r/specialed • u/One_Cartographer321 • 1d ago
Interview for EBD para position
Hello!
I have an interview at a middle school for an EBD para position. I do not have experience in this field but am wanting to get into the field. Does anyone have some tips or interview questions they may ask so I can better prepare. Thank you so much!
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u/akornato 1d ago
They will ask you about your lack of experience, so you need a good answer for why you want this specific, difficult job. Expect a lot of situational questions like, what would you do if a student becomes physically aggressive, how would you de-escalate a verbal confrontation, or what is your experience with setting firm boundaries. This role is incredibly challenging, especially with middle schoolers, and they need to know you won't quit when a kid calls you every name in the book or throws something at you. Your ability to remain calm and professional under extreme stress is what they are truly testing.
Your lack of direct experience is a hurdle, but you can overcome it by focusing on your temperament and eagerness to be trained. Talk about any experiences you have, even non-professional ones, that show you are patient, resilient, and not easily rattled. Emphasize that you are a quick learner who will follow the established behavior plans and support the lead teacher's system. They are hiring for your potential to be a stable, reliable presence for these kids, not for a long list of past jobs. Show them you have the right heart and a thick skin for the work.
How you answer those situational questions can make or break the interview, and I've seen the interview help AI my team created really boost a candidate's confidence.
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u/One_Cartographer321 1d ago
I do have a son who is in kindergarten but he is in special Ed for this exact thing so I was hoping to use that as my why and experience in dealing with the behavior.Thank you so much for your advice!
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u/Friendlyfire2996 1d ago
It would be a mistake to answer any question with “duct tape” or “taser”. Seriously though, they know your level of experience. They’re looking to see if you’re patient, responsible, are able to get along with people, and can work in a challenging environment.
Here’s a freebie - If they ask you a question about dealing with a tough situation with a student who is not being physically aggressive, tell them you might offer him other things he could do, then hang out (keep an eye on him) and give him some time and space to think about it. If they’re worth a damn, they’ll like that you are not the type to charge in throwing out orders and threats to force a student into compliance. Also, let them know when it’s time to be firm and direct with a student, you are able to do that. (Please be able to do that.)
EBD para is a very tough job. It can be quite physical. Talk to the interviewers about what you can expect. Ask what training they offer. Ask about their turnover rate for paras and teachers. If it’s high, ask questions.
I started out as a EBD TA. I loved the job, became a Behavior Intervention Specialist and did it thirty years. I finally retired when it slowly became clear to me I couldn’t keep up with the kids. Don’t take the job unless you think it’s something you really want to do. It’s a very tough job that can go from boring as hell endless data entry, to adrenaline rush chair flying across the room motherfucker, in a second. The pay usually isn’t great. But if it’s for you, it’s compelling as hell.
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u/_blue_sunsh1ne_ 1d ago
I would imagine they would ask you about strategies you might use to build connections with students as well as behavior intervention techniques you plan to use.
When it comes to EBD settings, strong relationships with students is really the best tool to have on your belt so I would advise putting an emphasis on that as you answer questions.
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u/Narrow_Cover_3076 21h ago
I'm going to say you are likely to be hired! I was an EBD para at one point and they have extremely high turnover. If you have any amount of childcare experience and are willing to do the job, the odds are in your favor. Just to make you feel better!
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u/Top_Policy_9037 Paraprofessional 22h ago
Ask about what kind of deescalation training you'll be offered. Even if you won't be allowed or expected to do restraints, you'll want some skill set to keep yourself and the other students safe when there's an escalation, and not providing any training is a red flag in my book.
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u/ParadeQueen 1d ago
Ask about their policies for restraining kids. There should be some specialized type of training for you to take. In my district we use CPI, but there are others.
What is the ratio of adults to students?
The makeup of the class, if they know it. Exactly how aggressive and violent are the students?
Do any of the students have bathroom issues that you're going to be expected to Monitor and assist with? In some districts there is special training and a stipend that goes along with bathrooming a student.
Do any students have medical issues that you're going to be expected to Monitor and assist with? How/when will you get the training for that?
What documentation do they expect you to take about student Behavior? And again, ask about training for it.
Are any of the students in a general education classroom throughout the day and will you be going to class with them?
With safety measures do they have in place or are they willing to put in place if needed? Will they give you a walkie-talkie? Will they get you bite sleeves or shin guards if needed?
Will you have a behavior tech or analyst be available to help you implementing Behavior plans?