Supporting
Medical & Physical Needs
What does it mean to 'support Medical and Physical Needs'?
Paraeducators aid in the safety and supervision of all students and help advocate for students' needs while in the classroom setting.
Some paraeducators may work with students who have allergies, are at risk of having seizures, need reminders to take daily medication, or have basic medical needs to be aware of and monitor.
Some paraeducators may work with children who have physical disabilities and need additional support with adaptive skills like self-care, filling out tests, or mobility around campus.
Some paraeducators are assigned to support students with acute or chronic medical or physical needs that may require daily, ongoing care or monitoring in order to meet the physical requirements of attending classes.
What supporting Medical & Physical Needs might
Look like:
Being aware and knowledgeable of any and all medical needs in the classroom and how to appropriately respond
Always following the directions of the teacher and/or nurse regarding any specialized care/needs
Communicating well and often with teacher and/or nurse regarding any incident that may need to be documented/logged
Assist teacher in assigned features of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) or 504 Plan
Honor privacy, confidentiality, and preserve the dignity of the child
Sound like:
“What are the specific modifications or accommodations for this student that I should be aware of?”
“Would you like me to help you or would you like to do this on your own?”
“Let’s sit in a chair over here so we can see the teacher better.”
“I’m going to stay here with you and we’ll figure it out together.”
"I need help understanding how to respond to this students needs, do you have time to meet to go through their care plan with me?"
Education is about empowerment, about cultivating a human being to the highest possible potential - a tool for fulfilling the immensity of being.
- Sadhguru