Paraprofessional Roles & Boundaries in Special Education: What Federal Law Requires

Paraprofessionals change lives—but confusion about their role can lead to serious violations. In this training, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, explains exactly what federal law requires so teams can support students properly and protect FAPE.

What you’ll learn:

• Why paras must work under the direct supervision of a certified teacher
• How to identify when districts are using paras in place of special educators
• What to ask at IEP meetings to verify who is delivering services and how minutes are implemented
• Practical boundaries: data collection, accommodations, medical tasks, inclusion support, pullout, ISS, homebound

Referenced federal sources:

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – 34 CFR Part B: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34
• ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015): https://www.everystudentsucceedsact.org
• No Child Left Behind (historical context): https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/1
• OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs): https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep

Next steps:

• Join The Academy for 250+ hours of training and weekly updates:
  https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
• Questions or training requests: [email protected]
  
  

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

Support the show

✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨

👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy

📬 Have a question? Email us at [email protected]

📱 Follow Karen on:

• TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy

🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.

📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)

...