Role Summary
Concise description of the para’s duties tied to specific IEP objectives and task boundaries to avoid scope creep or unauthorized instruction.
A well‑prepared Special Education Para Document reduces ambiguity about who provides supports, aligns para responsibilities with the student’s IEP goals, and creates an auditable record for district reviews and disputes.
The record should be retained in the student’s official file and shared with staff who have legitimate educational interest under FERPA.
Concise description of the para’s duties tied to specific IEP objectives and task boundaries to avoid scope creep or unauthorized instruction.
List of accommodations and modifications the para must implement, including prompts, cues, physical assistance, or communication methods.
Name and contact of supervising teacher or case manager, frequency of check‑ins, and methods for performance feedback and reporting.
Document dates and topics of training, certifications, and any specialized instruction required for the student’s needs.
Days, times, locations, and any variations (e.g., pull‑out sessions) that affect service delivery and staffing.
Signed acknowledgements from the paraprofessional, supervisor, and parent/guardian with dates to confirm consent and receipt.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Student Identifier | Auto-fill from SIS via student ID mapping. |
| Signature Order | Case manager → Supervising teacher → Paraprofessional → Parent. |
| Authentication | Email plus district SSO for staff; email verification for parents. |
| Storage Location | Store signed PDF in student record folder (SIS or secure cloud). |
Confirm the chosen platform supports FERPA compliance and preserves an auditable trail of actions for review.
A case manager documents a para assigned to support math small groups
A high school documents a para aiding life‑skills instruction
IEP must be reviewed at least annually (34 C.F.R. §300.324)
Reevaluation occurs at least every three years (34 C.F.R. §300.303)
Services must begin as outlined in the IEP once agreed and signed
Parents may request records under FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g) within district response times
Record training completions as they occur to document competence and compliance
Prepare and align the para duties with the current IEP immediately after the team meeting.
Collect signatures from para, supervisor, and parent within the district’s standard review window.
Store the signed document in the student’s permanent education file and SIS.
Review retention needs at annual IEPs and before disposition per retention policy.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |