If you are a teacher’s assistant I salute you! When I consult in schools I gravitate to the teacher’s assistants (para-pro). If your child has a one on one aid, or has a teacher’s assistant who works closely with him or her, that person is usually the most important person in your child’s life when at school. Usually the assistant spends the most time with your child and knows your child better than anyone else at school. Ironically, they are usually the least respected staff at the school. Not to me, they are the prime person for helping your child feel safe, accepted, and competent. They are the most important person in my eyes, because they have the greatest impact on the child. Not that I don’t listen or respect the opinions of the teachers and professionals, but understanding the child’s perspective comes best from the assistant that works closely with the child. They are usually the “working partner” with the child, and are the key agents in helping the child throughout the day. Unfortunately they are often not invited to the IEP meeting, or brought in when supports are discussed. When I am involved I do nothing without the input of the assistants who work with the child. I pull them into the discussions and make them a prime agent in helping to design strategies for supporting the child. They often have the most invested in the child’s welfare, and have a clear vision on what challenges (social, academic, sensory, etc.) the child experiences throughout the day. They often are the child’s “significant other” for six hours a day. No one outside of the parents touches the child’s life more than the para-pro or teacher’s assistant. Parents, make sure you specifically invite the assistant to the IEP meetings, or any discussion regarding your child’s educational plan. Do not let them be overshadowed or take a back seat. Turn your attention to them, ask their advice, and provide as much support to them as possible. They are often the life line for your child at school. If you are a para-pro or teacher’s assistant on this page, please comment and be recognized. As a parent if you have a good assistant at school, tell us about him or her. Make sure they are recognized and treated with the respect they deserve. Thank you to all assistants that spend their days supporting our children at school.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:38:09 +0000
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