This grant proposal seeks funding to provide iPads or laptops to school paraprofessionals and instructional aides. These essential team members play a critical role in delivering individualized instruction, small group support, behavior intervention, and academic scaffolding—especially for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those requiring remediation or enrichment. Equipping them with modern digital tools will enhance their effectiveness, foster student engagement, and streamline communication, documentation, and intervention practices.

Paraprofessionals and instructional aides are integral to the success of today’s classrooms. They provide critical academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to some of our most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities, English learners, and those performing below grade level. Despite their pivotal role, these professionals are routinely under-equipped with the technological tools necessary to meet the demands of a 21st-century classroom. At present, many paraprofessionals in our district share limited or outdated technology—if any at all. Most aides must rely on teachers' devices, outdated desktop computers, or even their personal phones to access learning platforms, log student behavior, or communicate with staff. These workarounds are inefficient, increase dependence on others, and create delays in instructional support and data documentation. This technology gap directly impacts student support. Paraprofessionals often work with small groups or one-on-one settings where individualized instruction is needed most. Without access to digital tools, aides cannot effectively: Implement real-time accommodations for students with IEPs or 504 plans. Use interactive apps and platforms aligned with teacher instruction (e.g., Google Classroom, Seesaw, Nearpod). Log behavioral or academic data in the school’s RTI or MTSS systems. 
Access instructional content or translations for English learners. Communicate consistently with teachers and case managers.

To address the technology access gap among paraprofessionals and instructional aides, this project will equip each staff member with a dedicated iPad or laptop and provide targeted training to ensure these tools are used effectively to improve student outcomes. The overarching goal is to enhance instructional support, streamline communication, and foster student academic and behavioral growth through the strategic use of technology by paraprofessionals. This project is a scalable, sustainable, and transformative solution to a long-standing equity gap within our campus. Paraprofessionals are already doing the work—supporting students, reinforcing instruction, managing behavior, and building relationships. What they lack is access to the same level of digital tools as the rest of the instructional team.