Part of a three-part series depicting training approaches for paraprofessionals working with handicapped children, the booklet focuses on two major competencies: general understandings of special education and of major handicapping conditions. This module is intended for paraprofessionals who have had little experience with, and/or education about, special needs children. Each competency consists of objectives which are further broken down into activities with suggested times for each activity. The first competency is addressed in terms of definition of key terms, historical developments in special education (including information on relevant legislation), the paraprofessional's role in identification and assessment, and the individualized education program. Competency 2 focuses on general information on characteristics and teaching strategies for children with seven handicapping conditions: mental retardation; hearing impairments; speech and language impairments; orthopedic and health impairments; emotional handicaps; learning disabilities; and visual impairments. Handouts and mini-lectures are provided for competency objectives. (CL)