What is the paraeducator's role in IEP meetings?

Paraeducators are generally not members of the IEP team and do not attend IEP meetings unless specifically invited by the special education teacher or administrator. Your role is to implement the IEP, not to design or revise it. If you have concerns about a student's IEP goals, you should share those with the supervising teacher.

What is the difference between IDEA and Section 504?

IDEA covers students who need specialized instruction due to a qualifying disability and results in an IEP. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act covers students with disabilities who do not need specialized instruction but do need accommodations to access the general curriculum—these students receive a 504 Plan, not an IEP. The KPA focuses primarily on IDEA and IEPs.

Can a paraeducator change the accommodations a student receives?

No. Accommodations are written into the IEP by the team and cannot be changed by the paraeducator. If you notice that an accommodation does not seem to be working or a student needs additional support, you should report this to the supervising teacher, who can bring it to the IEP team.

What does Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mean?

LRE means that students with disabilities must be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Removal from the general education classroom can only occur when the nature or severity of the disability requires it even with supplementary aids and services. As a paraeducator, supporting inclusion in the general education classroom is part of honoring the LRE principle.

What should you do if a parent asks you about their child's IEP progress?

Refer the parent to the special education teacher or case manager. While you can have a brief, positive interaction with a parent, detailed discussions about IEP goals, progress, or program changes should always go through the supervising teacher. Sharing this information without authorization may violate FERPA.

How are students identified for special education services?

Students are referred for evaluation when a concern is identified by a teacher, parent, or other team member. A multidisciplinary evaluation team then assesses the student across all areas of suspected disability. If the student meets the eligibility criteria under one of the 13 IDEA categories and needs specialized instruction, an IEP is developed. Paraeducators do not conduct evaluations or make eligibility decisions.

KPA Special Education: What Paraeducators Need to Know

Master KPA special education content: IDEA, IEP implementation, disability categories, accommodations vs modifications, FERPA, and your paraeducator role.

KPA - Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment By Dr. Lisa PatelApr 19, 20263 min read

KPA Special Education: What Paraeducators Need to Know

Special Education on the KPA

IDEA Overview

What it is: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Covers: Students 3–21 with qualifying disabilities
Key doc: IEP (Individualized Education Program)

IEP RoleKnow This

Para role: Implement, NOT design the IEP
Who writes it: Special education teacher + team
Your job: Support IEP goals as directed by teacher

Accommodations

Accommodation: Changes HOW student accesses content
Modification: Changes WHAT student is expected to learn
KPA tip: Know the difference — commonly tested

ConfidentialityLegal

Law: FERPA protects student records
Rule: Do not share student info without permission
Who to tell: Need-to-know basis only

What the IEP Contains

Teacher and paraeducator reviewing an IEP document together

Quick Memory Rule

Paraeducator helping a student with a reading accommodation in class

Implement IEP goals as directed by the supervising teacherProvide instructional support under teacher supervisionCollect data on student progress toward IEP goalsUse approved behavior support strategies from the IEP or BIPMaintain student confidentiality at all timesReport observations and concerns to the supervising teacherNever make independent decisions about a student's program or placementAvoid sharing student information with unauthorized individuals

Test Your KPA Special Education Knowledge

KPA Special Education Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Lisa PatelEdD, MA Education, Certified Test Prep Specialist

Educational Psychologist & Academic Test Preparation Expert

Columbia University Teachers College

Dr. Lisa Patel holds a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teachers College and has spent 17 years researching standardized test design and academic assessment. She has developed preparation programs for SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, UCAT, and numerous professional licensing exams, helping students of all backgrounds achieve their target scores.