Working to Strengthen Paraprofessional Preparation and Development Across Ohio

OPEPP works to support systems that support paraprofessionals. Using a partnership model, we engage schools, districts, and regional providers through online learning and learning materials, co-planning for service delivery and professional development, and delivery of training and technical assistance to help districts honor and develop the capacity of paraprofessionals to support the improvement of teaching and learning for each student. OPEPP is coordinated through the University of Cincinnati’s Systems Development & Improvement Center (UC SDI), and is located in Columbus, OH.

OPEPP is now accepting new districts for the 2023-2024 school year, and is hosting multiple information sessions. Learn more here

The Spring 2023 Workshops are coming up! To register, visit the 2023 Spring Workshops page

Click here to read OPEPP’s study of paraprofessionals and how districts currently use them. The study also shares how districts can begin to design effective, efficient, and inclusive student instruction by supporting paraprofessional expertise, input, and professional growth.

OPEPP Professional Development Modules

Users’ Guide for OPEPP Professional Development Modules

The information in the OPEPP modules is for paraprofessional educators, but this guide for using the modules is for two different audiences: (1) parapros working on their own and (2) educators (e.g., school district and regional personnel) who train parapros. We encourage both groups to pick and choose what looks most useful and most interesting. Trainers can also adapt the materials in the OPEPP modules, so long as they credit OPEPP as the original source. (more…)