Fading Paraprofessional Support

Georgetown Public Schools is committed to providing the appropriate interventions for students in order for them to make progress, including the provision of paraprofessional support.  However, the discussion of developing an appropriate plan to fade that support should be had at the time of implementation. Developing a successful fade plan is essential anytime a student receives paraprofessional support as part of their Individual Education Plans.

Fade plans are highly individualized and based on the needs of the student.  Still, there are some generalizations involved in creating the plan, as the goal of paraprofessional support is always to increase student independence.

1. Discuss the fade plan at the time of implementation.  From the moment that the IEP TEAM decides to provide paraprofessional support to a student, it should also discuss the long-term goals for fading that support.  It is up to the TEAM chair to provide specific reasons why fading support is important.
2. Set a specific fade goal.  Always be specific when discussing the end goal of paraprofessional support at the time of implementation.  Look at the student’s present level of performance first. Then determine where the child will need to be at the end of the IEP period in order decrease supports.
3. Always consult the data.  Base the fade plan on data that has been collected regarding the purpose of the paraprofessional support.  Once meaningful data is collected, all TEAM members, including parents, will be more willing to discuss the fading of support.  Everyone wants to see the student completing tasks more independently.
4. Do not discuss the complete elimination of paraprofessional support.  Certain TEAM members may continue their reluctance to fade paraprofessional support.  A parent may believe that their child will regress if the support is completely taken away.  If a decision is made to eliminate the support, it is the responsibility of the TEAM chair to remind the entire TEAM that if the child does regress, the TEAM will be reconvened to discuss bringing back support.