This quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test assessment pilot study investigates the impact of a four-module training on paraprofessionals’ knowledge, level of comfort, and level of knowledge regarding their understanding of occupational therapy recommendations. Through an experiential approach, paraprofessionals learned foundational developmental considerations (module 1), sensory regulation concepts and strategies (module 2), fine motor and visual motor skills (module 3), and prewriting and handwriting strategies (module 4) to better support students with disabilities in the school setting. Participants received a one-page summary of the guiding principles for implementing strategies for modules 2-4. The results of the present pilot study concluded that paraprofessionals’ participation in the four 1-hour training modules proved to be effective for paraprofessionals to learn the development foundations, sensory regulation strategies, fine motor and visual motor skills, and prewriting and handwriting skills. The evidence not only reflected increasing the paraprofessionals’ knowledge of but also their level of knowledge and level of comfort to support students with disabilities in the school setting. For occupational therapists working in the school setting, the results of this study ignite the possibility for other occupational therapists to spearhead an expansion of their role to include targeted training specific for paraprofessionals to improve student outcomes.
