Parents

Parents are often viewed as valued agents who provide positive changes in the lives of their children. Since the 1960’s, parents of students with disabilities have been the primary driving force behind the passage of major laws pertaining to inclusive education for their children. As a result, parents are now recognized as the best advocates and initiators of reform and as partners and collaborators with the school in the care, treatment, and education of their children.

Besides parents, the paraeducator is the other member on the educational team whose role has undergone a major change in recent years. To conform to the new ideology of inclusion and rapidly changing societal and legal priorities and demands, the role of the paraeducator has expanded to provide direct services that include monitoring of behavior as well as individual and small group instruction. Paraeducators often spend more time and have more contact with students compared to teachers and other service providers.

It is, therefore, imperative that parents have an understanding of paraeducator issues. FAQ posed by parents about paraeducators.