilities in a school setting
• Understand educational and medical terminology used in the school setting
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures
Core 4 Assessment
Lesson - 23E
IEP Accommodations: What Are They and How to Use Them (Elementary Focus)
• Identify and apply common accommodations used to provide access for elementary students
Lesson - 23HS
IEP Accommodations: What Are They and How to Use Them (High School Focus)
• Identify and apply common accommodations used to provide access for high school students students
Lesson - 24A
Effective Data Collection in Educational Settings (Academic Focus)
• Identify and apply ways to record objective and accurate data for academics goals
Lesson - 24B
Effective Data Collection in Educational Settings – Behavior Focus
• Identify and apply ways to record objective and accurate data for behavioral goals
Core 5 Learner Instructional Supports and Strategies
Lesson - 25E
Strategies for Success: Differentiation, Accommodations, Modifications, and High Leverage Practices (Elementary Focus)
• Define differentiated instruction
• Understand differences between accommodations and modifications
• Describe strategies that can help elementary students with disabilities succeed in the classroom
Lesson - 25HS
Strategies for Success: Differentiation, Accommodations, Modifications, and High Leverage Practices (High School Focus)
• Define differentiated instruction
• Understand differences between accommodations and modifications
• Describe strategies that can help high school students with disabilities succeed in the classroom
Lesson - 26E
Strategies for Success: Differentiation, Accommodations, Modifications, and High Leverage Practices (High School Focus)
• Identify and implement a variety of student engagement strategies appropriate for elementary students
• Recognize the importance of building positive relationships with students
• Understand the use of technology within the elementary classroom
Lesson 26HS
Blending Strategies and Technology for Effective Learning (High School Focus)
• Identify and implement a variety of student engagement strategies appropriate for high school students
• Recognize the importance of building positive relationships with students
• Understand the use of technology within the high school classroom
Lesson 26D-1
Blending Strategies and Technology for Effective Learning (Disability Focus…ADHD, Autism, Sensory)
• Describe the difference between instructional technology and assistive technology
• Identify common assistive and instructional technology tools for students with ADHD, Autism, and Sensory Processing Disorder
• Describe effective collaboration strategies for student success
Lesson 26D-2
Blending Strategies and Technology for Effective Learning (Disability Focus…Intellectual Disability)
• Describe the difference between instructional technology and assistive technology
• Identify common assistive and instructional technology tools for students with Intellectual disabilities
• Describe effective collaboration strategies for student success
Lesson - 26D-3
Blending Strategies and Technology for Effective Learning (Deaf/Hard of Hearing; Visual Impairments)
• Describe the difference between instructional technology and assistive technology
• Identify common assistive and instructional technology tools for students who have hearing and/or vision loss
• Describe effective collaboration strategies for student success
Lesson - 26D-4
Blending Strategies and Technology for Effective Learning (Disability Focus…High School Behavior and ED)
• Describe the educational challenges commonly experienced by students with emotional disabilities
• Identify and explain evidence-based instructional strategies that effectively support high school students with emotional disabilities
• Describe the difference between instructional technology and assistive technology
• Identify common assistive and instructional technology tools for students who have emotional disabilities
• Describe effective collaboration strategies for student success
Lesson 27
Optimizing Instruction: Time Use and Flexible Pacing
• Understand the role of paraprofessional in instructional time management
• Apply strategies for modifying instructional pace and organizational cues
Lesson 28
Fading Supports: Promoting Student Independence
• Describe strategies for providing least intrusive support and fading
support.
Core 6 Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Supports
Lesson 29
Positive Behavior Supports: Promoting Social and Emotional Success
• Recognize and describe observable student behaviors
• Understand common functions of student behavior
• Understand the basics of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and the paraprofessional role
• Accurately record and help interpret Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) data
Lesson 30
Understanding Behavior as Communication
• Understand all behavior is communication and has a function
• Describe how adult roles and responses will impact the communication of those behaviors
Lesson 31
Ensuring Compliance: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Behavior Support
• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities when providing behavioral support
• Recognize the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting student dignity
• Understand the limits of the paraprofessional role in behavior support
Lesson 32
Role Modeling for Growth: Paraeducator Contributions to Student Success
• Define role of a positive role model in a school environment
• Explore theories related to role modeling and social learning
• Identify key characteristics and behaviors of effective role models in educational settings
• Recognize how paraprofessional behavior influences students’ actions and attitudes
Lesson 33
Behavior Intervention Plans: Focus on Positive Behavior Supports
• Describe key components of behavior
• Identify and implement PREVENT strategies within a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) behavior intervention plan
Lesson 34
Reinforcement Systems in Action: Implementing Individualized Plans from the BIP
• Describe key components of behavior
• Identify and implement REINFORCE strategies within a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) behavior intervention plan
Lesson 35
From Plan to Practice: Social-Emotional and Behavioral Supports
• Describe key components of behavior
• Identify and implement TEACH strategies within a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) behavior intervention plan
Lesson 36
Creating Safe Spaces: Teaching Routines and Positive Behaviors
• Recognize the relationship of behavior and structured routines in school settings
• Apply specific methods to teach and reinforce safe behaviors across settings
• Develop skills for consistent language use and communication within the
educational team
Lesson 37
Behavior Response Strategies: From Reaction to Redirection-Trauma Informed Approach
• Describe trauma-informed principles in behavioral response
• Understand the role of adult regulation and clean slate approach
• Understand the use and limitations of restraint, seclusion, and blocking
Lesson 38
Behavior Response Strategies: From Reaction to Redirection-Communication Focus
• Describe the academic, social and emotional impacts of challenging behaviors on students and peers
• Recognize and respond to student behaviors using appropriate communication
• Understand the importance of consistency and collaboration in behavior support
Lesson 39
Supporting Social Development through Positive Peer Interaction
• Describe the impact of social skills on classroom climate, peer relationships and academic success
• Identify barriers to social skill development
• Apply evidence-based strategies to support the development of social skills in students including opportunities for peer interaction, conflict
resolution, and cooperative learning
Lesson 40
Resolving Conflict and Building Solutions
• Identify common sources in conflict in educational settings
• Understand the impact of unresolved conflict on students and staff
• Apply effective communication and problem-solving strategies
Core 7 Collaboration with Team Members
Lesson 41
Working Together for Student Success
• Understand the importance of collaboration among staff, families and students
• Recognize the role of paraprofessionals in supporting family-school communication
• Explore a parent’s perspective on their child’s education
• Demonstrate respectful, professional communication practices
Lesson 42
Positive Relationships: Professionalism and Collaboration in Schools
• Define professionalism in the school setting
• Understand the importance of collaboration within school teams
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