INDIGO Education's Paraprofessional 101 course orients paraprofessionals to the roles and responsibilities of the paraprofessional, it provides an overview of special education and disabilities, and strategies to support students with disabilities. This course provides the special education components of initial paraprofessional training as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.363, subdivision 3 and Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.08, subpart (c). Topics include: vulnerability, mandated reporting obligations, roles and responsibilities, confidentiality, disability-specific overview, positive behavior supports, an introduction to assistive technology, and PCA training.
The course is online via. Moodle and must have access to a computer and time to complete the course. Paraprofessionals should expect to spend 1-2 hours completing each online module. There are 6 modules total. Continuing Education Certificates will be provided upon the completion of the course.
Schools must also provide school-specific training to new paraprofessionals within the first 60 days of working with or supervising students in the following areas at the school site: emergency procedures, building orientation, and discipline policies.