What is a Paraprofessional, Instructional Assistant, and Aide?

[@Starbucksgurl21]

I appreciate you sharing this video. As a parent of a child with special needs, it helps me better understand how everything works. My son's teacher for the past two years has recently left his school, and the aide he was familiar with left shortly after. You can only imagine how these changes have flipped his world upside down. However, understanding the process helps me significantly. and also allows me to not only assist my child during this transition but also to understand the teacher and Aides a little better. There is a disconnect sometimes with parents and teachers and I don't think it's even realized until its too late. Knowing this information allows me to help his teacher (right now she's doing everything alone without assistance until they find another aide) We need clearer lines of communication without worrying constantly of repercussions from it. Someone out there in this world ruined this for the whole group and now parents are guarded and so are teachers…that is why things are so hard. This needs be corrected. It takes a village and thank you so much for helping understand and realize that I need to do more to assist in any way I am able to.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Yes, it takes a village, and communication is key. I'm currently teaching mod severe first-second, and it is a whole different world. There are parents that are superinvolved and parents that could care less, I believe this is where the frustration comes for educators. To be honest, really getting to know your child is key, and knowing what they are capable of doing and not doing. Some parents play the, "My child would never do that, or they don't do that at home." You can see how this would be hard and frustrating for us.
Honesty goes a long way, we are a team and not out to get the parents. I love my job and my students,but not asking for help or being in denial is like slapping us with a big stop sign. We cannot go any further.

[@Starbucksgurl21]

@@teachingthepetites4614 I understand and agree 100%. I should add that sometimes, “my child has never done that at home” is quite true. For example, my son started biting his aide last year during handwashing (2 separate events). He's NEVER done that at home. It sounds strange, but I was hoping he would so I could correct it myself or see what possibly “triggered” him to do so. He stopped, and it hasn't been an issue this year, but sometimes children do act differently for others than they do with their parents. You could ask any physical therapist about this, and I'm sure they can share 100s stories. I've been to many sessions with my son. Sometimes, he's excellent, and others, the therapist says, “Do you mind stepping out for a bit?” because it's hard work, and when mom or dad are around, our kids will sometimes put on a show, if it's just their therapist and them it's whole different ballgame-just wanted to to share that. I know it's not true for all situations, but I've encountered many of them in my journey. Thank you for all you do. Families like mine do appreciate all your hard work and wouldn't be able to survive without professionals like you.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@kellystevenson2967 That's very kind of you. I do understand what you are saying. I think communication like I mentioned is key.
I really love the population I work with, and all I can do is work hard so they can one day be independent and successful individuals in our society.

[@skuelmo]

I am working with a older teacher...she has a dismissive , guarded and extremely quiet demeanor only towards me 😞. She just wants me to clean tables ,cut stuff , but nothing of substance ,not even attendance, seems annoyed at all my developmentally appropriate interactions with the children and at the fact they have bonded with me . I'm so sad that the working relationship is so tense and cold on her side ...tried talking to her and she just listened and provided no feedback. I'm efficient , competent, do what I'm told promptly . I love the kids but it's hard to feel she micromanages everything I do , doesn't trust me and ensures I am not allowed much meaningful roles in the classroom. I am currently working on my license .

[@teachingthepetites4614]

I'm sorry. I think because there's a high turn around in aides/paras it's hard to give up control of our classroom. I'm currently teaching a 6th grade Special Day Class and have had 3 different paras this year. From experience I can say it's draining to train them knowing they might leave.
However, if you're working towards your credentials you will get your own classroom soon. 😊 You can also ask to be moved to a different school/classroom. Otherwise kill them with kindness.

[@yellow93lovely]

Im working as one myself and sometimes feel useless 😖 like the teachers don’t really need me

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@YELLOW We do. My lead para is amazing. She jumps in whenever she needs regarding ideas. However, we still try to keep it professional. We're not super close, but we're not clueless of each other's lives. Relationships between paras and teachers should come naturally. Humble has always been the key for me.

[@nutsack6656]

@@teachingthepetites4614 all you normies wanna do is spy on the children that wont go with your agendas

[@kathyk479]

Teachers like this feel threatened by any adult that comes in the classroom. You have to remember it's not you! It's there hang up! Talk to your principle and make them aware of the situation your In. Talk to your union as well, a teacher like this will try to make you look bad to make themselves look good. I have worked with several teachers like this over the past 33 years. In 1 case 1 student had been severely abused and was exhibiting destructive behaviors, (also homisidal tendency, suicidal tendency this had been a normal Sped kid. )1day she was absent. He had a complete melt down we ended up transporting him to the hospital. I knew nothing about the abuse that had taken place. After the teacher returned and she told me what had happened to the child . She said it was a need to know basis. I think i needed to know in this case what had happened. But She didn't trust me to tell me. Well yeah. Had I known I would have treated the hole situation differently. She neither trusted me nore liked me. She wanted to do it by herself. She transferred the next year. She wanted to teach reading! Not Sp Ed. Have been assigned to several classrooms where the teacher either didn't like me. Didn't trust me or just didn't want me in there classroom. I have made mistakes too. I'm human. I have also been in situations where regular ed teachers have seen I was having a difficult time with a student and tried to step in and take over dangerous vollital situations with no training! Thinking they could just tell the kid to stop and the kid will listen and I've seen regular ed teachers get hurt!

[@ariesasf]

Thank you for this video I went to an interview be the lunch supervisor they turned around and offered me this job I had no clue what it even is & said yes because I’m crazy and I have a test and it about two hours and I chose this job because of my daughter I needed a job that worked around her school hours since she now only has three years until college🥹 but I love kids and did volunteer for three years at my daughters elementary

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Wow that's awesome. Google will be your friend. The test is basic math, and Language Arts (reading and writing). You will do fine...if not you can try again, but I'm sure you'll pass.😊

[@ariesasf]

@@teachingthepetites4614 thank you !!!! I did pass and OMG I love it!!!! The kids and the teacher connect the 1st day. I can’t wait to learn more when school starts back up for fall.

[@laurareyna4046]

@@ariesasf how was the test? Was it hard??

[@ashharris287]

@@teachingthepetites4614 hi, do u have to be employed to take the test, or can u take before working at a School?

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@@ashharris287 good question. I took it after I got hired, and I assume that's the normal process because remember the people administering the test have to get paid too...by the school district of course.

[@moonlightsweetener4309]

im graduating college this year and my plan is to start off as a special education aid then become a special education teacher

[@teachingthepetites4614]

I think it should be a requirement. It allows you to see everything from the inside. 🙏

[@Ross71695]

Acabo de aplicar, estoy chocando información para el examen, cuando dices matemáticas básicas, podrías extender que tipo de contenido por favor. Los videos de UA-cam para paraprofessional incluye geometría y algebra.Estoy confundida.

[@robertafierro5592]

Read Malachy McCourt's book Teacher Man. He taught at Sewer High School.on the Lower East Side of Mahattan. Afgirmative Action in the late 70s and early 80s brought about the Para Professional. That was just the beginning of the Public Schools goung down. Problem is, these women and some men, mistakenly think theyre Teachers..they usually stay at the Para Professional level because now its a Union Job. New York and NJ have a long way to go.

[@mysteryworld8170]

Challenging behaviors is another challenge as well..........

[@teachingthepetites4614]

I agree. It's not just one factor that contributes. It's parenting, poverty, technology...

[@Lazy_mom]

I saw a job which said “ Classification : Mixed “. What does it mean?

[@mygirlx]

Que pasa cuando no has tenido experiencia en usa…

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Pienso que es dificil. Algo grande de nuestro trabajo es poder comunicarnos con los estudiantes y maestros. Hablas Ingles?

[@mygirlx]

@@teachingthepetites4614. Entiendo si. Leo y escribo, but i need improve the way I speak English.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@@mygirlx read...read...I was actually born in Mexico city. So, I had a thick accent. Look at me now?
I taught myself how to read, speak...I want to help others.
Read aloud...listen for your mistakes...correct them...and look up definitions.

[@jessicagalvin363]

Hello. Thank you for your video and the info you provided. I do have a question for you if you don't mind. Currently I work as a lunch monitor at my school district but see postings for teacher aide and program aide positions. Trying to understand the difference between them. Work in a elementary school and love the environment/staff but also thinking about future plans. Plus my background is associate degree in early childhood, various daycare settings and worked in school transportation(driver/monitor). So again thinking about future plans but trying to understand the difference between the two. Plus NY has a NYSED certification that I guess that will need to get as well. Starting to find out more info on that. Any tips/suggestions I greatly appreciate!
Jessica 🤗

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Teacher aide, instructional assistant, and paraprofessionals are simply supportive staff for the credential teacher. Many states will require you to take a test or even get certified. You should reach out to HR.
However, your main job will be to support the teacher in whatever she or the students need. This may look like cutting, laminating, and making copies some days... while other days will be more structured like you running a reading center for 30 min or so. Your work will vary.

[@jessicagalvin363]

@@teachingthepetites4614 Hello and Happy Sunday to you. Thank you for the info and definitely will check in with HR. I know NY State is very strict on there certifications for various career areas and just hard find the right info sometimes. Again appreciate your time and feedback!
Jessica 🤗

[@zh9931]

Hi Cecilia,
Really appreciate your comprehensive description about instructional aide.
Can you advice me that is it better to take ECE A.S or Elementary school A.S as I want to try both kindergarten and Elementary school A.S.
Will Elementary schools consider an assistant teacher with ECE Associate degree?
Thanks

[@teachingthepetites4614]

It depends on your state. California is desperate for teachers, so some schools districts don't require an Associate's Degree (to be an assistant). They simply require 9-12 ECS credits. I would definitely contact HR and ask (sometimes they won't post it).
When I started I had 12 ECS credits and that was ok. However now that I'm pursuing my Sped credentials none of those credits transfered. Which is something to think about if you want to pursue your teaching credentials later on.

[@zh9931]

@@teachingthepetites4614 thanks
Stay blessed

[@zoeraschick1]

So I recently started working for a health care agency, and they asked me if I'd like to work in the school as a para, I have no formal training yet and I was just wondering what I should expect.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

You work with children. It's like a step down from a teacher, however you need to have some knowledge of basic math, reading, and writing. It's fun, but you do have to have a passion for teaching. If not it will just be another job.
...or at least be willing to learn.

[@zoeraschick1]

@@teachingthepetites4614 thank you❤️ I'm nervous about it, but it's always been a passion of mine to help people, and being new to the field I just want to do my best

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@@zoeraschick1 sounds like you're perfect for the job.

[@ericbickel8117]

I just got hired as a para too. No experience, but I am in college for early childhood education. This will get me a better feel of a classroom and experience.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@@ericbickel8117 I agree. Everyone should be a para before choosing to be an educator.

[@kathyk479]

Its a bit diffrent in Ohio!

[@anelgarcia4116]

Hi Cecilia
Any tips you can provide on the CBEST?

[@teachingthepetites4614]

I bought the Cbest cliffs notes from Amazon. Haven't taken it yet, but I heard it's no longer required in CA. As long as you can prove that you took courses that meet the requirements.
I'm still in the Sped credential program and to be honest I just haven't had time to schedule my test appointment

[@dianathen5830]

I would like to know how I can contact you? Thank you

[@teachingthepetites4614]

What would you like to know?

[@kuldeepkaur4688]

What is standard paraprofessional exam. What do they cover in the test?

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Basic Math and Reading.

[@kuldeepkaur4688]

I applied through edjoin wccusd. Is there any study guide available?

[@kuldeepkaur4688]

I have test next week

[@teachingthepetites4614]

@kuldeep kaur you can find them online. I contacted the hr department, and they provided me with sites.

[@murshedaakhter4255]

​@kuldeepkaur4688 can you tell me about your test please

[@kuldeepkaur4688]

Hi I passed the test.can u plz tell what is the next step?

[@teachingthepetites4614]

Yayy...congratulations. Did you apply at a certain district?
I would call their HR and ask. You may have to do some interviews

[@kuldeepkaur4688]

@@teachingthepetites4614 thanks

[@madhurisanap]

How much they pay

[@kristinanicole6778]

In my state they pay about 15 or 16 an hour

[@gustavogo2915]

@@kristinanicole6778that’s sad . Here it’s 52K salary

[@lilianagonzalez5181]

Hi
Thanks for the information.
I currently have 6ECE credits and working on another 6, I’m looking into a instructional aide position and most have the option to take a instructional aide test through the district. Would you know if that test is really difficult? I’m in California. Thanks

[@teachingthepetites4614]

I'm in California also. No, it's not hard. It includes basic math and English/writing skills. I would just fresh up on those skills.