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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?

Know the goal, Follow the Plan: ABC Regulation Plan

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.

Foster Predictability to Build Trust

Create a structured and consistent environment that supports students’ confidence.

Use visual schedules

Visual schedules are powerful tools for supporting students who may struggle with working memory.

Ready to explore helpful visual resources?

Maintain consistent classroom rules

Consistency helps students feel secure and understand expectations. By keeping rules consistent both inside and outside the classroom, you create a stable environment where all students can succeed.

Prepare students for transitions by using timers

Transitions can be challenging, but timers and clear warnings make them easier for everyone. Giving students time to prepare for upcoming changes helps reduce anxiety and keeps the class on track.

Create a daily Routine

Predictable routines provide structure, but not every school routine works for every student. Whenever possible, keep activities consistent and adaptable to meet diverse needs.

Let Data Tell the Story: Progress Monitoring vs. Perception

Use evidence-based data to guide interventions and decisions, not just subjective impressions.

1

Share Goal Setting

Once IEP goals are established, share them with the entire school team to ensure alignment and support. Transitions are critical, and thoughtful recommendations can have a greater impact than expected.

2

Track Progress

A challenging day for an autistic child doesn’t define them as “bad.” It’s essential to observe patterns, such as how often the behavior occurs, when it happens, and what triggers it, before making any assumptions or judgments.

3

Adjust strategies based on feedback

Autistic individuals aren’t “fixable.” Instead, adjust the environment, adapt approaches, or ensure staff are properly trained. Use feedback to refine strategies and support their needs effectively.

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

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

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.

This video (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.

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