Paraeducator Information

Paraeducator Information 

Section 1119(g) of the Washington State Paraeducator Guidelines states that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet specific requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to help ensure that the instructional team providing successful learning experiences for students, particularly students receiving benefit of Title I funds. These requirements are:

  1. Paraprofessionals must currently have a secondary school (high school) diploma or its recognized equivalent {and we will be required to provide proof of completion}, and
  2. Paraprofessionals must fulfill one of the three following requirements:
    1. Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
    2. Obtain an associate (or higher) degree; or
    3. Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment,
      1. Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; OR
      2. Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate.

Link to OSPI Paraeducator Information

Paraeducator certificate program overview

Special Education Recommended Core Competencies

To work in education and related services programs for children and youth with disabilities, paraeducators will demonstrate:

  1. Understanding the value of providing instructional and other direct services to all children and youth with disabilities;
  2. Understanding the roles and responsibilities or certificated/licensed staff and paraeducators;
  3. Knowledge of (a) patterns of human development and milestones typically achieved at different ages, and (b) risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development;
  4. Ability to practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality;
  5. Ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraeducator to work as an effective member of the instructional team;
  6. Ability to provide positive behavioral support and management;
  7. Knowledge of the legal issues related to the education of children and youth with disabilities and their families;
  8. Awareness of diversity among the children, youth, families and colleagues with whom they work;
  9. Knowledge and application of the elements of effective instruction to assist teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff in a variety of settings;
  10. Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff;
  11. Ability to motivate and assist children and youth;
  12. Knowledge of and ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures of the agency where they are employed;
  13. Awareness of the ways in which technology can assist teaching and learning; and
  14. Awareness of personal care and/or health related support.