Facilitator's Guide to The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms

Effective training for paraprofessionals is critical to the success of inclusive schools—but planning professional development sessions can be a complicated, time-consuming process. That’s why inclusion experts Julie Causton and Kate MacLeod created this digital Facilitator’s Guide, an essential companion to The Paraprofessional’s Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms, Second Edition.
User-friendly and comprehensive, this guide is your one-stop resource for effectively planning and delivering six 1-hour live or virtual training sessions on critical topics, each aligned with one or more chapters from the book. You’ll use the guide in tandem with the book to lead meaningful discussions with staff, communicate immediately useful information on scheduling and preparation, and enhance on-the-job knowledge and skills of the paraprofessionals you work with and/or supervise. Complete with step-by-step instructions and a package of online support materials, this invaluable resource is the key to preparing paraprofessionals to thrive in inclusive K–12 classrooms and provide effective, respectful supports to their students.

• Helps you teach the skills that matter. These sessions will help paraprofessionals master every key facet of their complex role, from professional collaboration to academic and behavior support.

• Cost-effective. Once the paraprofessionals in your school have their copies of The Paraprofessional’s Handbook for Effective Supports in Inclusive Classrooms, Second Edition, purchase this single digital product. You’ll have everything you need to conduct six hours of successful training: a manual plus access to the downloadable support materials.

• Easy to customize. Whether you’re looking to train just a few paraprofessionals or plan district-wide professional development, the sessions can be easily tailored to your needs.

• Works with your schedule. Sample schedules for whole and half-day sessions are included, so you can plan convenient and efficient professional development for your school or district.

• Can be live or virtual. Flexibility matters in today’s world, so these sessions were designed to be equally effective when delivered face-to-face or remotely.

Conduct training sessions on 6 critical topics:

• The Paraprofessional, Inclusive and Special Education
• Collaborating With Others
• Rethinking Your Students—Presuming Competence
• Academics and Social Supports
• Providing Behavior Support
• Developing Student Independence and Supporting Yourself

The digital Facilitator’s Guide includes everything you need: A manual, complete with checklists, talking points, activities, and frequently asked questions · Presentation slides for each session · Video clips from the authors introducing each session · Email templates to communicate with attendees · An editable certificate of completion

Need more in-depth training for paraprofessionals? Check out the virtual, on-demand PD for Paras course with Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak. Get four recorded expert trainings, each one 45 to 90 minutes, with prompts for reflection and discussion. https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/pd-4-paras/

See a sample clip from Session 1