Can a Special Education Classroom be Unsafe to Paraprofessionals/Aides/Instructional Assistants

[coschristi]

Oh dear, OP; I was almost afraid to peek at your location because I was afraid you were talking about my son.

He's not a violent child but he panics when he feels backed into a corner & as a 5'10" 200 lb 12 year old when he bolts he resembles a linebacker running the field.

Unfortunately with developmental disability the developemental hormones do not seem to be delayed; it sort of resembles what can happen to an average man when they start to "juice".

I really admire what all you educators do every day; y'all deserve the same credit given to our first responders & I'm sure there is a special place in Heaven for you!

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by Oldhag1

LOL - I thought the same thing and was tempted to post a link to this thread on that thread.

Your advice in post #18 was spot on. My impression of you as an educator is "gold star"!

This thread demonstrates what most of us in education know. That it doesn't matter what's in the job description, when it comes right down to it, when a kid or kids need to be supervised, the need is "now". No time to get someone from central office or personnel. "We", whether we be teachers or administrators or aides or counselors, just have to step in. As a principal, I had no training in sped, except on the technical aspects of how to conduct IEPs and such similar stuff, but sometimes I had to step in and cover. Even kids who are special needs are still kids that need to be supervised and, often, protected.

[mkpunk]

An update: I'm seeing if I can get a new doctor and an appointment but it's Arizona and typically there is too many patients and not enough doctors. I do plan on talking to my principal if possible today. There is a pre-planned meeting for the Paraprofessionals.

[mkpunk]

Originally Posted by coschristi

Oh dear, OP; I was almost afraid to peek at your location because I was afraid you were talking about my son.

He's not a violent child but he panics when he feels backed into a corner & as a 5'10" 200 lb 12 year old when he bolts he resembles a linebacker running the field.

Unfortunately with developmental disability the developemental hormones do not seem to be delayed; it sort of resembles what can happen to an average man when they start to "juice".

I really admire what all you educators do every day; y'all deserve the same credit given to our first responders & I'm sure there is a special place in Heaven for you!

I meant to send it yesterday but no, it wasn't your son. I work in a high school. I work with 15-20 year olds depending on their disability status. Though I agree with you.
Thank you for your kind words. I was in special education due to delayed speech and it was nothing near what it is now. So many more things for our students today then there was 24 years ago when I was in.