Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
April 5, 2023

SEPAC SOMA and the SOMSD PTA/HSAs love our paras!
We’re celebrating Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! We are grateful for their hard work, commitment to and compassion for the children in our district. So, the next time you see a para, be sure to say THANK YOU! ❤️
What do Paras do?
Some students require the supplementary support of a paraprofessional, which is written into their Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan. The reasons vary, including helping a student stay on task; overseeing a student working; collecting data for a behavioral plan; providing support with transitions, both emotionally and physically; understanding and using de-escalation methods; and being a watchful eye to keep students safe. In a classroom, you may find a para who supports a few students. There are also paras who work on a one-to-one basis with a student. In both cases, the paras are trained for the students they work with and receive professional development throughout the school year.