Paraeducator Certificate Program

The paraeducator certificate program offers standards-based training for all instructional paraeducators in Washington State. The Fundamental Course of Study and General Certificate are required when funding is provided by the Legislature. Paraeducators working with children and youth with disabilities must understand their role in providing instructional and direct services, supporting certificated staff, and adhering to ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality. They should have knowledge of human development, risk factors affecting growth, diversity, legal issues, and health and safety procedures. Additionally, paraeducators must demonstrate skills in communication, problem-solving, positive behavioral management, and collaboration within instructional teams. They need to apply effective teaching strategies, assist with instructional support, motivate students, and be aware of how technology can enhance learning, as well as provide personal care and health-related support as needed. The Washington State Legislature recognizes that all instructional paraeducators need and deserve professional development opportunities and training to support successful academic outcomes for our students. Through a legislative directive (HB 1115, 2017), the Paraeducator Certificate Program was created to meet this demand.

The Paraeducator Certificate Program is made up of the following:

The program begins with a 28-hour Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) focused on paraeducator standards. After completing the FCS, paraeducators must complete 70 additional hours to earn the General Paraeducator Certificate, with a minimum of 14 hours each school year. Paraeducators may also earn a 20-hour Subject Matter Certificate in English Language Learner (ELL) or Special Education, which is optional, expires after five years, and can count toward the General Certificate. Additionally, paraeducators may pursue the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate by completing the General Certificate and 75 hours of advanced training. The advanced certificate also expires after five years and is not required for employment. While paraeducators receive certificates for completing components of the program, they are not considered certified instructional staff.

The standards of practice make up the foundation of the certificate program. The five standards are:

1. Supporting instructional opportunities;
2. Demonstrating professionalism and ethical practices;
3. Supporting a positive and safe learning environment;
4. Communicating effectively and participating in the team process; and
5. Demonstrating cultural competency.

The General Paraeducator Certificate requires 70 clock hours of training and does not expire. There is no in-person requirement, and training must meet in-service education standards but has no set curriculum. Paraeducators must complete 14 hours of general certificate training each year until they reach the 70-hour requirement. The training for the general certificate is flexible, as any clock hour training that enhances a paraeducator’s instructional skills may count. For example, training already available to teachers can also be offered to paraeducators to fulfill the certificate requirements.

Training Options:

• Subject Matter Certificate courses  (See optional certificates tab) 
• Paraeducators with a valid teaching certificate can apply for the general certificate after completing FCS without additional training.
• HRM+ In-district clock hour courses
• PDEnroller
• Master Teacher
  
• College credits (earned since June 2019, transcripts required)
• Other approved clock hour providers (WEA, ESD's, the ISAAC Foundation, etc.)
• Professional Growth Plan

Important Reminder: Be sure to retain all original clock hour forms and/or transcripts for your records. Once you have completed all 70 hours, you must apply for your certificate through the OSPI E-cert system. The certification fee is $74 and must be paid out-of-pocket by the paraeducator. When applying, you will need access to your FCS and General Certificate clock hours and/or transcripts. For further details on the E-cert system, please refer to the OSPI E-Cert System and Certification Process tab.