Exploring the Professional Development Needs of Early Childhood Paraeducators and Supervising Teachers

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref BibTeX OpenCitations
Learn more about the sources used

Frantz, R., Douglas, S. N., Meadan, H., Sands, M., Bhana, N., & D’Agostino, S. (2020). Exploring the Professional Development Needs of Early Childhood Paraeducators and Supervising Teachers. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 42(1), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121420921237

Publication date: 16 Jun 2020 Added to AutiHub: 27 Oct 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
6
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 6 (16.7%)
  1. Rebecca Frantz
  2. Sarah N. Douglas *
  3. Hedda Meadan
  1. Michelle Sands
  2. Naima Bhana
  3. Sophia D’Agostino

Abstract

Paraeducators play an important role supporting children with developmental disabilities in early childhood settings, and the current educational system has come to rely heavily on paraeducator supports. Unfortunately, most paraeducators receive limited training prior to engaging in their classroom roles and responsibilities, and teachers receive limited training related to supervising paraeducator staff. This study examined the roles and responsibilities, professional development experiences, perceived professional development needs, suggestions for professional development, and perceived barriers to professional development among early childhood paraeducators working with children with developmental disabilities and their supervising teachers using focus group method and a questionnaire. Implications for improving professional development practices among early childhood staff, remediating barriers to effective professional development, and future directions for research are discussed.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 27 Oct 2026 10:37.

Cited references
41
With a DOI
25
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
14
4 / 41 (9.8%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
9 / 41 (22.0%)
References with detected author names
39 / 41 (95.1%)
Without detected author names
2
Without a structured title
9
Without a stable identifier
11
References with raw author names still to review
2
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
105
From DOI or external metadata
105
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
2
10 / 105 (9.5%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 95 / 105 (90.5%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
4 / 105 (3.8%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 4 / 10 (40.0%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 1 / 93 (1.1%).
  1. John Killoran , Torry Piazza Templeman , Joyce Peters , Tom Udell (2001). Identifying Paraprofessional Competencies for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education . TEACHING Exceptional Children, 34(1), 68-73. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/004005990103400109 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W44809707
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  2. Berg B. L. (2006). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences . PsycEXTRA Dataset. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Dataset DOI: 10.1037/e668352010-001 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2019585945
    Crossref OpenAlex
  3. Sarah N. Douglas * , Shelley E. Chapin , James F. Nolan (2016). Special Education Teachers’ Experiences Supporting and Supervising Paraeducators . Teacher Education and Special Education: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, 39(1), 60-74. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0888406415616443 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2232796126
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. Mary Louise Hemmeter , Michaelene Ostrosky , Lise Fox (2006). Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning: A Conceptual Model for Intervention . School Psychology Review, 35(4), 583-601. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/02796015.2006.12087963 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W158923784
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  5. Elizabeth E. Biggs , Carly B. Gilson , Erik W. Carter (2016). Accomplishing More Together . Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 41(4), 256-272. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1540796916665604 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2512868965
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  6. Jack P. Shonkoff , Andrew S. Garner , THE COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, COMMITTEE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD, ADOPTION, AND DEPENDENT CARE, AND SECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS , Benjamin S. Siegel , Mary I. Dobbins , Marian F. Earls et al. (2012). The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress . Pediatrics, 129(1), e232-e246. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-2663 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2138884119
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Jacques Blacher (2007). Holding on to Their Kitestrings: Paraprofessional Support in Inclusive Settings. Exceptional parent/˜The œExceptional parent, 37(10), 74-76.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W349333104
    OpenAlex
  8. Blacher J. (2007). bibr3-0271121420921237 Exceptional Parent, 37(10), 74.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  9. Mitchell L. Yell , Erik Drasgow (2005). No child left behind: A guide for professionals .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1571373443
    Crossref OpenAlex
  10. Ellen Brantlinger , Robert Jimenez , Janette Klingner , Marleen Pugach , Virginia Richardson (2005). Qualitative Studies in Special Education . Exceptional Children, 71(2), 195-207. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/001440290507100205 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2064062458
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  11. Ida Malian , Erin McRae (2010). Co-Teaching Beliefs to Support Inclusive Education: Survey of Relationships between General and Special Educators in Inclusive Classes . Journal of Bioresource Management, 2(6), 2.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1571703133
    OpenAlex
  12. Matthew E. Brock , Erik W. Carter (2013). A Systematic Review of Paraprofessional-Delivered Educational Practices to Improve Outcomes for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities . Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 38(4), 211-221. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/154079691303800401 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2338716008
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  13. Mary Fisher , Stacia L. Pleasants (2012). Roles, Responsibilities, and Concerns of Paraeducators . Remedial and Special Education, 33(5), 287-297. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0741932510397762 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2169403662
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Dathan D. Rush , M’Lisa L. Shelden (2011). The early childhood coaching handbook .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1580123551
    Crossref OpenAlex
  15. Brownell M. T. (2002). bibr6-0271121420921237 Focus on Exceptional Children, 35(2), 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  16. Erik Carter , Laura O'Rourke , Lynn G. Sisco , Danielle Pelsue (2009). Knowledge, Responsibilities, and Training Needs of Paraprofessionals in Elementary and Secondary Schools . Remedial and Special Education, 30(6), 344-359. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0741932508324399 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2152166031
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  17. Susan R. Sandall , Mary McLean , Barbara J. Smith (2000). DEC recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1605588238
    Crossref OpenAlex
  18. Sarah N. Douglas * , Denise J. Uitto , Claudia L. Reinfelds , Sophia D’Agostino (2019). A Systematic Review of Paraprofessional Training Materials . The Journal of Special Education, 52(4), 195-207. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0022466918771707 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2805640427
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  19. Renée Greenfield , Claudia Rinaldi , C. Patrick Proctor , Amanda Cardarelli (2010). Teachers’ Perceptions of a Response to Intervention (RTI) Reform Effort in an Urban Elementary School: A Consensual Qualitative Analysis . Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 21(1), 47-63. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1044207310365499 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1894146910
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  20. Chopra R. (2011). bibr8-0271121420921237 National Teacher Education Journal, 4(2), 15.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  21. Michael F. Giangreco , Stephen M. Broer (2007). School-Based Screening to Determine Overreliance on Paraprofessionals . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22(3), 149-158. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/10883576070220030201 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2084434560
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  22. Patricia A. Snyder , Mary Louise Hemmeter , Lise Fox (2015). Supporting Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices Through Practice-Based Coaching . Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 35(3), 133-143. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0271121415594925 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1942640462
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Council for Exceptional Children (2015). bibr9-0271121420921237 What every special educator must know: Professional ethics & standards.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  24. Marie Tejero Hughes , Diana Martinez Valle‐Riestra (2008). Responsibilities, preparedness, and job satisfaction of paraprofessionals: working with young children with disabilities . International Journal of Early Years Education, 16(2), 163-173. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/09669760701516892 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2111875253
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  25. Laura J. Hall , Gretchen Grundon , Catherine Pope , Amanda Balderama Romero (2010). Training paraprofessionals to use behavioral strategies when educating learners with autism spectrum disorders across environments . Behavioral Interventions, 25(1), 37-51. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/bin.294 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1980913023
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. Denzin N. K. (1978). Sociological methods . Sociological methods, 339.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  27. Virginia L. Walker , Carol G. Smith (2015). Training Paraprofessionals to Support Students with Disabilities: A Literature Review . Exceptionality, 23(3), 170-191. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/09362835.2014.986606 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2102232676
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  28. Michael F. Giangreco , Jesse C. Suter , Mary Beth Doyle (2010). Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Schools: A Review of Recent Research . Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 20(1), 41-57. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/10474410903535356 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1983867953
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  29. Hagit Inbar-Furst , Sarah N. Douglas * , Hedda Meadan (2020). Promoting Caregiver Coaching Practices Within Early Intervention: Reflection and Feedback . Early Childhood Education Journal, 48(1), 21-27. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10643-019-00980-2 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2973161606
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  30. Sarah N. Douglas * , Hedda Meadan , Rebecca Kammes (2020). Early Interventionists’ Caregiver Coaching: A Mixed Methods Approach Exploring Experiences and Practices . Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 40(2), 84-96. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0271121419829899 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2918048004
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  31. Edward F. McQuarrie , Richard A. Krueger (1989). Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research . Journal of Marketing Research, 26(3), 371. JSTOR.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.2307/3172912 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2056144694
    OpenAlex
  32. Cathy R. Jones , Nancy J. Ratcliff , Heather Sheehan , Gilbert H. Hunt (2012). An Analysis of Teachers’ and Paraeducators’ Roles and Responsibilities with Implications for Professional Development . Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(1), 19-24. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10643-011-0487-4 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2075652470
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  33. Nancy J. Ratcliff , Cathy R. Jones , S. Russell Vaden , Heather Sheen , Gilbert H. Hunt (2011). Paraprofessionals in early childhood classrooms: an examination of duties and expectations . Early Years, 31(2), 163-179. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/09575146.2011.576333 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2163868964
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  34. Yvonne L. Goddard , Roger D. Goddard , Megan Tschannen-Moran (2007). A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation of Teacher Collaboration for School Improvement and Student Achievement in Public Elementary Schools . Teachers College Record: The Voice of Scholarship in Education, 109(4), 877-896. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/016146810710900401 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2155733406
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  35. (n.d.). Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U. S. C. § 1400 et seq.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  36. Krueger R. A. (2015). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research . Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  37. Mary T. Brownell , Paul T. Sindelar , Anne G. Bishop , Lisa K. Langley , Seonjin Seo (2017). Special Education Teacher Supply and Teacher Quality: The Problems, The Solutions . Focus on Exceptional Children, 35(2). The University of Kansas.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.17161/foec.v35i2.6794 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2727154775
    OpenAlex
  38. Malian I. M. (2011). bibr27-0271121420921237 Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education, 2(8), 2.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  39. (n.d.). No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, P. L. 107-110, 20 U. S. C. § 6319.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  40. Saint Gilles M. P. (2015). bibr31-0271121420921237 NHSA Dialog, 18(1), 74.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  41. Trivette C. M. (2009). bibr35-0271121420921237 Research Brief, 3(1), 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref