Paraprofessional Training

Share this page

Empowering Inclusive Schools: A Learning Series for Paraprofessionals Supporting Students with Disabilities Launching in Fall 2025!

Students with disabilities in inclusive schools deserve skilled, knowledgeable paraprofessionals who understand their roles and can implement evidence-based practices. This comprehensive training series empowers paraprofessionals to support students effectively while fostering belonging, independence, and academic success.

A paraprofessional with the student she's supporting, walking alongside other students.

Non-Credit Professional Development Training Course

Paraprofessionals from a variety of educational settings will find this course valuable, including those working in elementary, middle, and high schools, general education classrooms, resource rooms, and specialized programs. The focus is on moving students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive educational environments. Understanding effective support strategies for students with disabilities, including those with extensive support needs, will help you serve students more effectively and collaborate meaningfully with teachers, families, and related service providers.

The self-paced, online training course includes access to the content you need to become proficient in supporting students with disabilities in inclusive educational environments.

You will learn:

Course 1 - Foundations of Inclusive Education (4 Modules)

  • What inclusive education is and why it matters - Understanding the foundation and importance of inclusive practices for all students
  • How to promote belonging - Strategies for creating welcoming, supportive classroom environments
  • How to identify and maximize learning opportunities - Recognizing teachable moments across school activities and environments
  • Your role in supporting inclusive IEPs - Collaborating effectively with the educational team and maintaining confidentiality

Course 2 - Advanced Inclusive Practices (6 Modules; available in Winter 2026)

  • Evidence-based instructional strategies - Using prompting, fading, and natural supports to promote student independence
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles - Implementing flexible tools and materials for diverse learners
  • Communication support strategies - Supporting students who are non-speaking or use AAC devices
  • Positive behavior support approaches - Understanding behavior as communication and implementing effective interventions
  • How to facilitate peer relationships - Recognizing and creating opportunities for meaningful social connections
  • Strategies for fostering student independence - Avoiding over-assistance while providing appropriate support

Training will coordinate with current research and evidence-based practices in inclusive education, special education, and disability studies.

You will earn:

Once you have completed the training you will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and materials:

  • Access to all instruction from the training for easy review
  • Downloadable resources including worksheets, checklists, and implementation guides
  • Certificate of Completion with Professional Development Hours (1 hour per module)
  • Ongoing access to updated materials and resources

The number of professional development hours earned from this online training may not translate to the same number of hours required by your licensing governing board or employment requirements. Our professional development offerings are based on 1:1 contact hours. It is your responsibility to apply to your employer or professional organization for the training hours earned, using the Certificate of Completion granted. Along with this Certificate of Completion, you may also access your official training transcript.

Learn more about this online training by visiting the FAQ page.

Pricing and Registration

Registration is accepted on an ongoing basis starting in Fall 2025. You may register for the training at any time, and move through at your own pace.

Course 1 - Foundations (4 modules; 4 total clock hours)

  • Individual user access - $220
  • 1-Year Site License for
    • Sites with 10 or more users - $176 per user (20% discount)

Course 2 - Advanced Inclusive Practices (6 modules; 6 total clock hours)

  • Individual user access - to be determined
  • 1-Year Site License for
    • Sites with 10 or more users - to be determined

Note: Module 1 (Inclusion: Why & How) is required for all participants to get credit for any other module.

[Registration will be available by Fall 2025]

Training Modules Overview

Course 1: Foundations of Inclusive Education

Module 1: Inclusion: Why & How (Required - 60 min)

  • Understanding inclusive education principles and their importance for all students
  • Recognizing the three major learning opportunities across school environments
  • Challenging ableism through the Least Dangerous Assumption
  • Defining your role in implementing effective inclusive programs

Module 2: Promoting a Sense of Belonging (60 min)

  • Understanding the critical importance of belonging for all learners
  • Exploring the dimensions of belonging in school and classroom settings
  • Implementing strategies to enhance belonging in inclusive environments

Module 3: Learning Opportunities (60 min)

  • Identifying teachable moments throughout the school day
  • Understanding the three major learning priorities for students with disabilities
  • Supporting academic learning, peer engagement, and communication development

Module 4: Inclusive IEPs (60 min)

  • Understanding your role in collaborative IEP implementation
  • Learning data collection and documentation procedures
  • Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions

Course 2: Advanced Inclusive Practices (Winter 2026)

Module 1: Embedded Learning Opportunities (60 min)

  • Understanding learning progressions and stages of skill development
  • Implementing prompting, waiting, and fading strategies effectively
  • Supporting students to recognize and use natural cues and consequences
  • Avoiding over-assistance that can hinder student independence

Module 2: Academic Support & Universal Design for Learning (60 min)

  • Understanding evidence-based practices (EBP) and their application
  • Implementing the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Using flexible tools, materials, and technologies for diverse learners

Module 3: Communicative Competence (60 min)

  • Defining communicative competence and its importance in inclusive settings
  • Understanding different communication functions and identifying barriers
  • Supporting students who are non-speaking or use AAC devices

Module 4: Supporting Positive Behavior (60 min)

  • Understanding behavior as a form of communication
  • Implementing positive behavior support principles
  • Supporting individual, classroom, and school-wide behavior interventions

Module 5: Recognizing Student Interactions (60 min)

  • Understanding the importance of relationships for student development
  • Identifying different types of relationships and interaction opportunities
  • Recognizing and addressing barriers to peer interactions

Module 6: Facilitating Peer Relationships (60 min)

  • Implementing strategies for promoting social connections
  • Collaborating with teachers to embed peer interaction goals
  • Reflecting on practices that support or limit student relationships and independence