What is the primary responsibility of a paraprofessional in a special education setting?

The primary responsibility of a paraprofessional in a special education setting is to assist the special education teacher in supporting students' educational and behavioral needs. This role is fundamentally focused on providing support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the curriculum, and helping them succeed academically and socially. Paraprofessionals often work closely with teachers to implement instructional strategies, assist with classroom management, and provide individualized attention to students, which enhances the overall educational experience.

While some paraprofessionals may have limited opportunities to supervise students during lunch and recess or engage in tasks like planning and assessing student performance, these are not the central functions of their role. Their primary aim is to support the classroom environment and facilitate the learning process for students with special needs, thereby allowing teachers to focus on delivering instruction and adapting lesson plans to meet diverse learning requirements.