NRS391.420. Training required for certain paraprofessionals; authorization for school districts and charter schools to contract for provision of training; limitation on requirements to extent of available money.

      1.  To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that a paraprofessional who is employed by the school district or charter school to provide assistance to pupils with autism spectrum disorders receives the appropriate preparation and training to acquire:

      (a) Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, including, without limitation:

             (1) The characteristics of autism and the range of spectrum disorders within a diagnosis of autism;

             (2) An understanding of the importance of building relationships between pupils with autism spectrum disorders, other pupils and teachers or adults to encourage the independence of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder; and

             (3) The ability to determine the patterns of behavior of pupils with autism spectrum disorders;

      (b) The ability to provide structure and predictability through the consistent use of methods that support prior learning and continued development;

      (c) The ability to adapt, modify or structure the environment based upon an understanding of the auditory, visual or other sensory stimuli which may be reinforcing, calming or distracting to the pupil;

      (d) The ability to use positive behavioral supports, including, without limitation, the use of discrete trial, structured teaching methods, reinforcement and generalized approaches to enhance the pupil’s education and prevent behavioral problems, as directed by the pupil’s teacher or other appropriate personnel;

      (e) The ability to accurately collect and record data on the progress of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder and report to the pupil’s teacher in a timely manner if a particular strategy or program is not producing the planned outcome for the pupil; and

      (f) The ability to communicate effectively and consistently with pupils with autism spectrum disorders using communication techniques designed for those pupils.

      2.  To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may enter into an agreement with a local corporation, business, organization or other entity to provide training for a paraprofessional who provides assistance to pupils with autism spectrum disorders in accordance with this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2009, 1539; A 2011, 2708, 2718)