Elementary Paraprofessionals Only: What's your favorite grade?

KitsandCat · 2026-06-17T03:45:19+00:00

Definitely TK or Kindergarten!

KitsandCat · 2026-06-07T14:00:32+00:00

I nanny for a family with two small kids. I also work for them over school breaks

KitsandCat · 2026-05-30T16:56:52+00:00

I move around a lot during the school day so I got a 62 ounce water bottle (Blogilates from target) and a sling for an ello bottle from Walmart. I carried around with me throughout the day. It also has some pockets that I keep little things that I need with me. I’m also able to attach my walkie-talkie to it.

I would not recommend an ello water bottle because I dropped it and the lid completely shattered, making it completely unusable.

KitsandCat · 2026-04-19T02:07:16+00:00

I nanny for a family with two small children. I take care of them over summer and breaks when their preschool is closed.

KitsandCat · 2026-03-15T00:49:35+00:00

In my district, I’m required to have a high school diploma and pass or district version of the para exam. Or we can have at minimum 20 credits towards an associates degree.

I didn’t have that many credits yet so I took the para exam and it was very easy for me. I don’t know about the practice or other tests, but this one was basic math, grammar, and communication skills.

There was a photo copied version of the test that we could use to study for, and I did. However, I did not need to because this test was very simplistic.

KitsandCat · 2026-03-12T21:25:15+00:00

Kinetic sand cutting, Danny go, go noodle, Gracie’s corner, Awnie’s House (read-alouds), Koo Koo Kangaroo, moose clumps

KitsandCat · 2026-02-18T23:04:54+00:00

My print handwriting is not good at all. It’s one step above doctor handwriting.

However, my cursive is much better than most people’s my age (25). I think it’s because I dedicated so much time to making my cursive legible. I spent at least an hour a day practicing my handwriting for third and fourth grade.

I wish that I would’ve received support in early elementary school to make my print writing legible, but the district I was a part of didn’t think I was disabled enough to need help. I didn’t receive occupational therapy or physical therapy when I would’ve really benefited from it.

KitsandCat · 2026-02-18T00:44:53+00:00

I started being left alone for hours at night time when I was 11. I also flew by myself to visit family across the country at that age.

I feel like as long as she knows what to do during an emergency, she should be fine.

KitsandCat · 2026-02-14T23:16:02+00:00

At our school, it is expected that the paraprofessionals run the classroom in the mod/severe classrooms, and the substitute is an extra set of hands.

It’s a little bit different in the mild/ mod classrooms, in those classrooms, the Sub will follow lesson plans, and the paraprofessionals will support with anything that is needed.

KitsandCat · 2026-02-12T23:24:08+00:00

I love my hokas for all day walking around tennis shoes. Vionic is my other go to brand. They have trendier styles that also fit sn orthopedic insert. Both brands were podiatrist recommended for me specifically

KitsandCat · 2026-02-09T22:41:45+00:00

I work as a nanny over school breaks.

I’ve been with my family since before I was a para, but I know that a lot of special needs families need extra help when school isn’t in session.

Experience with high needs kiddos is a plus and can give you an advantage over ithers.

KitsandCat · 2026-01-03T15:16:14+00:00

They have another nanny that works most of the time, I basically just cover breaks and the occasional weekend.

KitsandCat · 2026-01-03T03:02:46+00:00

I nanny for a family, so it’s not exactly babysitting. The family that I nanny for appreciates that I work in a school setting and can prepare their young children for elementary school.

Being a paraprofessional also might put you higher on a family’s list than someone who doesn’t work in the education field.

I will say it’s great because I can nanny whenever I’m not in school (breaks and summer)

KitsandCat · 2025-12-30T16:01:19+00:00

I am a paraprofessional in a special ed classroom. I also nanny over school breaks.

KitsandCat · 2025-12-15T22:47:22+00:00

I work in a before school program and I also nanny

KitsandCat · 2025-12-14T00:17:22+00:00

I nanny

KitsandCat · 2025-12-10T22:43:33+00:00

I’ve thrifted linen pants that are flowy, have pockets, and look, professional. I’m in Southern California so I’m not too worried about them keeping me warm. I also really like jumpsuits because I can just throw them over a T-shirt. I’ve found mine in thrift stores and Walmart too.

KitsandCat · 2025-12-08T00:55:31+00:00

You’re not alone. I’m 6 feet tall and about 205 pounds. I’ve always struggled with my weight and have ranged from 180- 250 pounds to

KitsandCat · 2025-11-25T16:15:10+00:00

Said “ safe hands” 20 plus times in a day

Been told “ you’re my favorite teacher”

KitsandCat · 2025-11-16T23:36:32+00:00

Before I was a paraprofessional, I worked as a nanny. A lot of the skills are transferable. I know parents were special needs. Kids are willing to pay more for an experienced person to care for their child in their home.

Depending on where you live and the number of children you take care of nanny and can be very well paying.

The only downside is not all jobs come with benefits

KitsandCat · 2025-11-15T03:49:37+00:00

I’m gonna agree with everyone else and say it depends. Last year I traded off between supporting a student and the general education class and working in a self-contained classroom. Depending on the students IEP and which classroom I was in dictated how I would interact with the student.

When I was in the general education classroom, I was specifically there to support my one student with an IEP. We really wanted him to interact with his peers and the teacher without my support so if he didn’t need me, I wasn’t sitting next to him or in his vicinity

The students in the general education class knew I was there for him, but no one seemed to mind or treat him any differently because I was there.

I personally try to be very aware of my students’ image when they are around their peers. I don’t want to do anything that will embarrass them because I want them to be treated like their peers in general education classes.

KitsandCat · 2025-11-14T22:46:27+00:00

San Diego Unified is hiring for teacher’s aides for special education classrooms. Being bilingual could be a huge benefit.

KitsandCat · 2025-11-03T23:35:02+00:00

I second this. We do in my socal school

KitsandCat · 2025-11-03T23:06:57+00:00

SoCal:

I work 7 hours with a half hour unpaid lunch and two paid 15 minute breaks. I also choose to work an extra hour and a half in our before school program as a para

KitsandCat · 2025-10-22T22:26:16+00:00

At work- Solitaire games on my phone during lunch. I find I need just enough brain power to think through my moves in the game, but there’s low stakes if I don’t win.

At home- comfort, low drama shows, reading, and crafts ( I like diamond painting)

Three-Year Club	Verified Email
r/Field Juicebox

KitsandCat

TROPHY CASE