Another very important role in the inclusive early childhood classroom is the paraprofessional or para-educator. As with the ECSE teacher's and related service provider's, the paraprofessional's role will vary from program to program. The paraprofessional may function as an assistant in the classroom, helping the classroom teacher with daily routines and activities. The paraprofessional may also be given particular duties, such as leading a circle time or center activity, assisting with material preparation, and so on. The paraprofessional may assist in more than one classroom, depending upon the needs of the children and staff. The paraprofessional may also function as a "facilitator," working directly with one child who needs that additional support to be able to participate in classroom activities. When a paraprofessional is placed in the facilitator role, all staff in the classroom share or rotate that role as to prevent that child's dependency on one particular person. Rotating the facilitator role also is extremely helpful when an unexpected staff absence occurs. All staff members have learned the facilitator role and can take over as needed (Go to "Meet Assistant/Para-educators in Inclusive Settings).

Related Link:

• Key Elements in a Successful Para-Facilitator Approach (Guidelines)