Paraeducator Preschool Special Education

Position Hours and Pay

6.75 hours per day, 146 days per year. First year: 7 hours day for 4 days. Subsequent years: 2 days each year until certification completed. Pay: PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 – $25.40 per hour.

Important Information

Official hire date is based on School Board approval. The date may change without notice. Contact HR for questions.

Required Training

• Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire; renewal annually before expiration.
• Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and the General Para educator Certificate of the state mandated Para educator Certificate Program.

Eligibility

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following:
• Successfully passed the ETS Para Pro test or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment.
• AA degree or higher.
• Earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited institution.
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program offered by the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries.
• Successful completion of The Master Teacher Inc. Para educator Online Training Program.

Provide official transcripts upon hire; unofficial transcripts may be submitted in the application. Failure to provide required documents may delay hire.

Proof of passing a TB test must be provided before official hire. MMR vaccine is required.

General Summary

This position assists certificated staff in providing instruction, behavior management, and support services to preschool special education students.

Essential Functions

• Provides instruction and assistance to special needs preschool students ages 3–5 in partially self‑contained/partially integrated programs.
• Works with students individually or in small groups to promote understanding of instructional materials.
• Communicates with instructor and program specialists regarding student progress and adjusts methods as needed.
• Supervises student behavior in classroom, playground, bus areas, field trips, washrooms, and other sites as required.
• Maintains student focus, implements discipline, and instructs on behavioral rules and safety codes.
• Supports students with interpersonal and personal skill mastery and self‑help skills.
• Establishes effective communication with students, staff, and parents regarding progress and safety.
• Assists physically handicapped students with lifting, positioning, and personal hygiene.
• Monitors physical safety, monitors for first aid needs, and dispenses authorized medication.
• Prepares snacks and lunches, maintains inventory of food service supplies, and teaches basic food prep skills.
• Assists students with self‑care, hygiene, and personal safety.
• Supports physical movement and exercise under therapist protocols.
• May accompany instructor during home visits and document observations.
• Maintains cleanliness and order of classroom, toys, equipment, and playground supplies.

Other Functions

• Alerts qualified district staff to student problems.
• Prepares, duplicates, collates, and distributes materials; operates office equipment.
• Assists with maintaining logs, charts, and other records for assessment of student progress.
• May serve on district committees and departmental work teams.
• Models appropriate cooperative behavior and protects confidential information.
• Performs related duties consistent with the position’s scope.
• Maintains a log of students’ transportation information.
• Participates in meetings and training sessions.
• May have flexible hours to accommodate family or community activities related to program objectives.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director for Special Services and receives guidance from assigned certificated staff.

Mental Demands

Frequent interruptions; task and priority shifts; handling a wide range of student behaviors and physical and emotional disabilities; occasional interaction with distraught or difficult students.

Physical Demands

Exposure to ordinary infectious diseases; noise levels; lifting students up to 50 pounds; moving students and equipment; outdoor duties in inclement weather; attention to personal hygiene; risk of biting behavior; precautions against bodily fluids; extended periods in non‑routine positions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Training:
  Experience working with…