How to Include a Para in the IEP Writing Process

The IEP writing process is challenging enough, but when you do not use your secret weapon to help you, it can be even more difficult.

What secret weapon, you ask? Your para.

Paras play an important role in the child’s education and have great insight into what the student is doing and capable of achieving. By including them in the IEP writing process, you have the opportunity to create a comprehensive IEP with help and support.

Including Paras in the IEP Process

While each teacher and each school has their own IEP process, there is often a general lack of inclusion when it comes to involving the paras who work directly with the students in that process.

Why is that? In some districts, they are strict about who is in attendance at the IEP meeting and paras are not on that list. In other districts, IEP meetings are held during non-student hours which paras do not get paid for, and thus, they are not invited so they don’t have to attend without pay. And in some cases, the school considers it a liability for paras to attend either because they are concerned about what paras might say or because they would not be in compliance if the para was out of the classroom at the same time the teacher was.

But there are some great reasons to include them in the IEP process.

• They know the students’ capabilities.
• They often have a good rapport with students and can give insight into socio-emotional needs and behaviors.
• They know where students struggle.
• They know which modifications and accommodations work for the student and which do not.
• They can offer unique insight into the students’ academic and behavioral performance as they often work 1-1 with students.

Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about collaborating with your para:

If you are looking for more specifics on IEP’s like writing IEP goals and behavior plans – you’re in the right place!

You can join The Intentional IEP to gain access to over 150+ different IEP related trainings, and access to our IEP Goal Bank.  Click the image above to join!

What Including Paras in the IEP Process Looks Like

If you have decided to start including paras in the IEP writing process, what does that look like?

Participation in the IEP process can take many forms. Here are some of the ways that your para might be included in the process to better help you and the student.

Written Input

Ask your para to fill out a form about their observations, suggestions, and what they currently do with the student.

You can download this FREE Paraprofessional IEP Questionnaire here or by clicking the image above.

Collaborate

While you are working on the student’s IEP, ask the para for input. She will be able to give you her take on what is happening with the student. This is a good time for you both to collaborate and make sure that you are on the same page in terms of what you are seeing with the student.

Invite to the IEP Meeting

If your district allows it, invite your para to the IEP Meeting. If the meeting is after student hours and she would not be paid, explain that you would love to have her there but understand that she isn’t being paid so attendance is completely optional.

Inviting paras to the IEP meeting and giving their input on the IEP writing process has many benefits and can make writing the IEP a lot easier. However, more important is to make sure that your para knows that she is part of the team and that her contributions to the student’s education are powerful and valued.

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