I have been in the special education field for 8 years, in which I worked for the Department of Education. I was a paraprofessional for 8 years; my role was to provide One-on-one instruction or small group instruction as outlined by the teacher Reinforcing behavior through use of positive behavior support. Teaching daily living skills such as independent feeding, dressing, toileting, for hygienic needs. Aiding occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologist, and adaptive physical education providers during instruction. A few other duties of mine were to guide and assist students in small group instruction settings with class routines and in transitioning from one activity to the next. Teaching students, under direction of teacher in the following areas: recreation, motor, vocational, socialization and communication utilizing the workshop model in Literacy and Mathematics. Assisting students with ambulation within the school premises and on class trips. Lifting, feeding, toileting and diapering after receiving appropriate training. Lastly, collecting data documenting student behavior for instructional purposes, writing anecdotal information concerning student behavior.
Providing language assistance for bilingual students.
I have worked in a Community Habilitation Center with an individual 1:1. My role was to assist the individual in acquiring, retaining, and improving the self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in their home and engage in community-based activities. As a Direct Support Professional, I provide this service as one to one support so that my individual could achieve their valued outcomes to increase their independence. Before these roles, I tutored, worked I after school programs, and was a camp counselor. I have worked closely with a specific individual for 5 years now with down syndrome. Her mother has seen a drastic change within her. She was not tolerable to a lot of things such as touching slime, loud noises, stuff on her desk, transitioning to and from certain classes. She has come a very long way within the timeframe I have had her. With the hard work, and the induvial awesome family, we were able to overcome these behaviors. I take pride in what I do, because not only can it be a strenuous job, but it can also be rewarding, and fulfilling as well. I am authentic, caring, nurturing, communicative and a huge advocate when it comes to children. I believe in communication, transparency, and honesty when it comes to people, most of all parents. After all, it takes a village.