INDIGO Education

INDIGO Education's Paraprofessional 101 course orients participants to the roles and responsibilities of the paraprofessional. The course provides an overview of special education and disabilities and outlines strategies to support students with disabilities. Additional topics include vulnerability, mandated reporting obligations, confidentiality, disability-specific overviews, positive behavior supports, an introduction to assistive technology, and PCA training.

When possible, INDIGO Education recommends the Paraprofessional 101 course be completed prior to working with students.

The course is offered online via INDIGO Education's Brightspace platform and consists of modules that take approximately 8 hours to complete. Participants must have access to a computer and have time to complete the course.

• Continuing Education Certificates will be provided upon completion of the course.

This link will get staff registered for the training. Please expect at least 2-3 days after registering for an enrollment link to be sent to the paraprofessional's email.

PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING - (MN Statutes -121A.642) REQUIREMENT:

A school district or charter school must provide a minimum of 8 hours of paid orientation or professional development annually to all paraprofessionals, Title I aides, and other instructional support staff.

TIMELINE:

6 of the 8 hours must be completed before the first instructional day of the school year OR within 30 days of hire

RELEVANCE TO JOB:

Orientation or professional development: must be relevant to the employee’s job and may include collaboration time with classroom teachers and planning for the school year. 

For paraprofessionals who provide direct support to students, at least 50 percent of the professional development or orientation must be dedicated to this.

Professional Development can also address emergency procedures, confidentiality, vulnerability, reporting obligations, discipline policies, roles and responsibilities, and a building orientation. (120B.363)

CERTIFICATION: A school administrator must provide annual certification of compliance with this requirement to MDE.