Early Learning Playgroup Family Resource Instructional Assistant - Delong

Job Title

Para educator

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected

Start Date:

September 3, 2026

FTE: 0.9375

Hours per day: 7.5 hours/day plus a 30-minute lunch break for a total of 8 hours

Salary Level: PA4

Para Pro Test or College Level Credits: $27.54 - $32.14/hour

AA degree: $28.50 - $32.89/hour

BA or higher degree: $28.75 - $33.14/hour

Union/Work Year:
Tacoma Federation of Education Support Professionals Local 461/ 182 workdays

Benefits:
This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools

Additional Information:
This position requires completion and attaining of the state mandated General Para educator Certificate. The Para educator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all para educator/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a para educator or pursue a teaching profession. Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district.

The first two days of FCS training will be required to be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a para educator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

This position serves as the assistant to the Playgroup Associate instructor. The assistant supports the promotion of each child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth, and helps maintain a positive, child-centered learning environment. Responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of child development, parent involvement, and parent education services in alignment with Early Learning Developmental Benchmarks and specially designed instruction. This role also supports the delivery of health, family, and educational services for students.

Essential Job Functions

1.Establishes and maintains a mutually respectful partnership with families; communicates with parents using a variety of formats, including print, voice or e-mail and school visits; supports families in learning to advocate for their children's needs at school and in the community.

2.Supports a variety of activities in a developmentally appropriate scope and sequence to provide positive learning experiences to advance the students' language, literacy, math skills, creativity, physical health, social, emotional development and individual development.

3. Collaborates with Early Learning Playgroup Associate to prepare and implements daily activity plans that enable students to function as individuals and group members among peers and adults; selects individualized and group activities based on information gathered through assessments, observation, interviewing, and screening; establishes learning goals and objectives in collaboration with the parents and Student Services facilitators; tracks and records developmental progress and learning outcomes.

4. Models and monitors behavior in all program activities; redirects and teaches appropriate behavior to students as needed; may supervise students entering or leaving building between classes and boarding buses.

5.Complies with required documentation required by State and federal performance standards in a timely and confidential manner; and follow-up with families to encourage and/or facilitate student attendance in the program.

6.Attends classroom team meetings and staff meetings; participates and takes an active part in annual program assessment. Attends ongoing professional development opportunities provided by Student Services staff that support job duties.

7. Collaborate with Student Services facilitators and administration to assist in the planning and offering of monthly family meetings and activities based on identified interests of families in collaboration with families and the classroom team; encourages family participation in program parent activities.

8.May prepare student snacks by receiving food from kitchen and preparing classroom tables; encourages students to assist; encourages and promotes conversation during sacks; may track data specific to the individual student.

9.Assists with and delivers individual and group instruction in a variety of learning activities; monitors and records each child's progress for the purpose of promoting each child's developmental growth. Provides input into the daily activity plans and assists in the process of observation, assessment, and developing students' individual goals; attends student support team meetings.

10. Provide assistance to students requiring support with toileting and hygiene routines. Support students in navigating the school environment safely and comfortably. Collaborate with educators and specialists to implement individualized care plans.

Other Job Duties

1.Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in…