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Know the Goal, Follow the Plan
Understanding Appropriate Educational Programming
"AEP for most students is the provincial curriculum. Some students may require additional supports to access the curriculum, and a smaller number of students may require highly individualized learning outcomes in addition to or instead of the provincial curriculum."
Government of Manitoba (2024)
Educational Assistants' Role
"Under the direction of teachers and with training from other professional staff, educational assistants may help implement plans developed specifically for students by the student support team. (…) Activities may be academic, social, or related to specific student needs and plans. They can take place in a variety of situations and settings, ranging from universal support in the classroom, to targeted support or group work, to, on occasion, working with a student individually."
Government of Manitoba (2024)
Click on the link below to download the provincial document:
What is the purpose of Inclusive Education?
What is a Student Specific Plan?
First Goal for All: Co-Regulation
Before children can regulate their own emotions, they need adults who can help them do it. Co-regulation happens when caring adults stay calm, present, and connected, especially when emotions run high. In moments of stress or conflict, the adult’s nervous system becomes the anchor that helps the child’s nervous system settle.
The video below (Boston 24/7 with Principal McAfee ) offers a powerful example of how adult reactions can either escalate or de-escalate a situation. It challenges us to look beyond the student’s behaviour and reflect on our own responses: Are we modeling calm and connection, or mirroring the chaos? As you watch, consider how each adult’s tone, body language, and approach influence the student’s sense of safety, and what a co-regulating response might have looked like instead.
Strategies for Effective Support
Educational Assistant Responsibilities in Student-Specific Planning - Key Strategies:
1
1
help to Identify individual Goals
2
2
Understand challenges and Barriers
3
3
Co-regulate
Follow plans A, B, and C
4
4
Implement the Plan
Consistency is KEY!
5
5
Track goals and report data
6
6
Collaborate with the Team by Reviewing the Effectiveness of the Plan
Tracking Student Goals & Engagement
The IEP Tracking Calendar helps staff visually monitor:
  • Which goals are being targeted each day
  • The student’s Zones of Regulation (engagement and emotional state)
  • Patterns in behaviour, attendance, and participation over time
How it works:
✅ Record daily progress for each IEP goals (1–4)
✅ Use symbols to mark the student’s zone of regulation:
  • ! Green – calm & focused
  • ^ Blue – low energy/disengaged
  • º Yellow – anxious/frustrated
  • ● Red – escalated/dysregulated
Why it matters:
  • Makes patterns visible (e.g., recurring dysregulation on Mondays)
  • Promotes consistency and team communication
  • Supports data-informed decisions when adjusting plans or goals
The calendar below illustrates how student data is tracked over time.
Please use the link below to download the current school year’s calendar
The Power of Predictability and Purpose in Learning
Clear goals and consistent routines help students feel safe and ready to learn. When activities have purpose, students and educational assistants know what’s expected and why it matters. Predictable routines build trust, support emotional regulation, and reduce stress so students can focus on learning, connecting with others, and showing their progress toward their IEP goals.
Best Practices & Communication: Building Strong Partnerships for Student Success
Clear Communication with Teachers & Team Members
Regularly check in about student needs and progress.
Seek clarification when needed.
Documenting Observations & Providing Feedback
Record student achievements and challenges.
Share insights that can inform instruction.
Professionalism & Continuous Learning
Adhere to school policies and confidentiality guidelines.
Participate in training and professional development.
Educational assistants play a vital role in fostering inclusive learning environments.
By working collaboratively and implementing best practices, they contribute significantly to student success!
Small Group Activity
Let’s work together and put our learning into action! In your small groups:
1
Individual Goals
Take a look at your students’ individual goals. Talk about what each student is working on and brainstorm ways you can support them in reaching those goals.
2
Daily Schedule
Think about what your daily routine looks like. Write it down and notice where your student has time and opportunities to work toward their goals. Ask yourselves:
  • Does my student know what their goals are?
  • Do they get enough chances to practice and make progress?
  • What small changes could help them be more successful?
3
Collecting Data
Use the Tracking Data Calendar to reflect on last week. Try marking when goals were achieved or when you noticed strong engagement or regulation.
  • What patterns do you see from week to week?
  • What might those patterns tell you about how your student learns best?
Know the Goal, Follow the Plan - Summary Video