Paraprofessional Roles & Boundaries in Special Education: What Federal Law Requires
Description
Paraprofessionals change lives—but confusion about their role can lead to serious violations. In this training, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, explains exactly what federal law requires so teams can support students properly and protect FAPE.
What you’ll learn:
- Why paras must work under the direct supervision of a certified teacher
- How to identify when districts are using paras in place of special educators
- What to ask at IEP meetings to verify who is delivering services and how minutes are implemented
- Practical boundaries: data collection, accommodations, medical tasks, inclusion support, pullout, ISS, homebound
Referenced federal sources:
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – 34 CFR Part B: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34
- ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015): https://www.everystudentsucceedsact.org
- No Child Left Behind (historical context): https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/1
- OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs): https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep
Next steps:
- Join The Academy for 250+ hours of training and weekly updates:
https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about - Questions or training requests: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham
✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
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🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
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