Para Eductor stressed out! Help!?

Question

Ok so I started this job the begining of the school year. We've been in session for 4 months now. I was hired as a one on one for a Autistic boy. Only i'm hardly every with the kid i'm supposed to be with. Don't get me wrong as i'm all for helping out and being a equal part of the team. But I'm deaply concerned though because when he transfers into middle school I go with him. I'm barely getting to no this kid and we have less then 6 months left of school. I'm supposed to transfer with this kid who has ALOT of issue and is quite violent in nature. I should be learning all I can about this child so the transition goes smoothly, and I'm being given that chance at all.

I feel really unapreciated by the staff. I've talked to the lead teacher many, many times about my concerns and she always says she'll fix the schedule so i'm with my kid more but then never actually does it.

I love the staff but the way we are hussled around the class room is too much for me. What else can I do?

Answer 1

I think you should seek to take every moment possible to build the relationship between yourself and the student and use that as a foundation for helping that student transition to the middle school. Six months of relationship building is a long time! Accentuate the positive and help move that student to the next level. Be part of the solution.

Don't get stressed, feel blessed! Offer your expertise and be happy about serving all of the children within your reach. Do this to the best of your ability.

Let the teacher know that you are open to doing whatever is needed. Spend time with as many students as possible so that teachers can see that you know how to demonstrate the skill of relationship building with all students. If things don't work out with the student you are currently working with, they will place you with another child if you have shown that you can be skillful.

Answer 2

Okay so the IEP isn't being violated since someone is with him, but what are they having you do instead of working with the child??  And, yeah, I'd be mad, too.  The parents probably fought long and hard to have a one-on-one with their child.  Do you have any contact with them?  You could always slyly  mention it to them when they ask how his day went.  "Well they switched my schedule and Mrs. So and So hasn't switched it back yet.  You probably want to talk to Mrs. X to see how his day went."  Stick to the facts, ma'am.  No opinions needed.  If the parent starts to really go for your opinion, say "I have to do what my head teacher says."  Leave it that and go from there.  Parents aren't stupid!  :)

Answer 3

I am a parent of an autistic child.  We have had some issues with our staff also.  They made a new rule that paras are not to talk much to the parents.  They want the parents to talk to the teachers more.  Some how the parents need to be informed of the situation without getting yourself into trouble.  They maybe able to help you out .  We are always told that the parent has the final say(although this is only to a point). I am not sure I am at all helping, but just know that the parents really appreciate a dedicated para who is caring for their child.

Answer 4

as a para educator myself, i was hired to do the same thing to be a one on one aid and that didnt quite work out because the teacher made it very clear because there was more than one aid in the classroom we would all be working with the child at different times of the day. this child had to be fed and changed at different times of the day while it was made clear this was to be everyones job it turned out to be mine along with working with the other children throughout the day while the teacher and the other aide played computer games. i had to report it to the principal and i got results. my sugestion would be go to your principal and ask exactly what your duties are and get them in writing. since it is discouraged to speak directly to the parents without the teachers prior approval dont do it if you want to keep your job it can get yoy fired or put on probation.  besides even as a para you should keep a folder for your substitute if you are absent.  if you are one on one and the principal says that then request a meeting (with prinipal) so the other paras and teacher is aware this is your sole job responsibilty.   P.S. they cant force you to go and they cant fire you without reason but they can ask you to go.