Paraprofessional Training

The CES Series goes beyond the basics to focus on the specific professional skills needed by paraeducators working in the classroom. Mix and match courses to provide the right training at the right time, and prepare paraeducators not only for the classroom, but for certification as Title 1 Instructional Paraprofessionals. Courses align with the CEC Standards for Paraeducators (2015).

Aligned with the scheduling needs of professionals actively working in the classroom, these courses:

• Are flexible. Self-paced, asynchronous online courses that don’t require extensive time away from school to complete.
• Are consistent. Courses ensure that paraprofessionals receive cost effective training in key skills areas aligned with your district needs.
• Are applicable to the classroom. Courses provide actionable insights, understanding, and strategies, with reflective practice and practical examples.
• Support student engagement and progress. Courses prepare paraprofessionals to better assist in personalized support and classroom management.
• Are a part of your successful overall plan. Courses can be paired with tailored wraparound technical assistance and coaching from CES.

Our Specialists

The series has been created by CES Curriculum and Instruction Specialists with deep experience and expertise in special education. You know them as leaders in the field, like Laurel Peltier, Sharon Jones, Mary Geiring, and Dr. Faye Brady. All have provided coaching and training for paraprofessional staff in districts ranging from urban, to suburban, to rural.

The course series is available:

• For purchase by individuals on an open enrollment basis
• At volume discounts, designed for use by school districts to train cohorts of paraprofessionals as part of your overall training and development plan

CES can create a customized program for your needs, or consult with you to offer on-site coaching services for paraeducators, move forward district initiatives, and enhance the professionalism of this vital classroom resource.

  Paraprofessional Courses

Courses are provided on the CES Canvas Learning Management System, and are self-paced and asynchronous.

Currently Available

• Building Professional Boundaries – 3 hours: In this self-paced course, paraprofessionals will explore the crucial role of establishing and maintaining professional boundaries within public schools. The course provides strategies to navigate sensitive situations, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or overstepping boundaries. Participants will learn how to distinguish between personal and professional boundaries, recognizing the unique challenges that arise in educational environments.
• Understanding & Supporting Students with Mild & Moderate Disabilities – 3 hours: This self-paced course equips paraprofessionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively support students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of these students and explore practical, evidence-based interventions that promote both academic and social-emotional success, emphasizing differentiated instruction and strategies.

Coming Soon

• Supporting Students Under the New Massachusetts IEP – 6 hours: This fully online asynchronous course is designed specifically to meet the needs of paraprofessionals, providing the tools they need to effectively participate in and maximize the impact of Massachusetts’ new IEP process. The IEP process has been updated with the goal of improving educational outcomes and experiences for students with disabilities in the Commonwealth – this course will prepare paraeducators working in a range of specific roles and settings to engage meaningfully with the new process and documentation.
• Rethinking Behaviors: Positive Practices for Paraprofessionals – 3 hours: Through a trauma-informed lens, participants will learn about underlying differences that can impact a student’s behavior and therefore, their readiness to learn. Participants will explore a framework to support thoughtful decision making, and help to build positive and intentional relationships with students. This course presents an asset-based approach to understanding student behavior and supporting students to build concrete skills for accessing learning, growth and success.

Paraprofessional Series Team