Paraprofessionals (often called “paras” or in some parts of the US "parapros") play an essential role in supporting students with diverse learning needs. As a BrightBee paraprofessional, you’ll work directly with teachers and specialists to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. The level of support depends on the assignment type — some are general classroom support, while others involve more intensive, individualized assistance.
🛠 Key Responsibilities
Assisting the classroom teacher in instruction, supervision, and classroom management
Supporting students with academic tasks, communication, and social interaction
Helping students with daily routines, such as transitions, meals, or recess
Implementing accommodations or behavior support plans as directed by staff
Providing encouragement, patience, and positive reinforcement to students
✅ Role Types: Mild/Moderate vs. Moderate/Severe
Mild/Moderate Assignments
Typically serve students with learning disabilities, ADHD, mild autism spectrum disorder, or other needs that allow for more independence.
Focus on academic support, redirection, and social skill building.
Students may require small adjustments but are generally working in the larger, general education classroom environment.
Moderate/Severe Assignments
Serve students with more significant needs, which may include physical disabilities, nonverbal communication, significant autism spectrum disorder, or medical conditions.
Duties often include personal care support (toileting, feeding, mobility assistance), as well as close supervision and one-on-one instruction.
Assignments may involve safety responsibilities, such as preventing elopement or de-escalating behaviors.
Paras in these roles must be comfortable with hands-on, intensive support and collaborating closely with specialized staff.
Students may be working in a specialized setting or included for parts or all of the day in the larger, general education classroom environment.
🐝 What Makes a Bee Shine in This Role
Patience, empathy, and adaptability
Clear and calm communication with students and staff
Respect for confidentiality and student dignity
Willingness to learn and follow specific strategies designed by teachers or specialists
Reliability — students thrive on consistency, so being present and prepared each day makes a huge impact
🐝 Buzz Words To Know
- Visual Supports – Tools like visual schedules, first/then boards, token boards, or choice cards that support understanding and independence.
- Self-Regulation – A student's ability to manage emotions, behavior, and body in different environments. Some schools use the Zones of Regulation system for easy color codes.
- Sensory Needs – Acknowledgement of how sensory processing differences impact learning (e.g., needing noise-canceling headphones or movement breaks).
- Social Narratives – Short stories or scripts that help students understand social situations and expectations.
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Prompt Hierarchy – Using levels of assistance (e.g., verbal, visual, physical) in order of least to most intrusive.
Function of Behavior (FBA) – The “why” behind a behavior (escape, attention, sensory, tangible). - Antecedent Strategies – Proactive supports to prevent challenging behaviors before they start.
- Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) – Encouraging desired behavior through positive reinforcement, structure, and clear expectations.
- Structured Environment – A consistent and predictable learning space that minimizes distractions.
- Transition Support – Strategies to help students shift between activities or locations with ease.
- De-Escalation Strategies- tools and techniques used to prevent, reduce, or calm intense emotional or behavioral situations—especially when a student is becoming agitated, anxious, or upset. → Calming and De-Escalation Strategies Video (4 min)
🐝 Quick Tips for Success
Ask clarifying questions at the start of your shift — teachers will appreciate it.
Stay observant and proactive; anticipate student needs rather than reacting last-minute.
Use positive reinforcement (“I like how you’re staying on task”) to encourage behavior.
Keep notes on student preferences, triggers, or strategies that worked — it shows attentiveness.
Remember: you’re part of a team. Collaborate and share updates with the teacher regularly.
🎥 Resources to Explore
📌 Site-Specific Notes
Some states (and sites) require specific clearances or training before paraprofessionals can work with certain student populations.
Always check the BrightBee app for notes about the assignment type (mild/moderate vs. moderate/severe) so you know what to expect.
If you’re ever unsure about a task or support strategy, check in with the classroom teacher — never guess when it comes to student safety.