Employment, Preparation and Management of Paraeducators: Challenges to Appropriate Service for Students with Developmental Disabilities

The Board of Directors of the Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) have approved a position statement on employment, preparation and management of paraeducators. The position holds that: Role distinctions must be established; strategies for structured, systematic management, supervision and evaluation of paraeducators need to be developed and disseminated; legal and ethical responsibilities must be clearly stated; job descriptions should be established; opportunities for preservice training, inservice training and professional development combined with career advancement opportunities for paraeducators and other support staff need to be made available; and preparation of teachers, therapists and other specialists to work with and supervise paraeducators must be provided. This discussion presents the full position statement and attempts to clarify and expand upon it as well as providing recommendations for further action by the educational community.