Special Education Paraprofessional Reviews - Page 13

I believe that this job requires special kinds of people, people that have a high capacity for caring for others. The job can be very demanding emotionally and physically depending on what area or specialty job you do. Patience is an important asset as well as a high level of tolerance. Always be prepared for the unexpected.

Dont take your job home and if your job has mental health days you need to use them!

You need an open mind. Working with special needs children takes a different approach than with typical developing children. You'll learn tons of new information and meet some wonderful children and people. Just have a lot of patience because it'll take them a bit longer to learn most new concepts but worth it as you see them grow.

To have lots of patience & good decision-making skills.

Ask questions about student behavior and how to deal with it. Often I see Paraprofessionals responding to children in their classroom as if they are like their children or grandchildren (without disabilities). The children in our classrooms might have "stims" (ways that they stimulate themselves) and repetitive behaviors. They may simply have very different sensory experiences than we are familiar with. They may not read social cues; they need explicit instructions and should have the benefit of guidance. The children should not be reprimanded for behavior that is a result of their disability. There are ways to respond that are compassionate rather than impatient or hostile. As I said; ask questions and seek guidance if you find yourself frustrated. Expect things to change a lot; your assignment might change. Your schedule might change. I go to work extremely early in my particular district, but I leave when school ends (7am-2pm). I am paid per day. I hope to become a teacher.

You have to love and have a true passion to do the job, its not the money issues that will keep you successfully doing the job. But there comes a time when you have to make a change for the better.