5 Reasons We Love Our School Paraprofessionals (as Told in GIFs)
A new school year is beginning! For most families, the focus is often placed on teachers, classrooms and the coming adjustments students will encounter. School for any person can be a terrific challenge, but for those who have a disability, having a supportive paraprofessional can make or break their educational experience.
Here are five reasons to celebrate educational disability aides as we go back to class:
1. They help empower their student to have a voice.
For students who struggle with self-advocacy, communicating their needs or expressing their desires, an aide opens doors to a more connected world. Aides help with making sure those who are interacting with their student have patience, help with assistive communication technology and make sure needs are met.
2. They are a gift to their students.
It is often said that teachers make very little money for the time they give toward their profession. For paraprofessionals, this is exponentially true! Aides are tasked with making sure sensory needs are met, socialization skills are being utilized, providing reassurance, reinforce educational experiences as well as participate in training and accreditation. Aides really do it all, for a much smaller paycheck.
3. They provide stability for the children in their care.
The sensory, academic, social and emotional demands school places on the disabled can feel intense. Aides provide a foundation of security and a safe person to shelter from the chaos of the day when needed.
4. They help parents breathe easier.
When any child goes back to school each year, parents face concerns about the academic, emotional and social environment their child will navigate through on their first day. Parents of disabled children agonize about these things and so much more. Knowing that a child will be under the protective and watchful wing of their aide really gives a sense of peace to those of us at home.
5. They love the kids in their care.
After all, they wouldn’t be doing this job if they didn’t really truly love it and we truly love them in return.
Thank you!