Paraprofessional Roles & Boundaries in Special Education: What Federal Law Requires

Paraprofessionals change lives—but confusion about their role can lead to serious violations. In this training, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, explains exactly what federal law requires so teams can support students properly and protect FAPE.What you’ll learn:Why paras must work under the direct supervision of a certified teacherHow to identify when districts are using paras in place of special educatorsWhat to ask at IEP meetings to verify who is delivering services and how minutes are implementedPractical boundaries: data collection, accommodations, medical tasks, inclusion support, pullout, ISS, homeboundReferenced federal sources:IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – 34 CFR Part B: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015): https://www.everystudentsucceedsact.orgNo Child Left Behind (historical context): https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/1OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs): https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osepNext steps:Join The Academy for 250+ hours of training and weekly updates:https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/aboutQuestions or training requests: [email protected]“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...