Sub Support Playbook Teacher Guide
Special Education Instructional & Operational Guidelines
Sub Support Playbook
Standards and structure for building a high-fidelity guest teacher folder
Target Setting
Resource & Self-Contained
Annual / Quarterly Audit
Confidentiality
FERPA Protected
Para Team
Classroom Anchors
Routines Priority
Consistency First
Emergency Binder
Red Front Pocket
1. The 5 Core Folder Sections (Tab Architecture)
Tab 1
Schedules & Roles
Master bell schedule, pull-out/push-in timetables, and paraprofessional assignment charts.
Daily rhythm
Tab 2
Student Snapshots
One-page at-a-glance profiles: communication modes, motivators, and sensory triggers.
No raw IEPs
Tab 3
Behavior Plans
Positive reinforcement systems, de-escalation steps, and approved calm-down spaces.
BIP summaries
Tab 4
Health & Safety
Seizure protocols, severe allergy flags, g-tube/feeding guidelines, and evacuation buddy roles.
Nurse direct line
Tab 5
Contingency Plans
Zero-prep modular lessons, preferred rotation tasks, social stories, and emergency sub tub index.
3 days content
Key Protocol
Paraprofessional Partnership & Authority Boundary
Clear Classroom Roles
✓ What Paraprofessionals Lead
- Individual student routines, hygiene/toileting schedules, and feeding protocols
- Running established 1:1 or small group station interventions as documented
- Operating specialized assistive tech and personalized communication (AAC) devices
★ What Guest Teachers Maintain
- Whole-group pacing, room transitions, and overall classroom legal oversight
- Formal communication with administrative staff, counselors, and main office
- Final behavioral escalation decisions and completing the end-of-day sub log
2. Morning Setup Routine (Substitute Checklist)
1
Check in with Team Anchor Paraprofessional (7:45 AM)
Review student absences, changes in daily sensory baselines, and any scheduled IEP meetings or therapist pull-outs.
2
Locate Red Emergency Bag & Two-Way Radio
Verify channel 3 for special education safety dispatch. Confirm classroom key card and external door perimeter fob.
3
Display Visual Schedule on Front Whiteboard
Neurodivergent learners rely on predictable temporal anchors. Arrange physical schedule icon strips before student entry.
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Section II: Classroom Dynamics
Behavior, Sensory & Prompting Protocols
Actionable Supports
A. Least-to-Most Prompting Hierarchy
Always provide 5-10 sec wait time
Tier 1
Independent
Natural environmental cue only
Tier 2
Visual / Gesture
Point to icon, task card, or timer
Tier 3
Verbal Direct
State simple 1-step direction
Tier 4
Model / Demo
Demonstrate correct action first
Tier 5
Partial Physical
Gentle hand guidance at elbow
B. Three-Stage De-escalation Protocol
| Phase / Indicators | Immediate Staff Action | What NOT to Do |
|---|
| Stage 1: Rumbling | | |
| Pacing, verbal refusal, tapping, breath change, ear covering. | | |
| Offer choice of 2 low-demand items. Prompt to "Break" card. Provide sensory tool (weighted lap pad, chewelry, headphones). | Do not argue, lecture, or take away preferred reinforcers as punishment. |
| Stage 2: Peak / Meltdown
Physical agitation, screaming, throwing objects, bolting risk.
| Ensure physical safety. Remove peers calmly if required. Reduce adult speech to 1-2 words ("Safe space now"). Call main office/para lead via radio. | Never physically block cornered student; do not demand eye contact or touch unexpectedly. |
| Stage 3: Recovery
Fatigue, crying, responsiveness returning, slumping.
| Offer water and quiet rest in calm corner. Re-establish connection without reviewing incident. Resume routine gradually with easy mastery task. | Do not demand immediate apology or force catch-up on missed academic work. |
C. High-Frequency Accommodations in Practice
Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Dedicated speech tablet must remain with student everywhere, including cafeteria and recess.
Sub Tip: Model touch-screen choices without grabbing student's hands.
First-Then Visual Boards
Pair non-preferred task with preferred motivator ("First 5 math problems, Then 3 minutes LEGO").
Sub Tip: Honor the reward immediately when target is achieved.
Sensory Diet Breaks
Scheduled heavy work (wall pushes, carrying book bin) or calming corner rocking chair.
Sub Tip: Sensory breaks are proactive health needs, never earned rewards.
★ THE GUEST TEACHER GOLDEN RULE
"A calm adult regulates an anxious room. In special education, preserving emotional safety and emotional stability takes precedence over finishing worksheets. When in doubt, lean on your paraprofessional team's expertise and prioritize routine over speed."
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Section III: Operational Safety & Closure
Safety Protocols, Dismissal & Sub Log
End-of-Day Fidelity
1. Emergency & Medical Readiness
● Evacuation & Lockdown Adaptations
- Grab Red Emergency Binder containing student allergy cards and emergency contacts.
- Assign 1:1 adult escorts for flight-risk and wheelchair-assisted students immediately.
- Noise-canceling ear protection must be grabbed from blue bin beside the exit door.
● Dismissal & Transportation Security
- Verify color-coded bus tags attached to student backpacks before releasing from room.
- Direct hand-off required: never release a student to bus loading zone unaccompanied.
- Car riders remain in classroom until name is called on two-way radio intercom.
2. Daily Substitute Report Template
Completed by Guest Teacher before departure
Substitute Name:
Date:
Absent Students:
Celebrations & Student Successes:
Challenges / Triggers Encountered:
Curriculum & Station Progress (What was completed vs. postponed):
3. Implementation Notes (Teacher Maintenance Guide)
Quarterly Audit
Update medication orders, behavioral changes, and IEP modifications at the start of each grading period.
Sub Tub Reserves
Stock 3 days of independent task boxes, sensory bins, and non-perishable emergency snacks in Cabinet 2.
Key Card & Radio
Store active classroom key fob and charging radio in labeled drawer next to the primary sub folder.
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