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“Every child deserves a thorough, fair evaluation, wherever they live.”
1:1 Aide Assessments:
Determining the Level of Support a Student Needs
A 1:1 Aide Assessment looks at whether a student needs additional adult support during the school day and, if so, when and for what. Cognitive Diagnostic Associates provides independent 1:1 aide assessments as part of an Independent Educational Evaluation.
What is a 1:1 Aide Assessment
Sometimes called a Special Circumstances Instructional Assistance (SCIA) assessment or a paraprofessional support assessment, this evaluation examines how a student functions across the school day in areas such as safety, behavior, health and personal care, instruction, and social participation. It identifies where the student is independent and where additional adult support is needed to access their education.
When to consider an independent 1:1 Aide Assessment
Families often request an independent assessment when they and the school disagree about whether a student needs an aide, when the school proposes reducing or removing aide support, or when a student is struggling with safety, behavior, or access to instruction without one.
What does a 1:1 Aide Assessment involve
Our evaluator reviews records, interviews parents, teachers, and staff, and observes the student across multiple settings such as the classroom, recess, lunch, and transitions. The written report describes the student’s level of independence in each part of the day and includes recommendations for the IEP team to consider, including how support could be faded as the student gains independence.
What a 1:1 Aide Assessment Gives the IEP Team
This assessment gives the IEP team objective information about support needs across the whole school day. It can:
1. Provide a setting-by-setting picture of the student’s independence.
2. Identify the specific times and activities where support is needed.
3. Document safety, behavior, and access-to-instruction needs with data.
4. Recommend the type and amount of support for the team to consider.
5. Outline considerations for building the student’s independence over time.