Special Education Recommended Core Competencies

To work in education and related services programs for children and youth with disabilities, paraeducators will demonstrate:

1. understanding the value of providing instructional and other direct services to all children and youth with disabilities;
2. understanding the roles and responsibilities or certificated/licensed staff and paraeducators;
3. knowledge of (a) patterns of human development and milestones typically achieved at different ages, and (b) risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development;
4. ability to practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality;
5. ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraeducator to work as an effective member of the instructional team;
6. ability to provide positive behavioral support and management;
7. knowledge of the legal issues related to the education of children and youth with disabilities and their families;
8. awareness of diversity among the children, youth, families and colleagues with whom they work;
9. knowledge and application of the elements of effective instruction to assist teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff in a variety of settings;
10. ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff;
11. ability to motivate and assist children and youth;
12. knowledge of and ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures of the agency where they are employed;
13. awareness of the ways in which technology can assist teaching and learning; and
14. awareness of personal care and/or health related support.