Andrea Salonek
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Paraprofessional with over 10 years of experience in school districts, specializing in support for students with disabilities, including those in EBD and IEP programs. Proven ability to foster positive relationships and provide tailored academic, behavioral, and emotional support to high school students facing challenges in traditional classroom settings. Expertise in de-escalation techniques, problem-solving, and life skills development enhances the capacity to create a structured and nurturing environment. Committed to empowering students to achieve success both academically and socially, while also offering valuable insights from experience in providing foster care for young adults with disabilities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Foster Care Provider
Salonek Family Fostercare
Buffalo, MN
10.2018 - Current
- Provided compassionate care and support to young adults in foster care, ensuring emotional and physical well-being.
- Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with social workers and families to meet each individuals unique needs.
- Implemented behavioral management techniques to promote positive development and reduce challenging behaviors among children.
- Coordinated regular communication with caseworkers, schools, and medical professionals to ensure holistic support for foster individuals.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in foster care provision.
- Maintained accurate records of foster individuals progress, including medical appointments, medications, school achievements, and behavioral issues.
- Reduced problem behaviors with positive reinforcement and supportive techniques.
- Assisted young adults through recovery from difficult home or school situations.
- Organized engaging activities for leisure time that encouraged social interaction between all household members while promoting personal growth opportunities for the individuals involved.
Paraprofessional
Buffalo School District
Buffalo, MN
03.2015 - Current
- Supported classroom activities by assisting teachers with lesson preparation and student engagement.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students, ensuring tailored support for diverse learning needs.
- Coordinated with parents and staff to facilitate effective communication regarding student progress and challenges.
- Assisted in managing classroom behavior, fostering a positive learning environment conducive to student success.
- Trained new paraprofessional staff on classroom protocols and strategies for supporting students effectively.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators, contributing to academic assessments and evaluations.
- Led small group instruction sessions to reinforce key concepts, promoting student confidence and understanding in targeted areas.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
Education
High School Diploma -
Buffalo Schools
Buffalo, MNSkills
- Nutrition planning
- Self-care awareness
- Life skills teaching
- Positive reinforcement
- Activity planning
- Patience and tact
- Educational support
- Boundaries setting
- Transportation coordination
- Client advocacy
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Certification
I am Behavior Prevention Intervention (BPI) trained and have successfully passed the Paraeducator Assessment. I have also previously held CPI and First Aid certifications and am willing to renew them as needed.
Timeline
Foster Care Provider
Salonek Family Fostercare
10.2018 - Current
Paraprofessional
Buffalo School District
03.2015 - Current
High School Diploma -
Buffalo Schools