Paraprofessionals
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Description: Ultimate Behavior Toolkit: What Works (CIEES at ODU) - The use of evidence-based practices in the classroom is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are many practices that are simple to use. This series will provide a toolkit of strategies to assist school personnel to implement evidence-based practices that promote positive student outcomes. Elementary Video Modules- These modules will help elementary school teachers with evidence-based strategies for 11 common...
Description: The Core Competencies for Special Education Paraeducators represent the required knowledge and skills all paraeducators need to safely and effectively support students with disabilities in K-12 settings. Paraeducators work in general education and special education classrooms, nonclassroom school settings (e.g., cafeteria, playground), and community-based learning sites supporting an entire classroom of students or individual students with disabilities. Paraeducators provide individualized...
Description: Brain Injury and Concussion Resources includes: RCPS Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion Response Process - Flow Chart Concussion Symptoms and Accommodations CMT-1 CDC Concussion Signs and Symptoms CMT-2 RCPS Concussion Symptom Monitoring CMT-3 RCPS Concussion Notification to Teachers CMT-4 RCPS Concussion Academic Monitoring CMT-5 - Recommendations for Referral to Student Study Due to Long Term Symptoms CDC Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions And more....
Description: Recorded edWebinar: New Teachers: Surviving the Schedule - New teachers are inundated with demands on their time. This edWebinar provides practical tips for balancing the demands on your time before and after school and during planning. Learn how to organize time for easy communication with paraprofessionals, general educators, co-teachers, administrators, and parents. Learn what time wasters to avoid so that you can focus and prioritize what must be done when. Know when an investment of time...
Description: The Color Coded Eye Gaze frame (adapted by Erickson, 2000) is intended for students with multiple significant physical and hearing impairments, including those with unknown cognitive skills. The eye gaze frame is often used by students that are unable to hold a pencil or unable to physically manipulate a standard or an enlarged keyboard. For students who have such challenges, using their eyes can be the easiest. Students need to have some degree of vision, but it does not need to be completely...
Description: Think Work Stories - This site highlights the employment successes of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who are working in paid jobs in their communities. Through the use of innovative, front-line employment support practices, these individuals are earning money, forming networks, and contributing to their communities. Learn more about these people and the promising practices that led to their success.
Description: Recorded Webinar: Evidence Based Specially Designed Instruction in Mathematics - This 90-minute webinar highlighted the strategies found in new VDOE resources that detail mathematics supports and strategies educators can use to enhance instruction for students with disabilities in mathematics. This webinar highlighted strategies found in the Students with Mathematics Disabilities: Frequently Asked Questions and the Evidenced Based Specially Designed Instruction in Mathematics Resource Guide.
Description: Project Success offers research-based, targeted professional development and coaching for teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals who support students with disabilities. By focusing on the expansion of inclusive practices and the integration of academic standards and functional skills, educators receive the support they need to be successful in improving student outcomes. Whether they are new to supporting students with disabilities or have decades of experience, Project Success meets...
Description: Assistive Technology Internet Modules are designed to provide high-quality information and professional development on assistive technology (AT) for educators, professionals, families, persons with disabilities, and others. Each module guides you through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, a glossary, and much more. ATIM modules are available at no cost.
Description: National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) - Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) is a term used to describe the constellation of signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) describes SBS as a subset of AHT with injuries having the potential to result in death or permanent neurologic disability. Can Tossing My Baby in the Air or Rough Play...
Description: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. CDC is committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASD, search for factors that put children at risk for ASD and possible causes, and develop resources that help identify children with ASD as early as possible. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Screening & Diagnosis Treatments Materials & Multimedia Research & Tracking Data &...
Description: As part of its barrier-busting mission, CAST offers a number of robust (and free) learning tools. These tools—many designed and tested as part of CAST’s research projects—help educators, developers, families, and other individuals experience the power of flexible learning environments. Clusive®?: An Accessible, Digital Reading Platfort Corgi: Co-organize Your Learning Biofab Explorer TIES Lessons for All: The 5-15-45 Tool CAST Figuration®? Learning Designed™ UDL...
Description: Families are the enduring presence in the lives of young children with disabilities. This volume contains activities to support early care and education staff and families in developing positive relationships that support collaboration and family leadership. Session 1: Creating Bright Futures (Building Relationships with Families) Session 2: Listening to Families Session 3: When Concerns Arise: Learning from Families' Experiences Session 4: Getting...
Description: The mental health of our children is a natural and important concern for us all. The fact is, many mental disorders have their beginnings in childhood or adolescence, yet may go undiagnosed and untreated for years. We refer to mental disorders using different “umbrella” terms such as emotional disturbance, behavioral disorders, or mental illness. Beneath these umbrella terms, there is actually a wide range of specific conditions that differ from one another in their characteristics...
Description: Cerebral palsy—also known as CP—is a condition caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control our ability to use our muscles and bodies. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. Often the injury happens before birth, sometimes during delivery, or, like Jen, soon after being born. CP can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild CP may mean a child is clumsy. Moderate CP may mean the child walks with a limp. He or she may...
Description: Giving a child a home is a remarkable gift. This page is written for the families who’ve adopted children with disabilities (and without!) and those who offer them safe haven through fostering. It’s also written for those who work in state agencies or in private organizations who find foster homes and adoptive families for so many children.
Description: Collaborative Teaching Courses 1, 2 & 3 ($50 for single-use license - access for one year from purchase) Collaborative Teaching Course 1: A Marriage of Talents and Temperaments Collaborative Teaching 2: Next Steps for Effective Partnerships Collaborative Teaching 3: Setting the Stage for Success Resource Library: Inclusion Resources Differentiated Instruction Resources Collaborative Teaching Resources Paraeducator Resources
Description: The organization of the document, as detailed in the Table of Contents, is as follows: Introduction: Establishes a common vocabulary, defines co-teaching, and describes the six co-teaching approaches; Guidelines for Administrators: Considerations for Beginning a District-Wide Co-Teach Program: Provides information for district-level administrators on setting up and implementing a co-teach program; Guidelines for Campus Administrators: Considerations for Beginning a Campus Co-Teach Program:...
Description: Improving the Communication Abilities of all Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder We have developed Communication Guidelines and Resources to support educational team members in enhancing the communication abilities of students with ASD and to create lifelong learners. The Communication Guidelines and Resources are designed to: Enhance understanding of what communication is, Enhance understanding of why communication is important, and Advance expectations, knowledge, and skills related to...
Description: What does it feel like to learn and think differently? Use these simulations and videos to see the world through your child’s eyes. Experience firsthand how hard it is to complete a task when you have trouble focusing. Or how frustrating it is when your hand won’t write what your brain is telling it to write. You can also see kids of different ages talk about how it feels to learn and think differently — and what helps them thrive. This resource contains: Simulations...
Description: The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional...
Description: 100 Day Kit for School Age Children The days after an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children between the ages of five and 13 make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis. This kit will help you learn more about autism and how to access the services that your child needs. It contains information and advice collected from trusted experts on autism and parents like you. What is autism? Core signs and...
Description: This section includes the following: The Bullying Problem: What You Need to Know, Bullying laws: Your child's rights at school, How to Help Your Child Defend Against Bullies, Bullying Fact Sheet 8 Steps to Take If You Suspect Bullying at School, Signs of Bullying in Grade School And more
Description: The Virginia Autism Council is a group comprised of self-advocates, professionals and family members. This Council works to advance knowledge and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by defining skill competencies needed to effectively support a person with ASD and to advance higher education, training and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers who provide support. The VAC website is Virginia’s clearinghouse on education and training opportunities taking place...
Description: Dental Tool Kit - Visits to the dentist and oral care at home can be difficult for people with autism. Autism Speaks partnered with Colgate and Philips-Sonicare to create a dental guide and video for families of children with autism and dental professionals. These tools are designed to: help families and caregivers find the right dentist teach families and caregivers how to effectively prepare for a visit to the dentist decrease anxiety about going to the dentist provide information for...
Description: These Bullying fact sheets include: Bullying Behavior and Mental Health Bullying and Children with Disabilities-Health Care Needs Cyberbullying Types of Cyberbullying
Description: The Customized Employment 101 webinar will assist special education teachers, transition coordinators and employment specialists of middle and high students in considering person-directed employment beyond the confines of traditional job development. The outcome of customized employment planning is paid, community-based employment for students with complex lives. (VCU Center on Transition Innovations)
Description: The Process of Discovery surrounds a person-centered approach to gathering information about the prospective worker to guide the development of customized employment and work experience. Discovery answers the question "who is this student?", "what contributions can he/she make? and "where and when are they at their best?" This process uses portfolios, visual resumes, interviews and observations to uncover the unique contributions, skills and interests that each person can bring to the job. (VCU...
Description: People First Language- Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Yet historically, our words have contributed to negative attitudes and misrepresentations about the value of people with disabilities in our society. To end discrimination — at work, at school, and in our communities — it’s important to stop using language that denies a person's value, individuality, and capability. As its name implies, People-First Language puts the individual first and the disability second. It's...
Description: Are you looking for information on a health condition or perhaps trying to find health services? There are lots of medical sites out there that explain conditions in terms you don’t need to be a doctor to understand. And there are sites that can help you locate healthcare services in your community.
Description: Building effective communication skills is a critical component of the education of all students with ASD. It requires a systematic plan that ensures communication instruction is individualized to fit the short term and long term needs of the student. This involves individualized communication instruction, team collaboration, a system of communication that allows for effective and efficient communication, and implementation of evidence-based strategies and supports.
Description: All children are able to learn, just not in the same way. Autism is an information-processing difference that affects: communication, social interaction, sensory response, and learning and thinking. In part 1, we discussed academic strategies for the classroom. This presentation will address strategies for the unstructured time within the school day, environmental supports, social supports, and communication supports. Dr. Webb will also discuss strategies for managing behavioral challenges.
Description: Our goal in education must be to create a rich educational setting for all children. Special Education was originally designed as a "resource" to educational programs, not as a separate placement. Research indicates that removing children from their typical peers, undermines their capacity to learn the skills that will enable them to belong. Statistics from the CDC show a dramatic rise in Autism; therefore we must prepare our inclusive classrooms to create the educational setting to address the...
Description: No More Meltdowns: Managing and Preventing Challenging Behaviors - Part 1 - All of us can have meltdowns when we lose control and seem immune to reasoning. Having consistent rules and consequences for such behavior is important, yet there are times when such traditional discipline seems ineffective. When consistent discipline is not enough, we need to understand why these difficult moments continue. This presentation is designed to (1) learn ways to de-escalate a meltdown in the moment, (2)...
Description: 1. Value your child's questions. 2. Explore and find the answers together. 3. Give children time and space to explore. 4. Acceot that explorations are often messy. And more...
Description: Bullying is a serious problem with horrible consequences if left unchecked. The good news is that you can do lots to stop it. We hope that the resources listed in this article are useful to you in that effort. Facts about bullying: The federal government has a website dedicated to preventing bullying and informing parents, schools, and communities about how to recognize and treat bullying behavior. This page on the site provides definitions, statistics, targeted groups, and laws. What you...
Description: In this webcast, Tori illustrates her struggles, triumphs, and tools used to survive each day. This allows for an opportunity to walk a mile in her shoes as she journeys through life from childhood to adulthood. Tori's message will leave you curious, motivated, and with a heightened awareness of ASD. Just when you think you know all about ASD, Tori's story may surprise you! (VCU Autism Center for Excellence- ACE)
Description: Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting some 1,500 babies each year. Spina bifida happens during the first month or so of pregnancy and means that the baby’s spine did not close completely. Damage to the nerves and the spinal cord may result. In general, there are three types of spina bifida. These are: Spina bifida occulta: In this mildest form of spina bifida, there’s a small defect or gap in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the...
Description: At Perkins, our professional development opportunities come in a range of formats, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs. From credit-optional self-paced content to credit-earning online classes, we can help you further your education in a way that’s both convenient and engaging.
Description: AAIDD, (formerly AAMR -- American Association on Mental Retardation), is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and others concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. We're tireless promoters of progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Description: Center on Transition Innovation (CTI) is a leader in providing resources and innovative models to support students with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. We help keep transition stakeholders updated on evidence-based practices that will assist students to reach their goals after high school. CTI's work is funded through the Virginia Department of Education. Since 2013, our team of experts has provided transition resources, professional development, and information for educators,...
Description: The Concussion Legacy Foundation's mission is to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE; achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation; and to End CTE through prevention and research. Our vision is a world without CTE, and concussion safety without compromise. The Resource Center includes information on: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) Concussion
Description: In January 2013, the Virginia Board of Education passed the training standards related to this bill. The document, entitled Training Standards for Paraprofessionals Assigned to Work with a Teacher Who Has Primary Oversight of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF) is now available. These training standards were developed in collaboration with VCU-ACE and feedback was obtained from stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth. Because behavior management is complex, competencies to be...
Description: In response to the need for comprehensive training for individuals working with students with ASD in Virginia, ACE has developed an array of training opportunities in a variety of formats. Most training is provided through the use of online technology and is accessible directly from our website. Although training is an important element in learning and developing successful skills and strategies for working with individuals with ASD, it is imperative that training be followed by support,...
Description: The VCU Autism Center for Education is committed to providing resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Resources consists of items which may be checked out from our extensive Lending Library as well as electronic materials you can download directly from our website. The electronic materials include fact sheets, peer reviewed journal articles, manuals, website links as well as other materials and information that expand the knowledge of ASD and facilitate implementation of...
Description: Online Course for Paraprofessionals: Autism Spectrum Disorder for Paraprofessionals: Providing Effective Instruction and Supports - In response to the need for comprehensive training for individuals working with students with ASD in Virginia as well as House Bill 325 and the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) Training Standards for Paraprofessionals Assigned to Work with a Teacher Who Has Primary Oversight of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF) , VCU-ACE has developed online...
Description: Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities offers information, research-based instructional approaches, and effective instructional and learning strategies to support school leaders, teachers, and other specialists working to better meet the literacy and communication needs of students with significant disabilities, including students with: moderate to severe cognitive disabilities complex communication needs multiple disabilities including deaf/blindness and/or...
Description: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion - A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk for getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury. Find the following information: About Mild TBI and Concussion About Moderate and Severe TBI Where to Get Help TBI Facts TBI Data
Description: The Safe Concussion Outcome Recovery & Education (SCORE) Program at Children’s National Hospital evaluates, monitors and manages the care of children and adolescents with concussions (known as mild traumatic brain injury or TBI). The program consults with physicians regionally and nationally, as well as scholastic and youth recreational sports programs in which children are vulnerable to injury. Clinicians in the SCORE program have a specific expertise in managing academic...
Description: 10 Things You Should Know About Behavior and Brain Injury: Behavior has a neuro-anatomical basis: Damage to the frontal and temporal lobes is common with traumatic brain injury Damage to the frontal lobe may cause disinhibition, impulsivity, problem stopping an ongoingpattern of behavior, perseveration, loss or lack of motivation, and emotional dyscontrol Temporal lobe injury may result in lower frustration tolerance and altered mood states, usuallydepression Behavioral characteristics of...