Creating a classroom schedule, para schedules and individual student schedules is essential to your classroom setup. By scheduling the day, you are taking the first step to creating routines for your classroom. You, the paras and the students will know what you are doing and when you are doing it. This eases anxiety and frustration (for all!) and creates independence. This week, we will go in-depth about para schedules. Specifically, we'll discuss two ways to develop para schedules using Google Sheets and the E-Scheduler on the STAR Media Center.

Providing a detailed schedule for your paras is a game changer but it's often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of classroom setup. By providing your paras with a detailed schedule, they will know precisely where they need to be, when they need to be there and who they are working with. There are many ways to create a para schedule. Today, we will review two options: Google Sheets and STAR Media Center. Regardless of what platform you use to create your schedule, it should include the following components:

1. Para names
2. Times
3. Location/activity
4. Students they will be working with

⚠️ At the beginning of the year, you might not have a lot of detail in your para schedule but you can add more specific information as you get to know your students and team members.

Creating a para schedule using Google Sheets is similar to creating a classroom schedule. When you start your para schedule, ensure the classroom schedule is on hand.

Below is an example of a para schedule using Google Sheets. It includes the teacher and the paras in the classroom, time blocks and details about who the para is working with and what they are doing. You'll notice the color-coded centers only list the name of the center. Due to the amount of detail required when running a center, I suggest you lay out the details of each center in a separate document and post it in the space.

Example of a Para Schedule using Google Sheets

Another excellent option for creating a para schedule is using the STAR Media Center's E-Scheduler. This feature allows you to list names, times, activities, and the necessary details for each team member.

Below is a demonstration of how to use the E-Scheduler in the STAR Media Center. Sign up below if you don't have a FREE STAR Media Center account. It includes visuals for routines and expectations, how-to guides, E-Scheduler and thematic curriculum.

If creating a para schedule is overwhelming, schedule one part of the day. For example, plan what each team member will do during your first center rotation.

If you created a para schedule, consider adding in details about data collection, or you can create a "person down" schedule if you haven't made one yet.

Next week, we will continue to discuss the second step in your classroom setup: Individual Schedules!

1. Creating a classroom layout that is visually and physically defined ✔️
2. Providing, teaching and using schedules for EVERYONE
3. Providing, teaching and using visual supports
4. Explicitly teaching routines and expectations

Check out Dinosaur Land in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

Date/Time: October 3rd, 2023 from 3:00-4:30 PM

Where: Virtual

Description: Join us for the first ASD EBP Webinar (formally known as STAR Webinars) of the 2023-2024 school year! During this webinar, we will discuss strategies to train paraprofessionals to facilitate individualized instruction in the classroom. Topics will include creating training time, creating paraprofessional schedules, and training paraprofessionals to run centers/stations. 1.5 CEUs will be provided.

Date/Time: October 25th, 2023 from 4:00-5:00 PM

Where: Virtual

Description: Take your classroom set up a step further by setting up structured centers in your classroom. Topics include different types of centers, setting up each center, teaching students to rotate through centers, and teaching paras to run centers.1CEU will be provided.

Feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.

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