New Paraprofessional Cheat Sheet: Behavior Support Basics for the First Week, High School

Most paras get handed a schedule, a lanyard, and a kid on day one. Nobody has time to tell them how behavior support actually works in that room. This cheat sheet is the talk I wish every new para got before first hour.

What's included:

• Your job with behavior, and what is not your job

• Day one must knows checklist

• How to help without taking over: smallest prompt first, productive struggle, quiet praise

• Seven moves that backfire, with what to try instead

• A first week checklist and space for questions

How I'd use it:

Hand it over on the first morning and go through it together in ten minutes. "Not your job" is the part new paras are most relieved to read, especially "handling a dangerous situation alone." Then come back to it on Friday with their questions.

It is written for paras, not about them. Plain words, no jargon, and it treats them like the important adults they are. Use it as part of your para onboarding, or as a refresher in January when routines start to slide. Teachers who are new to working with a para get something out of it too, because it spells out a fair split of the job.

Who it's for: Paras, teachers, and administrators. Any grade level.

What you download: one printable PDF, 3 pages, US Letter.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.