Classroom Aide (School Support Staff)

A classroom aide (also called a school aide, paraprofessional, or one-on-one support staff) is a professional who accompanies a student with support needs in the school setting — helping with communication, self-care, organization, social interaction, and regulation, as needed.

In many places, disability inclusion law guarantees students with disabilities who need support the right to a classroom aide at no extra cost to the family. Implementation varies — some districts have well-trained staff for the role; in others, the position exists without adequate training.

Important: the aide's goal is to increase the student's independence and participation — not to do things for them. The aide's presence should be gradually reduced as the student's autonomy grows.