Below is a list of training and certificate options included in the paraeducator certificate program.
- Learn about the program structure, resources and timeline.
- View our district implementation toolkit (document).
Fundamental Course of Study
Before a paraeducator begins their employment, they must complete the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) training.
How does a paraeducator receive the training?
It is the responsibility of the school district to provide the FCS training to their paraeducators.
Paraeducators should not independently seek out training to meet the FCS requirements.
District responsibility
A school district is only required to provide training on the FCS when funds are provided by the Legislature. If no funding is provided, then this training is not a requirement.
School districts may partner with a provider to ensure that this training is met. If this option is chosen, it is the responsibility of the district to ensure that the training provided meets the standards and learning objectives written in the FCS outline.
Training components
All FCS training must meet the learning objectives and standards in the course outline and curriculum. Developed from the paraeducator standards of practice, the FCS is organized into 12 units and provides paraeducators with 28-hours of professional development. Seven of those hours must be provided in-person (i.e., paraeducators and trainers are physically in the same room).
- View the paraeducator standards of practice (document).
- View the course outline and curriculum (document).
Online course
The online course “Paraeducators: what we do matters” was created to help meet 12 hours of FCS training. Each of the modules in the online course is equivalent to one hour of training. Districts interested in exploring this option must review the crosswalk (document) between the FCS and the online course.
General Paraeducator Certificate
The General Paraeducator Certificate is a credential earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training in addition to the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). It is the responsibility of the school district to ensure all employed paraeducators meet the requirements of the certificate if funding is provided by the legislature.
Training components
Training to meet the requirements of the general certificate is broadly conceived. Any training that will assist the instructional skills of a paraeducator may count. For example: any training that is already provided to teachers, can be provided to paraeducators to meet the requirements of this certificate.
Subject Matter Certificates
A subject matter certificate is for paraeducators who wish to further their skills in English Language Learner (ELL) or special education instruction.
To earn a subject matter certificate, a paraeducator must complete 20 hours of professional development in the subject area of the certificate. The certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite to work in any program. A paraeducator can only attain a subject matter certificate if they have completed their FCS training.A paraeducator may allocate completed subject matter certificate hours towards the attainment of the General Paraeducator Certificate.
The subject matter certificates have specific standards, learning objectives, and course outlines that must be met to receive the certificate.
ELL certificate
Special education certificate
- Course outline and learning objectives (document)
- Special education standards of practice (document).
Online courses
Two online courses are available to help paraeducators meet the requirements of these subject matter certificates.
Each online course meets the 20 hours of training required to earn the certificate.
Advanced Paraeducator Certificate
A paraeducator may attain the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate once they have completed the General Paraeducator Certificate and an additional 75 clock hours of professional development.
This certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite for a paraeducator working in any program.
What are the duties of an advanced paraeducator?
- assisting in highly-impacted classrooms
- supporting specialized instruction
- mentoring other paraeducators
- acting as a short-term emergency substitute teacher*
* A school district must consult with the paraeducator and apply for the emergency substitute certificate as required in chapter 181-79A WAC.
The Advanced Paraeducator Certificate must include training competencies that align with the standards of practice of an advanced paraeducator.
- View the knowledge and skill competency standards.
The General Paraeducator Certificate is a credential earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training in addition to the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). It is the responsibility of the school district to ensure all employed paraeducators meet the requirements of the certificate if funding is provided by the legislature.
Training components
Training to meet the requirements of the general certificate is broadly conceived. Any training that will assist the instructional skills of a paraeducator may count. For example: any training that is already provided to teachers, can be provided to paraeducators to meet the requirements of this certificate.
Subject Matter Certificates
A subject matter certificate is for paraeducators who wish to further their skills in English Language Learner (ELL) or special education instruction.
To earn a subject matter certificate, a paraeducator must complete 20 hours of professional development in the subject area of the certificate. The certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite to work in any program. A paraeducator can only attain a subject matter certificate if they have completed their FCS training.A paraeducator may allocate completed subject matter certificate hours towards the attainment of the General Paraeducator Certificate.
The subject matter certificates have specific standards, learning objectives, and course outlines that must be met to receive the certificate.
ELL certificate
Special education certificate
- Course outline and learning objectives (document)
- Special education standards of practice (document).
Online courses
Two online courses are available to help paraeducators meet the requirements of these subject matter certificates.
Each online course meets the 20 hours of training required to earn the certificate.
Advanced Paraeducator Certificate
A paraeducator may attain the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate once they have completed the General Paraeducator Certificate and an additional 75 clock hours of professional development.
This certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite for a paraeducator working in any program.
What are the duties of an advanced paraeducator?
- assisting in highly-impacted classrooms
- supporting specialized instruction
- mentoring other paraeducators
- acting as a short-term emergency substitute teacher*
* A school district must consult with the paraeducator and apply for the emergency substitute certificate as required in chapter 181-79A WAC.
The Advanced Paraeducator Certificate must include training competencies that align with the standards of practice of an advanced paraeducator.
- View the knowledge and skill competency standards.
A paraeducator may attain the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate once they have completed the General Paraeducator Certificate and an additional 75 clock hours of professional development.
This certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite for a paraeducator working in any program.
What are the duties of an advanced paraeducator?
- assisting in highly-impacted classrooms
- supporting specialized instruction
- mentoring other paraeducators
- acting as a short-term emergency substitute teacher*
* A school district must consult with the paraeducator and apply for the emergency substitute certificate as required in chapter 181-79A WAC.
The Advanced Paraeducator Certificate must include training competencies that align with the standards of practice of an advanced paraeducator.
- View the knowledge and skill competency standards.
