Research Symposium

BIO

Kyla Grogan is a second-year sophomore from Miami, Florida, double majoring in History & Human Development and Family Sciences. Her academic interests focus on the intersections of historical context and family systems with particular attention to how social structures and policies shape individual and family experiences over time.

She plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a family law attorney, with a focus on working with children and advocating for their well-being within complex legal systems.

Paraprofessionals Supporting Early Literacy

Abstract

Paraprofessionals are defined as trained staff members who assist and provide specialized support in classrooms; most often to students with special needs. However, many paraprofessionals receive limited preparation or professional training in early literacy strategies, which may affect their confidence and effectiveness in supporting children’s language and literacy growth. We will conduct a qualitative study. It will explore how paraprofessionals perceive their roles and responsibilities in promoting emerging literacy among in children in Tallahassee. They will survey and interviewed about their current classroom experiences and how they view their role. In this project, we will also examine the challenges paraprofessionals encounter when implementing early reading and language-building practices, as well as the types of training and experiences that help them feel prepared in their work.

Keywords: Paraprofessionals Childhood Literacy