why do paras have to document everything a child does?
They don't in most situations.
Paras, or paraprofessionals, may need to document everything a child does for various reasons. Here's an explanation:
1. Tracking Progress: Documentation helps track a child's progress, including their academic, behavioral, and social development. By documenting their activities and outcomes, paras can evaluate their progress over time and make informed decisions about their educational plan.
2. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Children with disabilities often have IEPs, which outline specific goals and accommodations for their educational needs. Documentation allows paras to monitor a child's progress towards meeting these goals and determine if any adjustments to their plan are required.
3. Communication with Team Members: Paras work closely with other professionals, such as teachers, therapists, and parents, to provide comprehensive support to the child. Documenting helps facilitate effective communication between team members, as they can share detailed information about the child's strengths, challenges, and progress.
4. Legal Requirements: In some cases, documentation is necessary to comply with legal requirements. For instance, certain programs or funding may require detailed documentation to demonstrate the child's eligibility or progress. Additionally, documentation can be important if legal or dispute resolution processes arise.
To ensure accurate and effective documentation, paras may use various methods such as written notes, checklists, behavioral observations, data collection sheets, or digital tools. It is essential for paras to maintain confidentiality and document relevant information in a consistent and organized manner.