Category — 3.1 The “E” Professionals

Educational Assistant/Special Education Assistant (EA/SEA)

The EA/SEA helps the regular classroom teacher work with a child with special needs in the classroom. The EA/SEA is usually assigned to an individual child, and can be in the classroom with the child either full time or part time. How much the EA/SEA is present in the classroom depends on the needs of the child and the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) (see full Glossary). The EA/SEA may:

• Attend IEP meetings and review meetings;
• Learn about the child’s strengths and needs  to help him or her in the classroom;
• Follow through with the teacher’s work and help the child as needed;
• Have a deep understanding of the goals set for the child during the IEP meeting. This way, these goals get targeted as often as possible, both inside and outside the classroom;
• Document the child’s progress on a regular basis;
• Assist the teacher with making learning materials for the child;
• Help the child’s participate in large and small group activities;
• Provide one-on-one instruction;
• Help the teacher and special educator assess the child’s skills and needs.

It is very important to note that the EA/SEA’s job is not to do things for the child, but to help  the child when he or she needs it. It is also important to note that it is not the EA/SEA’s job to plan intervention goals for the child. This is the job of the regular and special education teachers. The EA/SEA’s job is to help the regular and special education teachers put plans into action.

EA/SEAs are also known as Student Support Workers (SSW). To learn more about EA/SEAs, please visit this website.

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