top of page
  • Writer's pictureaaronamede

Valuing Paraeducators: A Proposal to Increase Pay for Those Working with ASD Student

Paraeducators who work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) provide crucial support for these students in the classroom. However, the job comes with significant challenges, including aggressive behaviors and health risks that paraeducators face on a regular basis. Therefore, paraeducators who work with ASD students should be paid substantially more than $15 per hour due to the demands and risks of the job.


ASD students often display aggressive behaviors, such as hitting, kicking, and biting. Paraeducators who work with these students are at risk of injury from these behaviors. In fact, a recent study found that paraeducators who work with students with ASD are at a higher risk of workplace injury than any other category of education professionals. This risk of injury alone justifies a higher pay rate for paraeducators who work with ASD students.


In addition to the risk of injury, paraeducators who work with ASD students may also be exposed to health risks. ASD students often have sensory processing issues that can lead to inappropriate behaviors, such as self-injurious behaviors or fecal smearing. Paraeducators who work with these students may be exposed to bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or feces, which can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases. Therefore, paraeducators who work with ASD students should receive a higher pay rate to compensate for the health risks they face.


Furthermore, paraeducators who work with ASD students require specialized training and expertise. These paraeducators must have knowledge of behavioral interventions, communication strategies, and sensory regulation techniques. This specialized training requires time, effort, and resources, and paraeducators who possess this knowledge and experience should be compensated accordingly.


In conclusion, paraeducators who work with ASD students face significant challenges and risks, including aggressive behaviors and exposure to health risks. These demands require a higher level of compensation than the current rate of $15 per hour. By increasing the pay rate for paraeducators who work with ASD students, we can ensure that these valuable education professionals receive the compensation they deserve and are able to continue providing essential support for students with ASD.

2 views0 comments

ความคิดเห็น


bottom of page